A contender for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Prince Ademorin Kuye, has declared that he is not desperate to emerge as the next Awujale.
Kuye, who represents Somolu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, dismissed allegations that he has been presenting himself as the Awujale-elect, describing the claims as baseless and malicious.
Some princes and princesses of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode had accused Kuye of parading himself as the Awujale-elect and allegedly commissioning a female waka singer to produce a song celebrating his purported selection.
In a statement signed by Barr. Kunle Johnson Adebajo, on behalf of the ruling house, described the alleged action as illegal and capable of causing unrest in Ijebuland.
“We want to state without equivocation that the action of the said Hon. Kuye is illegal and capable of causing chaos and unrest in Ijebuland,” the statement read in part.
The group also called on the Ogun State Government to intervene and compel Kuye and his supporters to desist from what they termed unlawful and provocative actions.
Reacting in a telephone interview with Vanguard on Sunday, Kuye distanced himself from the allegations, insisting he had never breached any chieftaincy or customary law.
“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.
The lawmaker, who said he has practised law for 37 years, maintained that he would not engage in any act capable of undermining established succession procedures.
“I am an institutional person. I know what is right, and I will not do anything contrary to the law,” he stated.
Kuye further 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.
“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?” he queried.
On the viral song allegedly hailing him as Awujale-elect, Kuye denied commissioning any musician.
“I did not commission any song. I neither saw nor heard it until people began drawing my attention to it. If anyone claims otherwise, let such a person come forward with evidence,” he said.
The federal lawmaker added that his long years in public service, including roles as a local government chairman, commissioner, Special Adviser to the Presidency and now a two-term member of the House of Representatives, demonstrate his respect for due process and institutions.