Ogun Govt Halts Awujale Selection Process Over Petitions, Security Concerns
By Oludare Joshua
The Ogun State Government has once again suspended the process of selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland, marking the second time the exercise has been put on hold since the passing of the late monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The suspension was directed by the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Alebiosun, who ordered the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and the Awujale Kingmakers to immediately discontinue the ongoing selection process.
The directive followed the receipt of several petitions, security reports and complaints from concerned stakeholders, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the selection exercise. These developments, according to the local government, raised concerns that could threaten peace and order within Ijebuland if left unchecked.
The decision was formally communicated in a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council and signed by the Secretary to the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo.
In the letter, the local government explained that the action was taken in line with the provisions of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, which empowers the government to set aside or suspend an appointment where such action is deemed necessary in the interest of peace, order and good governance.
“In taking this decision, government has had due regard to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empower it to set aside an appointment if the Executive Council is satisfied that it is in the interest of peace, order and good government to do so,” the letter stated.
It further noted that, based on available reports and intelligence, the local government chose to act proactively and without delay in order to forestall any breakdown of law and order, while also protecting and preserving the sanctity of the revered traditional institution of the Ijebu Kingdom.
Consequently, the Awujale kingmakers were directed to halt the selection process with immediate effect and await further directives from the appropriate authorities regarding the continuation of the exercise.
However, in a fresh development, reports emerged that the Department of State Services (DSS), Ogun State Command, has invited nominees for the Awujale stool for screening, even as the state government maintains the suspension of the selection process.
As of the time of filing this report, details of the alleged DSS invitation could not be independently verified.
