Abeokuta — The Ogun State government has ordered the immediate suspension of the ongoing selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland, citing rising tensions, petitions, and security concerns.
Following the directive, the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council cancelled a planned meet-and-greet session with the Awujale nominees at the Awujale Palace, instead directing all candidates to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Ijebu-Ode for further screening.
The late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, reigned for a historic 65 years. In a letter to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat, explained that the significance of the stool and the legacy of the late monarch have placed the current selection process under intense public scrutiny.
The letter stated that the state had received “several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders,” prompting urgent government intervention. Hamzat noted that the decision aligns with the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the government to act to maintain peace, order, and good governance.
“The Awujale stool is one of the foremost in Yoruba land and Ogun State. To protect public order, maintain the integrity of the process, and preserve the veneration of the stool, it has become necessary to halt the selection at this time,” the letter read. Hamzat specifically advised the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to await further directives.
Security Tightened at Awujale Palace
A Vanguard correspondent in Ijebu-Ode observed a heavy security presence at the palace, with police, NSCDC, and Amotekun Corps on site. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House had earlier held the nomination meeting on January 12, 2026, where 94 princes and one princess expressed interest in the throne. On January 19, 2026, the ruling house submitted the candidates’ credentials to the kingmakers to begin the selection process.
Nominees Summoned to DSS
A letter from the Kingmakers’ Council, dated January 20, 2026, instructed the Awujale nominees to report to the DSS office at Ijebu-Ode at 11 a.m., effectively cancelling the palace meet-and-greet. The letter, signed by the council secretary Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, emphasized strict compliance.
A source familiar with the process clarified that the nominees’ visit to the DSS was for standard security profiling. The source stressed that the suspension was a government directive, not an action initiated by the DSS, and that the exercise would resume once approved.
Kingmakers Commit to Integrity
The Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Council and head of kingmakers, Ogbeni Sonny Kuku, said the council is in consultation with the state government to resolve the suspension. Speaking to journalists, Kuku assured that the selection process would remain independent, transparent, and free from external influence.
He dismissed rumours of government interference, noting: “The government does not sit with the kingmakers during our deliberations. Any attempt at imposition will not be tolerated. The palace barricade only indicates that the process is temporarily in abeyance.”
Regarding petitions reportedly received by the government, Kuku said the council has not seen them and is actively consulting with authorities. He added: “Our decisions affect generations. We are reviewing over 95 applications and more than 1,200 documents with meticulous care to ensure peace and select the best candidate.”
