Awujale: Former ICAN President Appointed Head of Ruling House
Awujale: Former ICAN President Appointed Head of Ruling House
Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), was on Sunday appointed as the new head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The Fusengbuwa ruling house is next in line to produce the Awujale of Ijebuland following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13 at the age of 91, after a 65-year reign.
Owoyemi’s appointment came after the resignation of the previous family head, Dr. Kunle Hassan, founder of the Eye Foundation Hospital.
The leadership transition was formalized during a special Fusengbuwa Ruling House Unification and Integration Meeting held at Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Court, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode.
Hassan, who also chairs the Governing Board of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, said his resignation was informed by “current developments and the dynamics that have changed” with the death of the revered monarch.
The renowned ophthalmologist thanked those who had supported his tenure since he assumed leadership of the ruling house after the death of the late billionaire banker and Olori Omo-Oba of Ijebuland, Otunba Subomi Balogun.
He appealed to family members to unite behind Owoyemi.
“This is the appointed time for Otunba Owoyemi. He has been in it for over 40 years, but when it is the right time, the good Lord blesses it, and that is what we witnessed today. I call on everyone to support him to make the Fusengbuwa ruling house, and Ijebuland as a whole, greater,” Hassan He stated, “Positions are granted by God. In the short time I served, I have accomplished my mission and now fully support the new Olori Ebi. No one is greater than their community. We must put aside hypocrisy because nobody is perfect. Unity is essential if we want to be respected during the contest for the Awujale stool.”
In his acceptance speech, Owoyemi pledged to lead the ruling house with fairness and the fear of God.
“I have been a senior member of the Fusengbuwa ruling house for over 44 years, including about 10 years in leadership positions. I understand the challenges we face, but with God and the support of the people, they are surmountable,” he said.
He assured that all members would have a voice in decision-making.
“Every member of the ruling house is royalty. Regardless of gender or wealth, everyone will be heard. I will lead rightly and guide with Solomon’s wisdom. I pray Almighty God grants me the right direction,” he added.
“By God’s grace, we will act with fairness and transparency, giving every qualified candidate an opportunity during the selection of the new Awujale. I also pledge that we will produce an Awujale who will make a remarkable mark in the history of Yorubaland,” he declared.
Owoyemi further committed to fostering unity within the ruling house. “After all, we all share the same ancestry. Our unity is crucial, and we will ensure everyone is included for the benefit of our family,” he said. said.
