Ogun Govt Cancels Awujale Selection Process

The Telescope

The Ogun State Government has cancelled the ongoing process to select a new Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, ordering that the exercise be restarted after flaws were discovered in the procedure.

The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July. He passed away at the age of 91 after an extraordinary reign that lasted 65 years. His death marked the end of an era in Ijebuland and set in motion the traditional process for choosing a successor.

Telescope gathered that the Ijebu Ode Local Government had, through a letter dated December 2, instructed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to produce a candidate for the throne within 14 days. In response, the ruling house began its internal selection exercise, attracting no fewer than 60 princes. Monday, December 15, was fixed for the screening of aspirants.

The process, however, was abruptly halted after the state government invited representatives of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and members of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee to a meeting. The meeting was convened to review whether the steps taken so far complied with existing chieftaincy laws.

Speaking after the meeting, the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that the government directed the family to restart the entire process. He explained that the earlier exercise was set aside because of procedural errors that could later expose the installation of a new Awujale to legal disputes.

According to Yusuf, the government’s action was neither unusual nor hostile. Rather, it was aimed at ensuring strict compliance with the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State and the 1957 chieftaincy declaration governing the Awujale stool. He added that the letter earlier issued by the local government had been withdrawn and that a fresh one would be sent to properly commence the process.

He noted that the ruling house would meet again to reassess the situation and proceed strictly in line with the guidelines laid down by the authorities. Since no list of candidates had been submitted to the kingmakers, he said there was no cause for alarm.

A senior state government official who participated in the meeting also confirmed the suspension of the process. The official dismissed claims of interference, stressing that the meeting was solely to correct errors in the way the process was initiated.

The official explained that the local government failed to fully follow the procedure outlined in the relevant laws. Proper commencement, the source said, requires the ruling house to formally notify the local government of its readiness. The local government must then seek approval from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs before the selection process can lawfully begin.

The official added that given the prominence of the Awujale stool and the intense public interest surrounding the succession, even minor procedural mistakes could easily lead to court cases. Strict adherence to the law, the source said, was therefore necessary to protect the integrity of the process and ensure a smooth installation of the next Awujale