He added that no amount of pressure or inducement would make him compromise the integrity of the selection process.
Owoyemi stated this during an exclusive appearance on Frontline, a current affairs programme aired on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, on Thursday in Abeokuta.
Recall that the Awujale succession process was suspended by the Ogun State Government on January 21, 2026, following what officials described as multiple petitions, rising tensions, and security concerns, a decision that has since generated intense debate, conspiracy theories, and political interpretations both within and outside Ijebuland.
Contrary to popular assumption, Owoyemi disclosed that neither the Fusengbuwa reigning house nor he, has received a formal petition pertaining to the selecting procedure.
He stated that although government representatives mentioned that there were a number of petitions, none of them were formally submitted for his consideration, which he described as both curious and deeply frustrating.
He said, “Let me be very clear. People keep talking about petitions. You mentioned petitions. But up till today, I have not seen any petition. Nobody has served me any petition.
“Nobody has served the Fusengbuwa ruling house any petition. I have not been given any document to respond to. So, when people say there are petitions, I ask: where are they?”
Owoyemi, explained that during his meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders, he deliberately refrained from aggressively demanding the alleged petitions in order not to escalate tensions.
“If I had insisted that they must show me petitions, the discussion would have collapsed. My interest was not to argue but to find a way forward. I was more concerned about how to resolve the crisis than how to trade accusations.
“If anybody has committed any criminal offence, let the government investigate. That is their responsibility. They can investigate for one year, two years, even ten years. But that should not stop the traditional process of appointing an Awujale. You cannot suspend culture and history because of allegations.”
He explained that the ₦10 million administrative and logistical fee, was meant to cover, ritual processes, rehabilitation of the sacred Odo seclusion facility, administrative documentation and security arrangements.
However, following complaints and political pressure, the Ogun State Government had directed the ruling house to refund all payments and allow free application.
“We refunded every single kobo within three days. Every payment was returned. Nothing was shared. Nothing was diverted” Owoyemi clarified.
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