Battle for Awujale: Ogun denies suspension of Ijebu chiefs

The Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside the Ijebu Ode Local Government, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that three prominent traditional chiefs in Ijebuland have been suspended from the Ijebu Council of Chiefs.

In a joint statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, and the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, the reports were described as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to sow discord within Ijebuland.

The statement clarified that the Ogun State Government has not approved or carried out the suspension of any chief, stressing that no recognised traditional institution had taken such action against the individuals named in the report.

The chiefs mentioned in the viral publication are the Kakanfo of Ijebuland, Chief Abimbola Okenla; the Lapoekun of Ijebuland, Chief Tunde Odulaja; and the Madasa of Ijebuland, Chief Lekan Oshifeso.

According to the statement, the claims were the handiwork of mischief makers bent on creating tension and undermining the authority of traditional institutions. Members of the public were urged to disregard the report and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing confusion.

Residents were also advised to rely solely on official government channels for accurate and verified information on chieftaincy matters.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Ijebu Council of Chiefs and Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Chief Adetokunbo Fassy Yusuf, has called on the Ogun State Government to investigate allegations of corruption and take decisive action against anyone attempting to compromise the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

Speaking at the weekend in Ijebu-Ode, Yusuf condemned what he described as deliberate efforts by some individuals to derail the selection process by favouring certain candidates.

He stressed that singling out preferred candidates was fraudulent, noting that the 2022 Obas and Chiefs Law does not recognise any hierarchy among princes, as all eligible princes are considered equal under the law.

“As far as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is concerned, we have done our part. If there is any malpractice from our side, it should be pointed out. Anyone found culpable should be made a scapegoat. Equity demands clean hands,” he said.

Yusuf insisted that those found to have mismanaged or undermined the process must be held accountable, adding that transparency was essential for a credible selection exercise.

He also urged the state government to clearly explain the reasons behind the suspension of the selection process, noting that openness would help restore confidence and ensure a smooth outcome.

The high chief, who is also the Bagbimo of Ijebuland, explained that the process initially began with 95 nominations, which were later reduced to 86 in compliance with the 2022 Obas and Chiefs Law to avoid litigation.

The former Ogun State Commissioner for Information further expressed surprise that, after adopting the template set by the kingmakers, certain names were allegedly highlighted while some Otunbas were disqualified, describing the development as “porous and reckless.”