Veteran journalist and Arise TV anchor Reuben Abati has publicly challenged corruption allegations introduced into the Awujale of Ijebuland succession debate, warning that such claims often surface when contenders feel threatened.
Speaking during a live Arise TV broadcast on Tuesday, January 27, Abati cautioned viewers against taking explosive allegations at face value, particularly when they come from parties with a direct stake in the outcome of a sensitive traditional process.
The warning followed comments by a contender from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, who alleged, without any proof on air, that rivals were attempting to “buy” the Awujale stool by offering kingmakers cash and luxury gifts. The contender claimed the alleged inducements were serious enough to prompt him to raise concerns with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun at the early stage of the succession process.
Abati, however, was unmoved.
In a firm and pointed response, the seasoned broadcaster stressed that allegations of corruption in a high-stakes succession contest must be backed by evidence, not suspicion or innuendo. He noted that such claims are a familiar tactic in competitive selection processes, where contenders sometimes attempt to discredit rivals in order to appear as the only morally upright option.
According to Abati, unproven accusations do more than target individuals; they risk dragging respected institutions and elders into unnecessary controversy. He warned that casually alleging inducement among kingmakers amounts to questioning the integrity of senior figures within the ruling house itself.
In particular, Abati observed that the claims implicitly cast doubt on Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, leader of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, and other elders entrusted with guiding the process.
“If there is wrongdoing, it must be proven,” Abati argued, adding that vague claims aired on television should not be allowed to stain a process that has historically been anchored on discipline and internal regulation.
He called on the elders of Ijebuland to assert their authority and safeguard the integrity of the selection process, recalling how respected leaders such as Chief Okunnowo and Chief Balogun played stabilising roles during the enthronement of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Abati’s intervention comes amid growing concern over attempts to politicise the succession process.
Only days earlier, Chief (Prof.) Adetokunbo Fassy Yusuf, Secretary of the Ijebu Council of Chiefs and Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, issued a public warning against interference and misinformation. He emphasised that the 2022 Obas and Chiefs Law recognises all eligible princes as equals and expressly forbids any attempt to create artificial divisions or discredit rivals through fraudulent claims.
Together, the remarks from Abati and senior Ijebu leaders underscore a growing pushback against attempts to inject unverified corruption narratives into a process many believe should remain guided by tradition, evidence, and restraint, not televised accusation.
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