I’m Not Desperate to Become Awujale – Ademorin Kuye

 

Hon. Ademorin Aliu Kuye, the member representing Somolu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has firmly denied allegations that he has been parading himself as the Awujale-elect of Ijebuland or acting desperately to claim the vacant royal stool.

In a recent statement and phone conversation with journalists, Prince Kuye — a lawyer with 37 years of practice, former two-term Lagos State commissioner, and one of the aspirants for the Awujale title — dismissed the accusations as baseless. He emphasized that he has never presented himself as the next Awujale and is not driven by personal ambition for the position.

“The truth is that I am never desperate about becoming the next Awujale. I was never interested; it was my family that even bought the form for me, and for over a month, I never filled it out until they filled it out. So how could I then be behaving as if I am desperate or must become Awujale at all costs? It is all baseless accusations,” Kuye stated.

The controversy stems from rumors circulating online and in some quarters, including claims that an Ifa oracle had selected him as the next Awujale and that the Ogun State Government had endorsed or supported such an outcome. These reports prompted reactions, including accusations from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House that Kuye had commissioned praise songs and was acting as if already chosen.

However, the Ogun State Government has repeatedly distanced itself from any endorsement, describing the rumors as false and misleading. In a statement signed by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the government clarified that it is not involved in any purported selection and that the entire process for filling the Awujale stool remains suspended due to various complaints and petitions received.

Kuye, who holds the traditional title of Otunba Ajana of Ijebu-Ode (conferred by the late Awujale), reiterated his respect for due process, traditional customs, and the law. As a federal lawmaker, he said he would never engage in actions that violate established procedures or amount to illegality.

The selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland continues to generate public interest, with stakeholders calling for transparency and adherence to tradition amid the ongoing suspension.

This development highlights the sensitivities around royal successions in Nigeria, where lineage, customs, and government oversight often intersect with public speculation.