The Ogun State Government on Wednesday ordered a fresh suspension of the selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland, deploying heavy security presence to the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode.
Our correspondent observed a large contingent of police officers and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the palace following the government’s directive.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91 after a 65-year reign.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the state government said the decision to halt the process was taken to preserve public order, protect the integrity of the selection exercise, and safeguard the prestige of the revered stool.
“Given the reports at its disposal, the government has elected to act proactively without further delay in the interest of peace, order and good governance by halting the process in its entirety. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House should await further directives regarding the selection process,” the statement read.
This marks the second suspension of the process in less than a month. On December 18, 2025, the government had earlier halted the exercise over alleged procedural lapses capable of resulting in litigation.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House had earlier shortlisted 95 contenders—94 princes and one princess—during a nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode. The process has generated significant public interest, including a legal action by Fuji musician Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1), who sought an interim injunction at the state High Court to stop the selection.
Reacting to the latest development, the Regent and head of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, Dr. Sonny Kuku, confirmed that the government had temporarily paused the process.
“We received a message from the government today indicating that the process has been temporarily halted. At the moment, we do not know the reason, but we are consulting with them to ensure that the process resumes, as the public is eager for the emergence of a new Awujale,” Kuku said.
He added that the kingmakers were confident the government was also committed to a peaceful outcome and urged the public to remain calm.
Addressing speculations about government interference, Kuku dismissed the claims, describing them as unfounded. He stressed that the kingmakers were fully aware of the gravity of their responsibility and would not tolerate any form of imposition.
“The government does not sit with the kingmakers during deliberations. We do not work directly with them. In matters like this, rumours are inevitable, but we are separating facts from speculation,” he said.
On the heavy security presence at the palace, Kuku explained that it was not intended to influence the process but to signal to the public that the selection exercise had been temporarily suspended.
“The palace is a symbol of the people. By restricting access, the authorities are simply informing the public that the process is in abeyance. There is no conflict, physical or emotional,” he said.
Kuku also disclosed that the kingmakers had not received any of the petitions reportedly submitted by stakeholders or security agencies, which the government cited as part of the reasons for the suspension.
“If such petitions exist, they should be forwarded to us. We have not received any. That is why we are consulting with the government. There is nothing to worry about,” he added.
He further rejected allegations that the kingmakers had been compromised or were favouring any candidate, noting that the committee had been painstakingly reviewing the applications.
“We have not slept for five days, examining about 95 applications and over 1,200 documents. We are committed to selecting the best possible candidate for the people of Ijebuland,” Kuku said.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed that arrangements had been made to profile the 95 nominees at its Ijebu-Ode office as part of the vetting process. However, the exercise was suspended in compliance with the state government’s directive. The DSS clarified that the suspension was a government decision, not an initiative of the agency.
In a related development, one of the aspirants to the Awujale stool, Mr. Wasiu Adewale Olasunkanmi Adesanya, has written to the Ogun State Government, calling for the resumption of the process in an inclusive, transparent and fair manner.
In a letter dated January 21, 2026, addressed to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and signed by his lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, Adesanya commended the government for suspending the process in the interest of peace and good governance.
He asserted his eligibility as a member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, tracing his lineage to Princess Anifowoshe, and urged the government to ensure that no qualified contender is excluded when the process resumes.
“An inclusive process will promote unity within Ijebuland, enhance public confidence, and further entrench the prestige and legitimacy of the Awujale stool,” the letter stated.
The Ogun State Government said the suspension was carried out under powers granted by the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of 2021, citing procedural concerns and the need to maintain peace in Ijebuland.
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