Ogun State Government Nullifies Awujale Selection Process, Orders Fresh Start

The Ogun State Government has officially cancelled the ongoing selection process for the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, citing procedural irregularities and the need for strict compliance with existing chieftaincy laws. The decision brings a temporary halt to a process that had already attracted intense interest and widespread speculation within and outside Ijebu Ode.

The revered Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July. The late monarch passed away at the age of 91 after an extraordinary reign of 65 years, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigeria’s history. His death marked the end of an era and triggered the commencement of succession procedures under established traditional and statutory frameworks.

In line with these procedures, the Ogun State Government, through the Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, had issued a letter dated December 2, 2025, directing the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to nominate candidates for the throne. The letter, signed by the local government secretary, Oke Adebanjo, gave the ruling house a 14-day window to complete its internal selection process and submit names of eligible princes for onward consideration.

Acting on this directive, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House initiated the selection exercise, a process that reportedly drew interest from no fewer than 60 princes. Plans were already in place to conduct screening of aspirants on Monday, December 15, when the process was abruptly suspended.

The suspension followed a meeting convened by the state government involving representatives of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and members of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee. The meeting, presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat, was reportedly aimed at reviewing the legality of how the process was initiated and ensuring full compliance with relevant laws.

Confirming the outcome of the meeting, the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Professor Fassy Yusuf, disclosed that the government directed that the entire selection process be restarted. According to him, certain procedural errors were identified in the initial stages, errors which, if left uncorrected, could expose the eventual installation of a new Awujale to prolonged legal challenges.

Professor Yusuf explained that the government’s intervention was not an act of undue interference but a corrective measure intended to safeguard the integrity of the process. He stressed that all stakeholders agreed on the need to strictly adhere to the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, as well as the 1957 chieftaincy declaration governing the Awujale stool.

He further clarified that the earlier letter issued by the local government, which set a 14-day deadline for submission of candidates, has now been withdrawn. A fresh directive is expected to be issued once the appropriate procedures are properly followed. According to him, the ruling house will reconvene, reassess the situation, and commence the process anew in line with government guidelines.

A senior state government official who participated in the meeting also confirmed the suspension, dismissing allegations of political interference. Speaking anonymously, the official said the local government acted prematurely by initiating the process without following the sequence prescribed by law.

The official explained that, under the established procedure, the ruling house must first formally notify the local government of its readiness to begin the selection. The local government is then required to seek authorisation from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs before issuing a formal directive to commence the process.

According to the source, the unusual longevity of the late Awujale’s reign meant that many officials had little practical experience handling such a sensitive succession, unlike in other communities where similar processes occur more frequently.

For now, the Ogun State Government maintains that its primary objective is to ensure a transparent, lawful, and dispute-free process that preserves the dignity of the Awujale institution. Stakeholders have been urged to remain calm as steps are taken to restart the selection process in accordance with tradition and the law, in order to avoid unnecessary litigation and safeguard peace in Ijebuland.