Selection of Awujale Won’t be Left to Ifa Alone as Kingmakers, Ruling House Will be Involved, Asserts Yusuf
The Baagbimo of Ijebu and Secretary of the Awujale Council of Chiefs, Chief Fassy Yusuf, has asserted that the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland will be determined by the kingmakers and the Funsegbuwa ruling house, rather than solely by the Ifa oracle.
Fassy indicated that a new monarch is anticipated before the year’s conclusion, barring any legal injunctions.
He articulated these views during an exclusive dialogue on Frontline, a current affairs program broadcasted on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, observed by our correspondent in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
Fassy elucidated that while he was uncertain if the Ifa oracle was consulted during the Obaship process in 1959–1960, traditional practices have undergone significant evolution.
“The last Obaship process occurred in 1959–1960, and I am unaware if Ifa was consulted. Given the lack of established parameters or criteria for selecting the Awujale, whether the family will seek the oracle’s guidance or defer to the kingmakers remains at their discretion.
“In the past, divinity consultation was mandatory before anyone could venture out of their abode. However, the current practices do not accommodate such measures. Whether they will clandestinely engage in it, I am not among the kingmakers, hence the question should be directed towards them—are you incorporating Ifa in your deliberations?”
Fassy contended that Ijebuland presently accommodates three predominant religious factions, namely Isese, Christian, and Islamic, and consultations might encompass any or all, contingent on the decisions of the ruling family and kingmakers.
“The role of divinity is not entirely obsolete, yet some practices may retain relevance while others might not. Presently, we have three factions: Isese, Christian, and Islamic. Why emphasize solely Isese? Thus, it remains at the discretion of the kingmakers and the family, and should the family opt for Ifa consultation, it is their prerogative,” he added.
According to Fassy, historical records reveal that preceding Awujales, including the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were not selected through Ifa consultation.
He expounded, “In 1959, the crown was destined for the Anikilaya family and the father of the immediate past Awujale, who was deemed irrelevant due to his lack of formal education. He conceded the opportunity to his son.
“Whether Ifa was consulted in that process remains unknown. Awujale Kayode Sikiru Adetona was not the sole offspring and faced challenges from his siblings, although he triumphed in court.”
It is noteworthy that a minor commotion nearly disrupted the final rites of passage for the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as traditionalists were barred from performing customary burial rituals at the monarch’s private residence.
