Ogun Government Suspends Awujale Selection Process Over Security Concerns

The Ogun State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland, citing security concerns and petitions from stakeholders.

The directive, issued by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, was conveyed through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in a letter dated January 20 and signed by the Commissioner, Ganiyu Hamzat. The letter was addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Dare Alebiosu.

According to the letter, the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House have been directed to halt all activities connected with the emergence of a new Awujale, pending further directives from the state government.

The government explained that the decision was informed by reports from security agencies, petitions, and concerns raised by key stakeholders over the conduct of the selection exercise.

“As you are aware, the Awujale stool is a foremost stool in Yorubaland generally and in Ogun State particularly, where it is one of the paramount stools. The stature of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years, further enhanced the esteem and prestige of the stool. These realities place intense focus and scrutiny on the process by which the next Awujale emerges,” the letter stated.

It added that, in order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and preserve the veneration of the stool, it had become imperative to halt the selection process at this time.

The government noted that its action was backed by the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers it to set aside appointments in the interest of peace, order, and good governance.

“In taking this decision, the government has had due regard to the provisions of the law and has elected to act proactively, without further delay, in the interest of peace, order, and good government by halting the process in its entirety,” the letter added.

The Ijebu-Ode Local Government chairman was directed to immediately communicate the government’s decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, advising the latter to await further instructions regarding the succession process.

The suspension comes days after 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House reportedly emerged as contenders for the vacant Awujale stool during a nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode.

The selection process has also been embroiled in controversy following the disqualification of Fuji music star, Wasiu Ayinde, who applied for the vacant stool in October 2025. He was disqualified by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in November 2025, prompting him to institute legal action against the Ogun State Government in December, seeking the suspension of the process and his inclusion among the contestants.

Meanwhile, amid rising tensions surrounding the succession exercise, the Awujale Kingmakers Council announced the cancellation of a planned meet-and-greet earlier scheduled to hold at the Aafin Awujale.

Instead, in a separate communication dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the council directed all Awujale nominees to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Ijebu-Ode.

According to the notice, the nominees were instructed to present themselves at the DSS office along NTA Road, beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode, by 11 a.m. prompt.

The latest intervention by the Ogun State Government has effectively frozen the Awujale succession process, as authorities move to address security concerns and ensure peace and order in Ijebuland pending further directives.