By Peter Omopo
The Ogun State Government has again suspended the process for selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland, ordering a halt to all activities related to the succession and deploying heavy security presence to the Awujale palace in Ijebu-Ode.
The directive, issued on Wednesday, marked the second suspension of the process in less than a month. Correspondents observed a strong presence of police officers and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at the palace following the government’s decision.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91 after a historic 65-year reign.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ganiyu Hamzat, the state government said the decision was taken to preserve public order, protect the integrity of the selection process and safeguard the prestige of the revered traditional institution.
“Given the reports at its disposal, the 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,” the statement read. “The Fusengbuwa Ruling House should await further directives regarding the selection process.”
The government had earlier suspended the process on December 18, 2025, citing procedural lapses capable of triggering legal disputes.
Prior to the latest suspension, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had shortlisted 95 contenders—94 princes and one princess—during a nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu-Ode. The succession exercise has since attracted widespread attention, including legal action by Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1), who sought an interim injunction at the state High Court to stop the process.
Confirming the development, the Regent of Ijebuland and Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, Dr Sonny Kuku, said the committee received a message from the government indicating that the process had been temporarily halted.
“Today, we received a message from the government indicating that the process has been temporarily halted. At the moment, we do not know the reason, but we are consulting with them to ensure the process resumes,” Kuku said, adding that the public was eager for the emergence of a new Awujale.
He dismissed claims of government interference, describing such reports as speculative. According to him, the kingmakers are fully aware of the gravity of their responsibility and would not tolerate any form of imposition.
“The government does not sit with the kingmakers during deliberations. We try to separate fact from speculation. If any form of imposition occurs, we will certainly let the public know,” he said.
Kuku also explained that the presence of security personnel at the palace was not intended to influence the process but to signal that the selection exercise had been temporarily suspended. He assured residents that there was no conflict and appealed for calm while consultations with the government continue.
He further stated that the kingmakers had not received any of the petitions reportedly submitted by stakeholders and security agencies, which the government referenced in its decision to halt the process.
“We have not received any petitions. That is why we are consulting with the government. Once discussions are concluded, we will make a statement as quickly as possible,” he said.
The regent also rejected allegations that the kingmakers had been compromised or were favouring any candidate, noting that they had been painstakingly reviewing 95 applications and more than 1,200 documents.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed that the 95 nominees had been scheduled for profiling at its Ijebu-Ode office as part of the vetting process. However, the exercise was suspended in compliance with the state government’s directive. The agency stressed that the suspension was a government decision.
In a related development, one of the contenders, Mr Wasiu Adewale Olasunkanmi Adesanya, has written to the Ogun State Government, urging that the process be resumed in an inclusive, transparent and fair manner.
In a letter dated January 21, 2026, addressed to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and signed by his counsel, Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, Adesanya commended the government for suspending the process in the interest of peace and good governance.
He asserted his eligibility as a member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and urged the government to ensure that no qualified contender is excluded when the process resumes, warning that inclusiveness would strengthen unity and uphold the legitimacy of the Awujale stool.
The Ogun State Government said its actions were taken in line with provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of 2021, reiterating its commitment to a peaceful and credible succession process in Ijebuland.
