As anticipation builds across Ijebuland over the emergence of a new Awujale, the Fusengbuwa Royal Ruling House has warned against attempts to influence the process through money, politics or intimidation.
The royal family says the revered throne must not be reduced to a contest of power or financial strength.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the ruling house, Prince Tunde Ogidan, stressed that the selection of the next Awujale must strictly follow age-long customs and traditions handed down through generations.
He cautioned that any deviation from the traditional process would undermine the sanctity of the stool.
Prince Ogidan said political interference, financial inducement or undue pressure aimed at manipulating the succession would amount to a direct violation of Ijebu tradition and could erode public trust in the traditional institution.
He described the Awujale stool as a sacred institution that commands respect beyond Ijebuland, noting that its integrity must be protected at all times. The ruling house, he said, remains committed to upholding the cultural values that guide the selection process.
The Fusengbuwa Royal Ruling House urged all stakeholders, including political actors and interest groups, to respect tradition and allow due process to determine the emergence of the next Awujale in the interest of peace and unity in Ijebuland.