The Ogun State Government has officially suspended the ongoing selection process for a new Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland. This decisive action comes after authorities identified procedural irregularities that could potentially lead to legal challenges.
Government Intervenes, Directs Fresh Start
The stool became vacant following the passing of the revered Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025 at the age of 91, after a historic 65-year reign. In a letter dated December 2, 2025, the Ijebu Ode Local Government had initially directed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to produce a candidate within 14 days. Acting on this, the house began a process that reportedly attracted about 60 princes, with screening scheduled for December 15.
However, a meeting convened on Tuesday between the ruling house, the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, led to a full suspension. The government has now withdrawn the initial 14-day ultimatum and instructed the ruling house to begin the entire exercise anew.
Stakeholders Commit to Legal Compliance
Prof. Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, confirmed the development. He explained that the government's directive was to ensure strict adherence to the state's chieftaincy laws and avoid future disputes.
"The meeting with the government was to ensure that everything falls in place," Yusuf stated. "The government wants us to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law regarding the installation of the Awujale."
He emphasized that the intervention was standard procedure, with all parties committed to following the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State and the 1957 chieftaincy declaration specific to the Awujale stool. The family is now expected to reconvene, review the situation, and restart the process upon receiving fresh guidelines from the local government.
Government Denies Interference, Focuses on Due Process
A senior government official present at the meeting, who spoke anonymously, dismissed any notion of political interference. The official clarified that the meeting's sole purpose was to correct technical errors in the initiation of the selection process.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the meeting was not about government interference, as some people want to believe," the source said. "It was about ensuring that the right thing is done in accordance with the law."
This move underscores the government's intent to oversee a transparent and legally sound succession process for one of the most prominent traditional stools in Yorubaland, ensuring stability and respect for tradition in Ijebuland.
