Ijebu Chief Files N10bn Defamation Suit Against 11 Ruling House Members Over Awujale Selection Dispute

A prominent Ijebu-Ode chief and legal scholar, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, has instituted a N10bn defamation lawsuit against 11 members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House over allegations linked to the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

The suit, filed before the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode, challenges claims contained in a report produced by a fact-finding committee that investigated issues surrounding the leadership and activities of the ruling house. Yusuf, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, described the allegations against him as false, damaging and injurious to his reputation.

In the action, the claimant is seeking a declaration that statements accusing him of financial inducement, manipulation of the selection process, irregularities and other forms of misconduct are defamatory. He also wants the court to invalidate the committee’s report, arguing that the body lacked the authority and proper mandate to investigate or make findings concerning him.

Yusuf is asking the court to order the defendants to withdraw the statements and publish an unconditional apology in national newspapers and on platforms where the allegations were circulated. He is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining further publication of the claims.

In addition to the N10bn general damages sought for alleged reputational harm, emotional distress and loss of goodwill, the claimant is demanding aggravated damages, legal costs and post-judgment interest.

The dispute stems from a report submitted by a committee established to investigate allegations of irregularities in the process leading to the selection of a new Awujale. The committee reportedly raised concerns about transparency, due process and internal divisions within the ruling house leadership.

The legal action adds another layer to the growing controversy surrounding the succession process, which is already the subject of separate court proceedings involving the Ogun State Government, kingmakers and other stakeholders. The ruling house is also seeking judicial intervention to ensure the completion of the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.