Ogun Police Reissue Summons to Ijebu Kingmakers Over Bribery Allegations in Awujale Selection
The Ogun State Police Command has once again summoned nine Ijebu Ode kingmakers to appear before investigators over allegations of bribery and financial inducement linked to the selection of a new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land. This marks the second such invitation in recent months, highlighting ongoing tensions and delays in the traditional succession process.
Police Invitation Details and Kingmakers' Response
According to a senior police source who confirmed the development on Friday, the nine kingmakers have been instructed to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Monday and Tuesday of next week. The source stated, "The invitation is still in respect of allegations of financial inducement." A copy of the police invitation, dated April 17, 2026, and addressed to one of the kingmakers, Chief Adebisi Adaran (Gbeden), was signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Gbenga Adeoye. The letter cites relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act 2020, describing the summons as part of an ongoing investigation for fact-finding purposes and noting that invitees are free to attend with legal representation.
Chief Abimbola Okenla, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land and one of the summoned kingmakers, confirmed the invitation, explaining that four kingmakers are expected on Monday, while the remaining five will appear on Tuesday. Expressing clear dissatisfaction, Okenla described the repeated summons as a significant distraction. "None of us is happy with these frequent invitations over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebu land are not happy either. We are pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow us complete the process of selecting the next Awujale without further delay," he said.
Community Reactions and Historical Context of Delays
Alhaji Abdulateef Owoyemi, head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and former ICAN President, noted that he had heard about the invitation but could not confirm its authenticity. He echoed calls for the state government to facilitate the emergence of a new monarch promptly. "What the Ijebu people want is a new Awujale who will build on the enduring legacy of our late revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona," he emphasized.
This latest development follows a similar invitation issued to the kingmakers in February over the same allegations, which was later discontinued after intervention by authorities. The selection process for a new Awujale has faced repeated setbacks and procedural hurdles:
- In January, the Ogun State Government suspended the process, citing a flood of petitions from stakeholders and security agencies.
- A similar halt was announced in December 2025 over procedural concerns.
- The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91 after 65 years on the throne.
- Before the suspension, 95 aspirants—94 princes and one princess—from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had emerged during a nomination exercise in Ijebu-Ode.
The ongoing police investigations and governmental interventions have created a climate of uncertainty, with community leaders urging for resolution to honor the legacy of the late monarch and maintain cultural continuity in Ijebu land.
