Ogun Government Suspends Awujale Selection, Orders Fresh Process
The Ogun State Government has suspended the ongoing procedure to select a new Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, effectively annulling the process that had already begun within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
The development was confirmed by the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, during a telephone interview.
He disclosed that the decision followed consultations between representatives of the ruling house, members of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee and officials of the state government. The revered Awujale stool became vacant after the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July. The monarch died at the age of 91, bringing to an end a historic reign that lasted 65 years.
In an earlier directive dated December 2, 2025, the Secretary to the Ijebu Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo, had formally requested the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to nominate candidates for the vacant throne. The ruling house was given a two-week deadline to complete its internal selection and forward the names of qualified princes.
Following the directive, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House commenced the process, with reports indicating that nearly 60 princes indicated interest in the stool. A screening exercise for aspirants was scheduled for Monday, December 15.
However, the state government later intervened and placed the process on hold after a meeting held on Tuesday at the office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The session, chaired by Commissioner Ganiyu Hamzat, was convened to review the procedure and ensure that it aligned with existing chieftaincy regulations in the state.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Prof. Yusuf said the government instructed the ruling house to abandon the initial exercise and restart the selection from the beginning.
He explained that certain procedural lapses were identified in the earlier process, which could have resulted in legal disputes if allowed to stand.
According to him, the intervention was aimed at preventing avoidable court cases and ensuring full compliance with the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State enacted in 2021, as well as the 1957 chieftaincy declaration that governs the Awujale stool. He added that all parties involved agreed on the need to strictly follow the established legal framework.
Prof. Yusuf noted that the initial letter authorising the commencement of the selection and setting a 14-day deadline had been withdrawn, and that the ruling house was now awaiting a fresh communication from the local government to begin a new process.
He stressed that the family would reconvene to reassess the situation once the new directive is received.
He further clarified that no list of candidates had been submitted to the kingmakers before the suspension, assuring that the reset would not disrupt the overall process but rather strengthen its credibility and legitimacy.
