Awujale Stool: Police summon Ijebu-Ode chief in bribery investigation
The Ogun State Police Command has invited a prominent chief in Ijebu-Ode town of Ogun State, Chief Rasheed Adesanya, for questioning over an ongoing investigation into alleged bribery and financial inducement.
Penpushing reports that the invitation of Adesanya who is the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, was contained in a letter forwarded to him and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Gbenga Adeoye.
The Command Public Relations Officer, Seyi Babaseyi who confirmed the invitation stated that the prominent traditional chieftaincy holder is requested to report at the police headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta on Thursday, February 5, 2026, by 10:00 a.m., for an interview with the deputy commissioner overseeing the department.
Penpushing further reports that the letter dated February 3, 2026, explained that the invitation was part of a fact-finding exercise, as the command is probing a case of bribery and financial inducement and requires clarifications from the chief to advance its investigation.
“This is a fact-finding invitation…Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of criminal justice delivery and fairness. Please be punctual and note that you are at liberty to come along with your lawyer,” the letter read.
Penpushing also reports that the letter emphasised that the invitation was issued pursuant to the investigative powers of the Nigeria Police Force as provided under Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act, 2020.
The police spokesperson, however, declined to provide further details on the nature of the investigation, and equally kept mute whether the invitation was connected to the ongoing tussle over the Awujale stool.
Penpushing reports that Babaseyi, a deputy superintendent of police, pointed out that the matter remained under investigation and that the command would not make additional comments at this stage.
The assistant to the invite who is the Olisa and head of the Ilamuren council in Ijebu-Ode, with roles in traditional leadership and local customary governance, Rasheedi Omotayo when contacted promised to respond to the matter but as at the time of filing this report had yet to respond.
Penpushing further reports that it would be recalled that there has been publicly feud over the selection of new Awujale for the ancient town, and a week ago residents of the town embarked on a peaceful protest.
The protest was in support of the Ogun State Government’s suspension of the Awujale selection process and urged strict enforcement of fairness and called for stiff penalties for bribe givers and takers.
The protesters, organised under groups such as Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu‑Ode Progressive Youths, carried placards emphasising the need for transparency and an unbiased process as they marched through major streets in the town.
Penpushing also reports that the Ogun state government ordered the suspension of the process following rising tensions, petitions and security concerns surrounding the race to fill the vacant stool.
The Awujale stool it would be recalled became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years and was widely respected across Ijebuland and beyond.
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