Ogun govt stops Awujale selection process over rising security concerns

The Ogun State Government has stopped the selection process to fill the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland until further notice.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, gave the directive via a letter addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area and dated January 20, 2026.

Hamzat said the decision to stop the process was based on various petitions and reports received from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the traditional ruler’s selection process.

Hamzat stated that the stature of the throne was further elevated by the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.

The commissioner noted that the importance of the stool and the legacy of the immediate past monarch have placed the current selection process under intense public scrutiny.

“In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time,” he said.

Hamzat stated that the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the state government to intervene where necessary.

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The commissioner added: “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.

“Given the reports at its disposal, government has elected to act proactively without further delay in the interest of peace, order and good government by halting the process in its entirety.”

He, therefore, directed the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government to immediately convey the government’s decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

“The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, in particular, should be advised to await further directives regarding the selection process,” Hamzat said.

The Awujale stool is one of the most revered traditional institutions in Yoruba land and a paramount stool in Ogun State.

The Star