Awujale stool: Police invite kingmakers over bribery claims

The Ogun State Police Command has again invited nine Ijebu-Ode kingmakers to its headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for questioning over allegations of bribery and financial inducement in the ongoing selection of a new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.

A senior police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed on Friday that four of the kingmakers are to appear on Monday, April 21, while the remaining five are expected on Tuesday, April 22.

“The nine kingmakers have been told to come to the police command headquarters at Eleweran on Monday and Tuesday. The invite is still on the allegations of financial inducement, that much I can say,” the source said.

Chief Abimbola Okenla, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land and one of the summoned kingmakers, confirmed the development, describing it as a source of frustration.

“None of us is happy with this frequent invitation by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebu land are not equally happy about it because it is more of a distraction,” Okenla said.

He appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to conclude the selection process without further interference. “We are only pleading with Gov Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebu land without any further delay,” he said.

A copy of the invitation letter dated April 17, 2026, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police and head of the Criminal Investigation Department, Gbenga Adeoye, directed kingmaker Chief Adebisi Adaran, also known as Gbeden, to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department on Tuesday at 10am. The letter cited Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020 as the legal basis for the summons, and noted that invitees were free to come with their lawyers.

Abdulateef Owoyemi, family head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, said he had heard of the latest summons but was yet to verify it. He also called on the governor to allow reason to prevail.

“I am only begging Governor Dapo Abiodun, as the father of all, to allow reasons to prevail and let us have the new Awujale on time,” Owoyemi said, while paying tribute to the late monarch. “What the Ijebu people want is a new Awujale that will consolidate on the enviable and enduring legacies of selfless service of our highly revered father and late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. May the Almighty Allah rest his soul.”

The Awujale stool fell vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Adetona at 91, after 65 years on the throne. A total of 95 aspirants — 94 princes and one princess — from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House subsequently emerged at a nomination meeting held in Ijebu-Ode.

The selection process has since been plagued by repeated setbacks. The state government halted proceedings in December 2025, citing procedural errors, and again in January 2026 following a wave of petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.

The police had also invited the same kingmakers in February 2026 over similar allegations of financial inducement, but that probe was discontinued after the intervention of state authorities.