The Ogun State Government has ordered an immediate suspension of the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland, citing security reports, petitions, and concerns over public order.
The directive is contained in an official letter dated 20 January 2026 from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, signed by the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat. The letter was addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area and referenced the heightened sensitivity surrounding the Awujale stool.
According to the letter, the Awujale stool ranks among the foremost traditional stools in Yoruba land and holds special prominence in Ogun State. The government noted that the long reign of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who ruled for 65 years, elevated the prestige of the throne and increased public scrutiny over the emergence of his successor.
The state government disclosed that it had received several petitions, reports from security agencies, and inputs from key stakeholders concerning the selection process. To protect the integrity of the institution, maintain peace, and prevent a breakdown of public order, the government resolved to halt the process entirely.
The decision was anchored on the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the Executive Council to set aside an appointment when such action serves the interest of peace, order, and good governance. The government stated that it acted proactively, without delay, to safeguard the sanctity of the stool.
The letter directed the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government to immediately convey the suspension to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. The ruling house was specifically instructed to await further directives from the state government before taking any additional steps.
The development places the Awujale succession process on hold until the state government issues new guidelines, reinforcing its position that tradition must operate within an atmosphere of order, transparency, and public confidence.
