The Baagbimo of Ijebu and Secretary of the Awujale Council of Chiefs, Chief Fassy Yusuf, has said the next Awujale of Ijebuland will be chosen by the kingmakers and the Funsegbuwa ruling house, not solely by the Ifa oracle.

According to Fassy, a new monarch is expected before the end of the year if no court injunction intervenes.

He stated this while speaking in an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, and monitored by our correspondent in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Fassy explained that although he had no idea if Ifa was consulted during the last Obaship process in 1959–1960, traditional practices have evolved over time.

“The last time we had an Obaship process was in 1959–1960, and I don’t know if Ifa was consulted. Since we have not established parameters or criteria for picking the Awujale, whether the family will consult Ifa or leave it to the kingmakers is up to them.

“Before, divinity consultancy was carried out before anyone could leave their house. But now, how many people do that? What we have now does not make any provision for it. Whether they will go behind and do it, I’m not part of the kingmakers, so the question should be directed to them — are you consulting Ifa in your process?”

Fassy argued that Ijebuland is now home to three major religious groups, namely Isese, Christian, and Islamic, and consultation could involve any or all, depending on the ruling family’s and kingmakers’ decisions.

“The role of divinity is not entirely abolished, but some practices will be relevant while others may not. Now, we have three groups, the Isese, Christian and the Islamic. Why are you not emphasising the other groups but Isese alone? So, it all depends on the kingmakers and the family, and if the family believes Ifa should be consulted, it is theirs to decide,” he added.

According to Fassy, historical precedent shows that past Awujales, including the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, were not chosen through Ifa consultation.

He explained, “The crown in 1959 was to go to the Anikilaya family and the father of the immediate past Awujale, but he had little or no formal education and was not considered relevant to the community at the time. He yielded it to his son.

“Whether Ifa was consulted in that process, I don’t know. Awujale Kayode Sikiru Adetona was not the only son and was even challenged by his siblings, though he won the case in court.”

Recall that a mild drama almost marred the final rites of passage for the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as traditionalists were prevented from conducting customary burial rituals at the monarch’s private residence.