Ogun Government Suspends Selection Process for Awujale Stool
The Ogun State Government has officially suspended the ongoing selection process for the vacant Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland stool.
Professor Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, confirmed the development in a phone interview with our correspondent on Wednesday.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July at the age of 91, after a 65-year reign. In a letter dated December 2, 2025, and signed by the Secretary of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Oke Adebanjo, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House was directed to present candidates for the next Awujale. The ruling house was initially given 14 days to complete the selection process and submit names of eligible princes.
In line with the directive, the ruling house commenced the process, reportedly attracting over 60 aspirants, with screening scheduled for Monday, December 15. However, the exercise was halted after the state government convened a meeting on Tuesday with representatives of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee.
The meeting, presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat, was aimed at ensuring full compliance with existing chieftaincy laws. Professor Yusuf explained that the government directed the ruling house to restart the selection process due to procedural errors that could have led to legal challenges over the installation of the new Awujale.
Yusuf emphasized that the government’s intervention was routine and necessary, stressing that all parties were committed to strict adherence to the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State and the 1957 chieftaincy declaration governing the Awujale stool.
“The meeting was convened to make sure everything is done according to law,” Yusuf said. “The government wants us to strictly follow the provisions regarding the installation of the Awujale. Soon, we will receive another letter from the local government, and the process will begin afresh. The previous letter giving us 14 days to submit candidates has been withdrawn. The family will meet, review the situation, and proceed according to the guidelines.”
He reassured that since no candidate lists had been submitted to the kingmakers, there is no cause for concern.
A senior state government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the suspension but dismissed claims of government interference, explaining that the meeting was held solely to correct procedural errors in the local government’s handling of the selection process.
“The meeting was not about interference. It was to ensure the process complies with the law,” the official said. “The local government acted prematurely and did not follow the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1957 chieftaincy declaration. We have guided all parties on the correct procedure to avoid litigation. The ruling house must formally notify the local government of its readiness, after which the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will authorize the process to commence.”
The official added that given the Awujale’s long-standing reign over the past 65 years, some officials may not be fully familiar with the process, unlike other communities where such installations occur more frequently.
