Awujale selection: Osugbo faults exclusion from kingmakers’ council

Members of the Osugbo Society in Ijebu-Ode have raised concerns over their exclusion from the process of selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland, describing the move as a violation of established tradition.

The society also expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged inclusion of individuals in the selection process without proper background checks. The concerns were raised on Tuesday during the Osugbo Society’s first meeting of 2026, held in Ijebu-Ode.

At the meeting, the group called on Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to reconstitute the Council of Afobajes (kingmakers) to ensure transparency, credibility and inclusiveness in the selection of the next Awujale.

Speaking on behalf of the society, the Oluwo Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode, Oluwo Omobolanle Bakare, said the exclusion of Osugbo from the selection process was contrary to the 1957 Ijebu constitution, which, he noted, recognises the society as the third-ranked institution in the traditional hierarchy.

Bakare argued that allegations of financial inducement among kingmakers would not have arisen if individuals of proven integrity had been appointed.

“I want the government to investigate and verify the conduct of those who will serve as kingmakers. They should appoint people of integrity, not just anybody. Those currently selected are not faithful at all,” he said.

The Oluwo urged Governor Abiodun to formally recognise the Osugbo Society as a member of the Council of Afobajes, stressing that the 1957 constitution expressly lists the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as part of the council.

“In the 1957 constitution, Osugbo was placed in the third class. We have written to the governor to consider us as part of the Afobajes. The constitution already recognises the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as a member, but some people do not like it. That is why we protested,” Bakare stated.

He commended the state government for suspending the Awujale selection process, noting that rising tensions could have threatened peace in the town.

“I see the governor’s action as a good one because without it, everything would have turned upside down,” he said.

Bakare also expressed concern over reports that as many as 95 candidates were shortlisted for the Awujale stool, describing the development as unusual.

“I cannot understand how 95 people were presented for the Awujale selection. They should have shortlisted two, three or four candidates and presented them to Ifa. Once Osugbo is not involved, the process is incomplete. Without Osugbo, there is no Council of Afobajes,” he added.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Otu-Erelu Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode and Iyalorisa General of Akile Ijebu, Chief (Mrs.) Osoteku Alawiye, praised Governor Abiodun for dissolving the committee earlier assigned to select the new Awujale, describing its members as unfit for such a sensitive task.

She called on the governor to constitute a new council of kingmakers that would include all relevant traditional institutions, including the Osugbo Society, to ensure an inclusive, credible and crisis-free selection process.

Chief Alawiye described Ijebu-Ode as a town of deep historical significance, stressing that the selection of its monarch must strictly follow due process and established traditional rites to ensure lasting peace and development.