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VENO tv: Awujale Throne: I Have Not Taken Any Bribe — Money Is Part of the Selection Process, Says Otunba Lateef Owoyemi By Kayode Adoide
Date: 30-01-26

Former ICAN President and Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, has debunked allegations of bribery surrounding the ongoing Awujale of Ijebuland selection process.
Speaking on the controversy, Owoyemi stated categorically that he has never collected bribes from anyone, stressing that his integrity remains intact despite attempts to tarnish the process.
“At my age, I have never collected a bribe from anybody,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the ?10 million fee reportedly paid by contestants, Owoyemi clarified that the money is part of the traditional selection process, not a bribe.
According to him, the funds are paid into the family’s official account, not to individuals, and are strictly used to cover expenses associated with the selection exercise.
“The money is not paid to individuals. It is paid into the family account and used for the process,” he explained.
Owoyemi referenced Yoruba traditional principles to buttress his position, citing the adage of the ruling house:
“Omo akobi sese; agba o jibi, omode o joye.”
(No one can impose a king; elders do not enthrone, children do not reign.)
He added that no family elder can help any aspirant, encouraging all eligible contestants to participate freely without fear or favoritism.
On allegations of inducement through gifts and drinks, Owoyemi dismissed them, noting that he maintains a disciplined personal stance.
“When family members come with lorry-loads of drinks, I only take one crate and return the rest for them to share among their families.”
He further revealed that he had a one-on-one meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun, during which the governor assured him that neither he nor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a preferred candidate for the Awujale throne.
“The governor told me clearly that whoever the ruling house presents will be confirmed,” he said.
Owoyemi lamented that the selection process, which he described as smooth and transparent, was abruptly halted. He appealed to the governor to order the reopening of the process to allow it to be concluded properly.
He warned that any individual found culpable of wrongdoing should be prosecuted, distancing the ruling house from alleged fake demonstrations aimed at disrupting the process.
On the role of the Osugbo (Ogboni) society, Owoyemi noted that while the group traditionally had influence, they were sidelined during the reign of the late Awujale. He suggested that the incoming Awujale may choose to reintegrate them into palace affairs.

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