Awujale selection: A toxic affairs ogun state government is trying to address with wisdom
It is no more news that Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, died at age 91, in July 2025, as one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs who ascended the throne in 1960, and was subsequently buried in his private residence in the ancient town.
The security operatives it would be recalled prevented traditionalists in gaining access to private residence of late monarch, to carry out the age long traditional rites on his corpse.
However, what is the news as at now is the row over who becomes the next traditional ruler of the town, following series of game play and power tussle which is almost becoming the order of the day, since the process of selecting a new royal father
The race for the vacant stool started days after the final burial of the Adetona, with about 91 contestants showing keen interest, as the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next to produce new monarch set machinery in motion.
The race attracted a known controversial fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, who also showed interest to become the next traditional ruler of the town, but his mission was thwarted by the ruling which declared that he(Ayinde) is not a Bonafide member of the ruling house .
The chairman of the ruling house next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland Abdulateef Owoyemi challenged Ayinde, to prove his lineage to establish his legitimate membership in the ruling house, and declared that only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process
The chairman who is a former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria thereafter directed Ayinde to complete the family’s royal lineage data form to establish his legitimacy before he could be allowed to contest.
The fuji musician earlier a letter dated, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, dated December 3, 2025 announced his interest in the stool.
The musician described himself as a bonafide son of the ruling house, declaring that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws, however, the said letter has sparked reactions from the public
The chairman of the ruling house, however, explained that the form requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking strangers from claiming the throne.
“The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form’, he said.
“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.
“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward’
The application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, 2025, the chairman, however, stated that the musician had been given an extension of five days, which would lapse on December 10.
“We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form’.
“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved,” he said.
The chairman expressed optimism that all things been equal the ruling house hoped to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026, adding that the local government has given14 days to select candidates .
“The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor’.
“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence’.
“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January’, he added.
The musician not satisfied with the development headed to court to challenge the ruling house, but later withdrew, and he later took another steps to complain by writing to Governor Dapo Abiodun alleging that he is being excluded from the ongoing selection process for the next monarch of the ancient town.
The applicant who is Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, in letter dated January 8, 2026 by his lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) alleged that these measures are intended to disenfranchise him from contesting for the throne.
In similar development another applicant Prince Olawale Yusuf Adeyemi-Oriola has explained his interest in the royal stool which he said include providing economic growth, youth empowerment, improved infrastructure among others.
Adeyemi-Oriola from the Olufadi/Obanlefa branch of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House made this known during an interview expressing optimism that if emerge as the next traditional ruler of the ancient town he would equally respect all religious beliefs and uphold Isese traditions.
The aspirant pointed out that responsible leadership within traditional institutions requires respect for age-old customs alongside the skills needed to engage modern governance and sustainable development, emphasized that he would equally improve infrastructure, cultural promotion, and unity
He commended Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for sustaining peace and stability across the state, describing the peaceful atmosphere as a strong foundation for development and communal harmony.
“The peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by residents is a product of effective governance, coordination, and the cooperation of the people. Ijebuland, as a vital part of Ogun State, continues to record steady progress under this atmosphere of peace.’
‘Leadership is about vision, influence, and the ability to inspire, not merely holding authority. These qualities are clearly reflected in the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun. May God continue to guide and protect Ogun State and its people’, he stated.
The contestant urged continued unity, patriotism, and collective commitment to growth and greatness of Ijebuland and Ogun State in all ramifications.
However, following the controversy surrounding the selection process and to avoid any violence the Ogun State Government ordered the immediate suspension of the process, as contained in a letter dated January 20, 2026, issued by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, and addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.
The order pointed out that the importance of the stool and the legacy of the immediate past monarch have placed the current selection process under intense public scrutiny, stressing that Awujale stool is a foremost stool in Yorubaland.
“The Awujale stool is a foremost stool in Yoruba land generally and in Ogun State particularly. The stature of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for sixty-five years significantly enhanced the modern esteem and prestige of the stool.
“The state government had received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process, prompting the need for urgent intervention.
“In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time,” government said.
The commissioner explained that the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowered the state government to intervene where necessary.
“Government has had due regard to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empower it to set aside an appointment if the Executive Council is satisfied that it is in the interest of peace, order and good government to do so,” he noted.
“Given the reports at its disposal, government has elected to act proactively without further delay in the interest of peace, order and good government by halting the process in its entirety,” Hamzat said.
The Commissioner directed the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government to immediately convey the government’s decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
The Department of State Security (DSS) is not left out of the melodrama, as it invited all nominees for the Awujale stool, as the kingmakers equally cancelled a planned meet-and-greet earlier scheduled to be held at the palace.
The directive to report at the security operatives office located along Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Road, beside the Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode was contained in a formal communication dated January 20, 2026.
The letter was addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi; his deputy, Otunba Dokun Ajidagba; and the Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf.
The council secretary of the Awujale Afobaje Council, Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja explained in a letter that the decision led to the cancellation of the earlier engagement at the palace and expressed regret for any inconvenience the sudden change may cause.
Odulaja in the letter urged all concerned nominees to comply strictly with the directive and ensure punctuality, and expressed apology for any inconvenience the change may cause
‘We write to formally inform you that the meet-and-greet earlier scheduled for this morning at the Aafin Awujale has been cancelled. Accordingly, the Awujale nominees are hereby directed to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office located at State Security Service (SSS) Along NTA Road, Beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, Off Igbeba Road’, the letter read,
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause. Kindly ensure that all concerned nominees are punctual and comply strictly with this directive. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, in particular, should be advised to await further directives regarding the selection process,” the letter stated
The stoppage of the process as ordered by the Dapo Abiodun-led administration caught attention of the Committee of Ijebu Professionals (CIP), describing the decision as timely, decisive and in the overall interest of Ijebuland.
The President of the group, Temitayo Onabule and Prof. Jide Oreoluwa Olabinjo, its Publicity Secretary, said the government’s intervention was necessary to restore credibility to a process it said had become increasingly controversial.
The group, emphasized that the selection process was gradually losing public confidence and risked producing a monarch unbefitting of Ijebuland if it was allowed to continue unchecked.
“We feel very grateful that the governor and his team acted promptly to save the situation. As it is, the entire process has been bedeviled with allegations and counter-allegations; accusations and counter-accusations; beliefs and disbeliefs that money is exchanging hands; and suspicions that certain interests are influencing the process,” it said.
The Committee of Ijebu Professionals (CIP), pointed out that whether the allegations were true or not, the developments had already tainted a process meant to produce a revered monarch.
“Sadly, we watched and hoped, as true Ijebu sons and daughters, that something would be done to change this course which could only lead to an unbefitting end. When we heard that the government had done the needful, joy filled our hearts,” the statement added.
Another group under the banner of Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, embarked on a peaceful protest in support of the government decision to stop the selection process.
The protesters who marched through major roads in the town carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Awujale stool is not for sale”, “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from crisis”, “We want the best prince as Awujale”, and “Let there be a free and fair selection process’
The protesters led by, Alhaji Babatunde Salami and converged on Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat said the demonstration was intended to send a message to the kingmakers to act responsibly.
“The Awujale stool is highly respected in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and even beyond,” he said. “This is not a position that should be treated casually. We want the kingmakers to choose the right person for our land.”
However, Yusuf Adetilewa, who was part of the protest speaking with journalists emphasized that the reason for the peaceful protest was to appeal to Ogun State Government to intervene, alleging some kingmakers of extortion
‘My name is Yusuf Adetilewa, we are here because of what is going on in regards selection process of Awujale. We are on peaceful protest here, we don’t want to talk too much, all we need, we are calling on the state government to intervene on the issue, make it soft for us’, he stated
‘The so-called Afobajes have turned Awujale stool to extorting money from people, before they can become Awujale of Ijebuland. Awujale of Ijebuland is not a small thone, so it is well known in West Africa, somebody cannot come and hijack it like that’, Adetilewa added.
‘So, we are seeking for government to intervene. Thank God we are on peaceful protest in Ijebu-Ode here. The Chairman Ijebu-Ode local government has spoken to us and saw it that nobody causing violence here. We are looking at government to look into the issue and give us the feedback, not to make it long’, he emphasised
The Chairman, Dare Adebiosu, addressed them, with explanation that the state government had no preferred candidate, rather the suspension was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to due process.
“The government is not interested in who eventually emerges as Awujale. The decision was taken to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process’, the council boss stated
The chairman hailed the protesters for their peaceful conduct and assured them that the process would resume, leading to the emergence of an Awujale who would reflect the will of the people.
Another protester, Mr. Yusuf Adetilewa, expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as rumours of bribery and corruption surrounding the selection process.
“We are here to insist that due process must be followed. We do not want moneybags to hijack the process and render it meaningless.”
On her part Mrs. Morolayo Oyesefo also called for equal treatment of contestants, pointing out that holding a traditional title should not be used as a basis for disqualification.
“We have heard allegations of bribery involving contestants and those conducting the selection,” she said. “The government must punish anyone found guilty. We do not want the process compromised, as this can lead to unnecessary litigation.”
The Alagemo in Ijebuland equally backed the actions of Ogun State Government aimed at ensuring a seamless selection process, while Alapini Awopa General of Ogun State, High Chief Tajudeen Muili speaking after a meeting held at the palace of the Ija-Oloko of Imosan, expressed confidence in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s handling of the matter.
“I do not believe the suspension was done for the governor to impose his will. Rather, it is to ensure due process is followed. We appreciate the steps taken so far and only urge that the process be expedited’, he stressed
The Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Adebayo, said the suspension would allow kingmakers to properly conclude the process by giving all contestants equal opportunity.
“Funsengbuwa Ruling House has submitted the list of candidates,” he said. “The kingmakers should now sit down and complete the process transparently. All we want is an Awujale who will promote peace and progress in Ijebuland, not one who will oppress the people,” he added.
The members of the Osugbo Society in Ijebu-Ode in reaction to the development called on Ogun State Government to reconstitute the Council of Kingmakers (Afobajes) to ensure transparency and credibility in the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The Osugbo Society made the call during the society’s first meeting of 2026 held in Ijebu-Ode, where members expressed displeasure over the involvement of individuals in the selection process without proper background checks.
The Oluwo Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode, Oluwo Omobolanle Bakare speaking at the meeting, condemned the exclusion of the Osugbo Society from the selection process despite its position as third in the traditional hierarchy, as stipulated in the 1957 constitution.
Bakare pointed out allegations of financial inducement among kingmakers would not have arisen if individuals of proven integrity had been appointed.
“I want the government to investigate and verify the conduct of those who will serve as kingmakers. They should not appoint just anybody, but people with integrity. Those currently selected are not faithful at all,” he said.
He, therefore, appealed to Governor Sapo Abiodun to recognise the Osugbo Society as part of the Council of Afobajes, noting that the 1957 constitution clearly stipulates that the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode is a member of the council.
“In the 1957 constitution, the Osugbo was placed in the third class. We have written to the governor this morning to consider us as part of the Afobajes. The constitution already recognises the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as part and parcel of the council, but some people do not like it. That was why we protested’, he explained.
The society commended the Ogun State Government for suspending the selection process, stating that rising agitations from different quarters could have disrupted peace in the town.
The Oluwo stated that he realized the governor’s action as a good one because without it, everything would have turned upside down, while he equally questioned the large number of individuals reportedly shortlisted, describing it as abnormal.
“I cannot understand how 95 people were presented for the Awujale selection. They should have picked two, three, or four candidates and presented them to Ifa. Once the Osugbo is not involved, the process is incomplete. Without the Osugbo, there is no Council of Afobajes,” he added.
The Otu-Erelu Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode and Iyalorisa General of Akile Ijebu, Chief (Mrs.) Osoteku Alawiye, in her submission commended the Governor for dissolving the committee earlier saddled with the responsibility of selecting the new Awujale, describing the group as unfit for such a sensitive assignment.
The Iyalorisa General urged the governor to constitute a fresh set of kingmakers that would include all relevant traditional institutions, including the Osugbo Society, in order to ensure an inclusive, credible, and crisis-free selection process.
Alawiye described Ijebu-Ode as a town of great historical importance, stressing that the selection of its monarch must strictly follow due process and traditional rites to guarantee peace and progress in the land.
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