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THE OLISA OF IJEBU-ODE IS NOT UNDER SUSPENSION: APPOINTMENT OF THE AWUJALE WITHOUT THE OLISA IS CALCULATED TO RIDICULE IJEBULAND
Prince Olusegun Babatunde Fowokan, FCNA, ACMA sets the record straight
My attention and those of the good people of Ijebu Ode has been drawn to the interview of one Dr. Fassy Yusuf where he claimed “THE OLISA OF IJEBU-ODE IS ON SUSPENSION AND ONLY A NEW AWUJALE CAN REINSTATE HIM”
Dr. Fassy Yusuf’s admission to have recently released a document purportedly suspending the Olisa of Ijebu Ode, Olisa Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, Ademoku II, FCA and his claim of being a Deputy Family Head of Fusengbuwa, the next Ruling House to produce the Awujale, exposes him and his accomplices’ sole intent to capture the traditional architecture of Ijebuland by foisting an illegitimate Awujale on the Ijebus. It is glaring that Fassy Yusuf and his accomplices had long identified the Olisa of Ijebu Ode as a likely stumbling block to their agenda and as such repeatedly instigate campaign of calumny against the Olisa.
Ordinarily, Fassy Yusuf and his associates schemes to sustain their dependency on the office of the Awujale of Ijebuland which is an open secret, does not require a response. However, his choice of misinforming the public through interviews compels my humble self a son of the immediate past Olisa of Ijebu Ode, to address Dr. Fassy Yusuf’s false narratives. This is aimed at preventing misinformation of the public and for the sake of posterity. It is hereby clarified as follows;
1. If not for the popular Yoruba adage that says “at the demise of the Elephant, various kinds of knives will arrive”, Fassy Yusuf have no say whatsoever in the succession of the Awujale much more his pretense of belonging to a Ruling House of the Awujale.
2. The Olisa of Ijebu Ode is not only a traditional ruler but a part II Chief like the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo and the Dagburewe of Idowa. He is not only the next in command to the Awujale but heads Ijebuland’s Aristocrats “Ilamuren”. The Olisa is the head of Kingmakers for the Awujale Chieftaincy stool as well as the Chairman of the Ijebu Ode Town Council. See: Para. 110 Page 37 of the Intelligence Report on Ijebu Ode Town & Villages by Mr. T.B Bovell-Jones (District Officer) dated 7th May, 1943.
3. While myself and the good people of Ijebu Ode are in no doubt that Fassy Yusuf and his types are the ones misleading the Ogun State Government and dictating its recent assault on the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy Declaration in flagrant disregard for the ancient custom and tradition of Ijebuland, it is height of mischief for Fassy Yusuf, a supposed Lawyer, to boldly misrepresent Olisa’s salary to his suspension. The public is hereby informed that the Olisa of Ijebu Ode was at no time suspended.
4. Contrary, to the self-serving claims of Fassy Yusuf, the traditional Rulership of the Olisa of Ijebu Ode is backed by law, history and tradition. The Olisa is addressed by the Ijebu Traditional Council in its official correspondences spanning over twenty years as a traditional ruler “Kabiyesi or Alaiyeluwa”. It should be noted that except the Awujale and the Olisa of Ijebu Ode, no member of the Ijebu Traditional Council signs any legal document in respect of Ijebuland, as their stools never existed until its recent creation by the Awujale of Ijebuland. See: Treaty of cessation Ikosi and Area dated 6th July, 1892 and others in respect of some other parts of Ijebuland signed by the Awujale of Ijebuland, the Olisa of Ijebu Ode and the authorities of Ijebu Ode.
5. Fassy Yusuf’s claim as being a “Deputy Family Head” of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ijebu Ode is not only sacrilegious but a joke taken much too far and smacks of ignorance as no such office exist anywhere in Ijebuland much more for a Ruling House of the Awujale.
6. While it is left for the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ile Nla Agunsenbi Quarters, Ijebu Ode to either put impostors in their proper place or continue to condone Fassy Yusuf and his accomplices growing assault on their heritage. The general public is hereby informed that Fassy Yusuf, has no connection whatsoever to any of the four Ruling Houses of the Awujale and neither himself or his ancestors have any ancestral building at the Fusengbuwa Compound, Agunsenbi Quarters, Ijebu Ode. His pretence is compounded by his ignorance of the fact that traditionally, Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi from Idowa whom he claims to deputize also has no right to the Family Headship (Olori Ebi) of any family in Ijebu Ode much more Fusengbuwa Ruling House. Fassy Yusuf is hereby educated by referring them to para. 110 Page 37 of the Intelligence Report on Ijebu Ode Town & Villages by Mr. T.B Bovell-Jones (District Officer) dated 7th May, 1943, which declared “Persons from outside could not be regarded as Heads of families in Ijebu Ode”.
7. Contrary to Fassy Yusuf’s false claim that the Olisa of Ijebu Ode is an ordinary chief, a claim which might have been informed by a popular saying in Ijebu Ode that “Oba mi dade Olisa mi de Aboro” interpreted as the King (Awujale) adorns a Crown while the Olisa adorns a Coronet. Had Fassy Yusuf had simple understanding of the foregoing, he should have chosen another route in his desperate attempt at denigrating the ancient stool of the Olisa. It is pertinent to note that only the Awujale was originally addressed as an Oba throughout the Ijebu country which gave rise to the above Ade and Aboro saying. According to the renowned historian and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor E.A Ayandele, at page 3 of his book ” The Ijebu of Yorubaland 1850 – 1950″, the Awujale wore a crown, an honor he shared only with a “brother” King Lenuwa of Ode Omi, the latter in charge of the waterside.
8. Before and after the Awujale’s creation of junior Obas in the outlying districts, the Olisa of Ijebu Ode had maintained his Royal status without any challenge to his rights and privileges in deferrence to the Awujale, his only superior in Ijebuland. While a few youths may be misled by the outlying districts usual copying of the Ijebu Ode model of administration which had giving rise to Olisas in the various Ijebu communities. To this day only the OLISA of Ijebu-Ode adorns Crown, own a palace and Royal attendants called Odis. It need be noted that originally only the Awujale and the Olisa of Ijebu Ode shared the privilege of owning Odis in the entire Ijebuland.
9. Failing to expose Fassy Yusuf’s pretentious claims to the Awujale Royal House, is to subscribe to his arrogant posture that everyone like himself are ignorant of Ijebuland’s history. For the records; only the direct and biological descendants of the Awujale of Ijebuland, HRM Oba Fusengbuwa Adejoko have legal claims to the Awujale throne under the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ile Nla Agunsenbi Quarters, Ijebu Ode. Fassy Yusuf and his associates are hereby challenged to present to the general public ANY OUTLYING DISTRICT OBAS OR BAALES, RELATION OR NON DIRECT OFFSPRING OF THE AWUJALE who have contributed, participated in the transition, aspired or contested for the stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland during the era of the LAST TEN AWUJALES OF IJEBULAND.
10. The interview under review exposes Dr. Fassy Yusuf and his accomplices attacks on the Olisa of Ijebu Ode, as a deliberate attempt to blackmail and prevent the Olisa from his official duties at this period of the transition of the Awujale mindful that non-Ijebu Ode people and non-direct descendants of the Awujale Fusengbuwa (1790 – 1819) who Fassy Yusuf and his men had recently being parading as parallel Fusengbuwa Ruling House, may not endorsed by the Olisa of Ijebu Ode who by virtue of his age, years of reign, educational and professional background would know better.
11. Fassy Yusuf is hereby educated that the traditional status of the Olisa of Ijebu Ode and the actual lineages of the four Ruling Houses of the Awujale had being identified as long as over one hundred (100) years ago and kept at the archives. Hence, himself and associates’ very recent attempt to re-write the history of Ijebuland is merely an academic exercise bound to fail the test of time.
12. It is unfortunate that ongoing self-serving affront of the likes of Fassy Yusuf on the status of the Olisa of Ijebu Ode have since the demise of Awujale Sikiru Olukayode Adetona GCON, being exploited by mischievous foreign elements who though are not unaware of the Awujale’s ancient radical title to Ijebuland but driven by sudden overambition mute the derogatory an diminishing idea of an “Awujale of Ijebu Ode and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland” against his ancient legitimate Royal status, THE AWUJALE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF IJEBULAND.
13. It is imperative to state that Fassy Yusuf’s suggestion that the Olisa of Ijebu Ode being the Head of the Ijebuland’s Aristocrats “Ilamuren” makes him a chief emerged from his shallow knowledge of the history and tradition of Ijebuland. For the records, The following Obas in Ijebuland are Ilamuren members and Kingmakers for the appointment of the Oba Oloko of Ijebu Imushin;
i. Obelu of Ensure.
ii. Magunsen of Ita-Marun
iii. Lapoekun(Elesugbon) of Esugbon
See: Chieftaincy Declaration of the Oloko Chieftaincy, 1957.
14. While every right thinking Ijebus keep watching as events unfold with the Ogun State Government’s macabre dance to the whims and caprice of extraneous interests over the Olisa of Ijebu Ode’s legal and customary rights and attempts to infiltrate the Awujale Royal House. Impostors like Fassy Yusuf should rather concentrate their efforts at exonerating themselves from the various illegalities which they abused the late Awujale’s name and office to perpetrate towards the tale end of his reign and be ready to give account of how the collective patrimony of the Ijebu people were connered by a few non-royals bloods whose desperation to hold on to the stool of the Awujale, now lobbies political office holders to ridicule and destroy the ancient custom and tradition of Ijebuland.
Long live the Awujale of Ijebuland
Long live the Olisa of Ijebu Ode
Long live Ijebuland
Long live Ogun State.
Prince Olusegun Babatunde Fowokan FCNA, ACMA, is the son of the former Olisa of ljebu Ode, descendant of Awujale Fidipote,
His Royal Highness
Olisa Henry Taiwo Adesubomi Fowokan, Matuluko II
1981 – 1991.
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Alleged $1.5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Preliminary Objections, Bail Application of Intermediate Investment Holdings Boss, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel in Lagos
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, dismissed the preliminary objections and bail application filed by the boss of Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, over an alleged $1.5 million fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, arraigned Immanuel, alongside his company, Intermediate Investment Holdings Ltd., on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and forgery to the tune of $1.5m.
Count one reads: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL and INTERMEDIATE INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED between April 2022 and October 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, induced Adebisi Adebut of R28 Holdings Limited to deposit the total sum of S1, 500, 000.00 (One Million, five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars USD) as investment described as to wit: “Cash and or Capital Cost in Chappal Petroleum Development Company Limited; Business Development Cost in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited: Capital and or Capital Call in Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited” on the understanding that R28 Holdings Limited will be; (a) reimbursed the investment amount (b) paid a Development Capital fee of $2 250,000.00. (Two Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars) (c) 22.4% worth of shares in Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited which representation you knew to be false.”
Count two reads: “UFOMA JOSEPH IMMANUEL, sometime between April 2022 and April 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, forged a document to wit: TERM SHEET and purporting same to have been executed by Sherrif Oluwo and Olaniran Osotuyi in order to facilitate your obtaining money by inducement from Adebisi Adebutu of R28 Holdings Limited.”
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charge preferred against him.
Following the defendant’s “not guilty” plea, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and also prayed the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, pending the conclusion of its investigation.
Sonoiki also narrated how the defence counsel, Oluseun Awonuga, SAN, had physically assaulted his colleague, Emenike Mgbemele, at the sitting on March 2, 2026.
According to him, “My lord, the learned silk, physically assaulted my colleague on the staircase on his way to serve the defendant the charge as directed by the court.
“There is a video to that effect and we intend to tender it before the court.”
Though Awonuga did not respond to the allegation made against him by the prosecution counsel, he informed the court of a preliminary objection and a written address dated January 5, 2026, while urging the court to discountenance the counter-affidavit of the prosecution.
The prosecution, in a 21-paragraph counter-affidavit dated February 9, 2026, had urged the court to dismiss the notice of preliminary objections.
According to Awonuga, the Federal High Court, in a ruling, had ordered the EFCC not to arrest the defendant.
“EFCC has flouted the order by arresting the defendant and I hereby urge your lordship to discountenance their counter- affidavit,” he said.
Responding, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki, said that the ruling was part of the motion that had earlier been withdrawn by the defence and should not be before the court.
“ There is nowhere in the ruling that says the defendants cannot be arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“My lord, the ruling was delivered in a civil case; and according to the Supreme Court, a criminal case and civil case can go on at the same time.
“We urge the court to dismiss the application and order accelerated hearing in this case,” Sonoiki had said.
After listening to both parties, Justice Dada had, consequently, adjourned the case till May 7, 2026 ( today) for ruling.
Ruling on the application , Justice Dada held that: “The preliminary objection is baseless and the entire application is lacking in merit; and it is hereby dismissed.”
Also, Justice Dada, in her ruling on the bail application of the defendant, held that “On the basis of considering the antecedent of the defendant for not honouring the invitation of the applicant after he was granted administrative bail, I agree with the complainant that he is a flight risk; therefore, bail is refused.”
Justice Dada adjourned the case till June 24, 26, 29 and 30, 2026 for the commencement of trial.
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
ABEOKUTA — A frontline aspirant for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emmanuel Adebola Sofela, popularly known as Shoffi, has dismissed widespread speculations that he has withdrawn from the race in favour of another aspirant .
Sofela described the reports making rounds in some political circles as “false, misleading and the handiwork of political detractors,” insisting that he remains fully committed to his ambition of representing Ogun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, the APC stalwart urged his supporters, political associates and loyalists across the six local government areas that make up Ogun Central to disregard the rumours and remain resolute in their support for his aspiration.
According to him, there has never been any agreement or arrangement for him to step down for any aspirant to emerge as a consensus candidate of the party.
“I want to categorically state that I have not stepped down for anyone in the Ogun Central Senatorial race. The rumours flying around are entirely false and should be ignored by all my supporters and members of the public,” he said.
Sofela expressed confidence in his chances of securing the APC ticket, stressing that his popularity, political experience and grassroots connection across the district place him in a strong position ahead of the party primaries.
The senatorial hopeful reiterated his determination to provide quality representation for the people of Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo and Ewekoro local government areas if elected into the Senate in 2027.
He noted that his aspiration is driven by a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ogun Central through effective legislation, empowerment programmes and people-oriented policies.
“My ambition is rooted in service to the people. I remain committed to the vision of giving Ogun Central a strong voice in the Senate and facilitating developmental initiatives that will positively impact our people,” Sofela added.
The APC chieftain further appealed to party members to remain united and avoid distractions capable of causing division within the party structure ahead of future political activities.
Political observers in the state believe the race for Ogun Central Senatorial seat is gradually gathering momentum as aspirants continue consultations and grassroots mobilization across the district ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Ogun State, conversations across the six local government areas that make up the Ogun Central Senatorial District are increasingly revolving around one name — Emmanuel Adebola Sofela.
From Abeokuta South to Abeokuta North, Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo and Ewekoro, party leaders, stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers within the All Progressives Congress have continued to speak glowingly about the philanthropist and political figure whose growing popularity is being linked to years of humanitarian service, youth empowerment and unwavering accessibility to ordinary citizens.
During a recent round of consultations and visits to leaders of the APC across the district, testimonies about Sofela’s contributions to humanity dominated discussions, as party faithful described him as “a bridge builder,” “a dependable grassroots politician,” and “the transformation agent Ogun Central desperately needs.”
According to several party elders and community leaders, Sofela’s antecedents in empowering youths and supporting less privileged individuals have set him apart from others jostling for the senatorial ticket under the APC platform.
Many of the leaders recalled numerous instances where students from financially disadvantaged homes benefited from educational grants and scholarship support facilitated by Sofela, while unemployed youths across communities were assisted with vocational opportunities and startup support to improve their livelihoods.
A party leader in Abeokuta North, who spoke during the consultation meeting, noted that Sofela’s style of politics differs significantly from what many residents have become accustomed to over the years.
“Politics should be about service, accessibility and genuine concern for the people. Emmanuel Adebola Sofela has consistently demonstrated these qualities long before seeking public office. He is always reachable and willing to help,” the leader stated.
Similar sentiments echoed across Odeda and Obafemi-Owode, where stakeholders praised his commitment to grassroots development and his consistent engagement with party members at all levels.
In Ifo and Ewekoro, community representatives described him as a leader with intellectual depth, administrative capacity and a clear understanding of the developmental needs of Ogun Central.
One of the speakers at the gathering remarked that Sofela possesses “an intellectual confidence beyond comprehension,” adding that his ability to engage on issues of governance, empowerment and policy distinguishes him from many contemporary politicians.
Observers within the APC believe that Sofela’s growing acceptance among party leaders and ordinary residents is largely connected to his long-standing relationship with the grassroots and his reputation for extending financial support to widows, artisans, market women and struggling families within and outside Ogun State.
Political analysts also argue that his emergence could reshape representation within Ogun Central, especially at a time when many constituents are demanding more responsive and people-oriented leadership.
For many party loyalists, the recurring theme during the consultations was clear: the desire for a representative who understands the pains of the people and possesses both the compassion and competence to drive meaningful change.
As internal consultations continue within the APC ahead of future political contests, supporters of Emmanuel Adebola Sofela insist that his track record of empowerment, accessibility and community engagement positions him as a strong contender capable of redefining representation in Ogun Central Senatorial District.
He is working hard to ensure the growing endorsements from party leaders across the district eventually translate into political victory in emerging as the APC candidate for ogun central senatorial district .one things that is increasingly evident — Emmanuel Adebola Sofela has become a prominent voice in the evolving political conversation shaping the future of Ogun Central.
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