The Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, has taken a decisive step to oversee the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland. This intervention came after the scheduled nomination meeting by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House was abruptly postponed.
Government Halts Nomination, Calls for Review Meeting
The nomination exercise, which was set for Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Bisrod Hall in the GRA of Ijebu-Ode, was suspended. The ruling house received a direct summons from the state government to attend a crucial meeting on Tuesday, December 16. The purpose of this meeting is to review the entire selection process and ensure it aligns perfectly with existing laws and traditions.
Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and a former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), clarified the situation. He stated that the postponement was a strategic move to prevent any procedural missteps that could later result in expensive and lengthy litigation.
"The postponement has nothing to do with any individual," Owoyemi emphasized. "We received a summons from the state government for a meeting on Tuesday. The goal is to ensure everything is done correctly so the process does not become a fertile ground for legal controversy."
Over 60 Princes Express Interest in Historic Throne
The Vice Chairman of the ruling house, Professor Fassy Yusuf of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), provided further details. He confirmed that the government invited the ruling house, the kingmakers, and the Awujale Interregnum Committee to the Tuesday meeting.
In a significant revelation, Professor Yusuf disclosed that no fewer than 60 princes from the ruling house have formally expressed interest in succeeding the late Oba Sikiru Adetona. The revered monarch reigned for an impressive 65 years before his passing in July 2025, marking one of the longest reigns in Nigeria's traditional history.
"The government will meet with us to ensure everything is in order," Yusuf said. "It is the outcome of this meeting that will determine when the nomination meeting will finally be held." He also dismissed rumors linking the postponement to any specific individual, calling such claims "mischievous and spreading falsehood."
Urgency and the Path Forward
The succession process has gained increased urgency. The local government authorities have given the Fusengbuwa Ruling House a strict 14-day deadline to submit the names of candidates for the prestigious throne.
The state government's intervention is now seen as a critical move to shape the subsequent steps in this high-stakes selection. By ensuring strict legal and procedural compliance from the onset, the government aims to guide the process toward a smooth and uncontested conclusion, honoring the legacy of Oba Adetona's historic reign.
