Becoming next Awujale is not do-or-die for me – Lawmaker Kuye

One of the contenders for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Prince Ademorin Kuye, says he is not desperate to emerge as the next Ijebu first-class ruler.

Kuye, representing Somolu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, dismissed allegations that he has been parading himself as the Awujale-elect, describing the claims as malicious.

The lawmaker in his reaction to allegations levelled against him by some princes and princesses of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, insisted that he would not engage in any act capable of breaching extant laws or established succession procedures.

Kuye maintained that as a lawyer of 37 years, he would not be involved in anything that could undermine the chieftaincy and customary laws guiding the emergence of the Awujale.

A statement by one Barr. Kunle Johnson Adebajo, on behalf of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, had accused Kuye of presenting himself as Awujale-elect and allegedly commissioning a female ‘waka’ singer to produce a song celebrating his purported selection.

The group described the alleged action as illegal and capable of causing unrest in Ijebuland.

However, in a telephone interview with Vanguard Newspaper, Kuye distanced himself from the allegations, reiterating that he is not desperate to occupy the revered stool.

“I have never been involved in any of their allegations. I am also a member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. I know nothing about what they are saying,” he said.

He disclosed that his family had already issued a statement dissociating him from the claims and affirming support for the Ogun State Government’s position on the matter.

He said, “The truth is that I am not desperate about becoming the next Awujale. I was never even interested initially. It was my family that obtained the nomination form for me. For over a month, I did not fill it until they completed the process. So how can anyone say I am desperate?”

On the viral song allegedly hailing him as Awujale-elect, Kuye denied commissioning any musician, suggesting that political detractors might be behind it.

Kuye added that his long years in public service;) including stints as a local government chairman, commissioner, Special Adviser to the Presidency and now a two-term member of the House of Representatives — attest to his respect for due process and institutions. (Vanguard)