The Jadiara Royal House, a member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, has refuted a report by Ikokore Reporters which listed Bode Onanuga, Bimbo Onabanjo and Folu Aderibigbe as the three candidates being considered for consultation in the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

The royal house, in a statement dated August 10, 2026, and signed by Otunba Prince Akinola Odedina DBA, FCA, Oloriebi, said the report did not reflect the position of the ruling house.

Otunba Odedina questioned the basis for the reported selection, saying Ikokore Reporters had no traditional, statutory or customary authority to determine candidates for the Awujale stool.

According to the statement, the selection of the next Awujale should be handled by the appropriate traditional and statutory institutions in line with the customs and laws governing the succession.

The Jadiara Royal House also said there was no consensus on the three names mentioned in the report.

It maintained that the ruling house, kingmakers and other relevant institutions were responsible for determining qualified aspirants and ensuring that the process follows the applicable tradition and law.

The royal house said all qualified aspirants should be given fair consideration, adding that all aspirants should be assessed based on tradition and law rather than through media campaigns.

It also rejected what it described as allegations of a conspiracy to weaken the Awujale institution, asking those making such claims to provide evidence.

The royal house further called for balanced reporting of the succession process and said all aspirants should be treated fairly by the media. It cited the mention of Ademorin Kuye in what it described as a dismissive and denigrating manner, urging Ikokore Reporters to maintain a level playing field and avoid biased reporting.

The royal house also appealed to journalists, bloggers and members of the public to rely on official statements and verify information before circulating it, saying unverified reports could create tension and division in Ijebuland.

On the role of the Ogun State Government, the royal house urged the government to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the law and without undue pressure.

It said it remained committed to peace and the dignity of the Awujale institution, adding that its interest was in the emergence of a new Awujale through a lawful process and one who would enjoy the confidence of the people of Ijebuland.