Setting the Record Straight: The Awujale Ademolu Fesogbade Royal Family Responds to Misleading Claims

 

The Awujale Ademolu Fesogbade Royal Family of Ijebu Ode has issued a strong rebuttal in response to a recent publication by an unknown Adeyemi Ruling House that appeared in Punch Newspaper on August 17, 2025. The article, titled “Exclusion of Family from Ruling Lineage of the Awujale,” has been criticized for its false and misleading assertions regarding the royal lineage of Ijebuland.

In an official statement, the family emphasized the need to clarify the historical inaccuracies presented in the publication regarding their esteemed lineage. Central to the family’s response is the misguided claim that HRM Oba Ademolu Fesogbade, who reigned as the Awujale from 1917 to 1925, was purportedly a sibling of an individual named Adeyemi. The royal family categorically refutes this assertion, stating that such a sibling relationship never existed.

“The historical record is clear,” said Prince Rasaki Oladunjoye, the Head of the Awujale Ademolu Fesogbade Royal Family. “Our ancestor, Oba Ademolu Fesogbade, is a significant figure in our history and had no sibling by the name of Adeyemi. We stand firmly by the truth of our lineage and urge the public to regard claims to the contrary with skepticism.”

The family further clarified the lineage of Oba Anikinaiya Fugbajoye, the father of Oba Ademolu Fesogbade. His sons included notable figures such as Adeleke Oluboyejo (Ogbagba I), Mabadeje, Adekoya Ofirigidi, Ademolu Fesogbade himself, and Ade-ewu Adeire. This lineage is crucial to understanding the true historical context of Ijebu royalty and dispelling recent falsehoods.

In addition, the family took issue with another claim made in the publication regarding the late Awujale HRM Oba (Dr.) Olukayode Adetona GCON Ogbagba II. The article incorrectly suggested that Oba Adetona hailed from an Adeyemi family. Prince Oladunjoye emphasized that Awujale Adetona belonged to the respected Adeleke Oluboyejo Ogbagba lineage of the Anikinaiya Ruling House, further affirming the authentic historical ties of the royal family.

The Awujale Ademolu Fesogbade Royal Family calls upon the public and the media to disregard the recent publication as nothing more than a misguided attempt to manipulate the respected legacy of their ancestors. They view the claims made in the article as speculative, malevolent, and devoid of factual merit.

“This is not merely a matter of family pride; it is about preserving the truth of our history,” Prince Oladunjoye stated. “We urge those who read the publication to approach it critically and remember that the history of Ijebu land is rich and complex, deserving of respect and accuracy.” 

The family concludes with a solemn reminder to the authors of the publication to refrain from misusing the name of their revered ancestor, Oba Ademolu Fesogbade, in efforts that seek to undermine the integrity of their lineage.

As this situation unfolds, the Awujale Ademolu Fesogbade Royal Family remains committed to safeguarding the authenticity of their heritage and encouraging a deeper understanding of the historical narratives that shape Ijebuland.

For more information, please contact:

Prince Rasaki Oladunjoye 

Head (Olori Ebi) 

Awujale Ademolu Fesogbade Anikinaiya Royal Family 

Ijebu Ode.