Culture

Awujale Succession Dispute: Fusengbuwa Ruling House sets Record Straight

Published

12 months ago

September 9, 2025

Awujale succession dispute clarified as Fusengbuwa Ruling House declares only direct descendants of late Oba Folagbade eligible for the throne

Awujale succession dispute has taken centre stage in Ijebuland, with the Fusengbuwa Ruling House—direct descendants of the late Awujale, Oba Theophilus Adenuga Tunwase (fondly called Folagbade)—declaring that only his immediate children and descendants are eligible to contest for the vacant stool.

Also read: Ijebu Mourns as Awujale’s Burial Islamic Rites Proceed Today

Speaking on behalf of the family, Prince Bamidele Adenuga, head of the Fusengbuwa lineage and son of Oba Folagbade, dismissed claims by distant relatives as misleading.

“In Ijebu tradition, succession rights are clear: the ruling house entitled to present candidates always means the direct family of the last king from that lineage.

For us, that duty lies with Oba Folagbade’s children and descendants. That is how it has always been, and it is firmly backed by the Chiefs Law of 1959,” he said.

Prince Adekunle Adenuga, Secretary of the Ruling House, reinforced that kingship in Ijebuland is rooted in primogeniture. “The throne is reserved for the male progeny of the last monarch – sons and grandsons.

In special cases, male grandchildren through daughters may also qualify. What it is not, is a free-for-all,” he stated.

Princess Mosunmola Odukomaiya, eldest child of Oba Folagbade, urged unity among Ijebu people. “Having the same oriki does not make one eligible for the Awujale stool.

This throne is sacred, it represents the pride and identity of Ijebuland. We must not allow impostors to desecrate it,” she said.

The family thanked Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for ensuring transparency in the process, as well as the Awujale Chiefs-in-Council and Kingmakers for safeguarding Ijebu customs.

They confirmed that a list of eligible princes has already been compiled and will be forwarded to the Odis when the selection formally begins.

Also read: Ijebu Ode Oro Curfew Begins Amid Mourning for Late Awujale

Reaffirming the family’s stance, Prince Bamidele concluded: “The Awujale throne is bigger than an individual; it is the heartbeat of Ijebu identity. We owe it to our people and to history to defend its sanctity and resist all attempts to distort our heritage.”

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”