Why We Collected ₦10m From Awujale Aspirants” — Fusengbuwa Ruling House

According to Ireporter Online, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has clarified that the decision to charge an application fee of ₦10 million from individuals interested in becoming the next Awujale of Ijebuland was consistent with long-standing Yoruba traditional practices.

Speaking on Friday during Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, the Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, said the amount was collectively agreed upon after extensive consultations and general family meetings. He explained that the fee was intended to cover logistical and administrative expenses associated with the king-making process.

Owoyemi disclosed that the initial proposal placed the application fee at ₦100 million before it was eventually reduced to ₦10 million following deliberations among family members. He noted that a total of twelve aspirants initially indicated interest in the Awujale stool and paid the agreed sum.

He explained that various amounts were suggested during the meetings, with figures ranging between ₦50 million, ₦25 million and ₦20 million, before a final consensus was reached at ₦10 million. According to him, the decision was unanimously approved by the family, and all applicants complied with the requirement at the time.

However, Owoyemi stated that all monies collected were fully refunded after the Ogun State Government advised that the selection process should be opened and made free to all eligible members of the ruling house. He said the refunds were completed within three days and formally communicated to relevant government officials as proof of compliance.

He explained that the ruling house was invited to a meeting with senior state officials, where concerns were raised that the fee might limit equal participation. Following the directive, the family announced that application forms would thereafter be issued at no cost to interested members.

The Olori Ebi dismissed claims that the Awujale stool had been compromised, stressing that the funds were never intended for personal enrichment. He maintained that expenses incurred during the nomination and selection process necessitate funding, noting that no traditional king-making exercise is conducted without financial commitments.

Owoyemi further clarified that where nomination fees are applied, they are paid into the family’s account for collective administrative use. He added that reforms in the selection process have reduced the influence of financial inducements, as the choice of a monarch now involves broader participation by family members rather than decisions solely taken by elders.

Meanwhile, it was recalled that the Ogun State Government has suspended the Awujale selection process, citing security reports and petitions related to concerns over procedure and order.