Regarding the successor for the position, there was a movement to support Ogen (Rensho), who was his younger brother by a different mother, but based on the assertion of his uncle, Senyu (Nyojo) it was decided that Rennyo would take over the position.
継職にあたり異母弟・応玄（蓮照）を擁立する動きもあったが、叔父宣祐（如乗）の主張により蓮如の就任が決定する。