The Ogun State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The government cited security reports, stakeholder petitions, and concerns over public order has reasons for the suspension.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, in a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.
Describing the Awujale stool as one of the most revered traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Ogun State, the Commissioner noted that the legacy of the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years, has placed unprecedented scrutiny on both the successor and the process by which he emerges.
According to the government, several petitions, security intelligence reports, and submissions from key stakeholders raised red flags over the conduct of the selection exercise. Based on these developments, the state concluded that allowing the process to continue could threaten peace and undermine the sanctity of the throne.
Invoking provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, the government stated that it is empowered to halt or set aside a chieftaincy appointment where it is deemed necessary in the interest of “peace, order and good government.”
The Commissioner said the decision was taken proactively to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
However, sources close to the process say the official explanation masks deeper political undercurrents that had been building for weeks.
In a separate letter dated January 21, the Awujale Afobaje Council announced the cancellation of a planned meet-and-greet with Awujale nominees earlier scheduled to hold at the Aafin Awujale. Instead, the council, through its Secretary, Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, directed all nominees to report to the DSS office in Ijebu-Ode by 11:00 a.m., located along NTA Road, beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road.
The letter, addressed to leading members of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, Otunba Dokun Ajidagba, and Chief Prof. Fassy Yusuf, apologised for any inconvenience caused and urged strict compliance.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ogun State Government nor the DSS has publicly detailed the specific security concerns or petitions that necessitated the suspension.
