The Ogun State Government has outrightly nullified the ongoing selection process for the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July at the age of 91 after a 65‑year reign.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which had been directed to produce the next Awujale, had commenced screening of no fewer than 60 princes after receiving a letter dated December 2, 2025, from the Ijebu Ode Local Government.
However, the exercise was suspended after the state government summoned representatives of the ruling house and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee to a meeting on Tuesday.
Vice Chairman of the ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that the government ordered the process restarted, citing procedural errors that could expose the installation to litigation.
Strict Adherence to Chieftaincy Laws
The meeting, chaired by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ganiyu Hamzat, emphasized compliance with the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State and the 1957 chieftaincy declaration governing the Awujale stool.
Prof. Yusuf explained that the intervention was necessary to ensure transparency and legality.
“The government wants us to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law regarding the installation of the Awujale. To avoid unnecessary litigation, we have agreed to start all over again,” he said.
A senior government official, speaking anonymously, dismissed claims of interference, clarifying that the local government had “jumped the gun” by initiating the process without following due procedure.
The official noted that the ruling house must first formally notify the local government, which would then seek authorisation from the ministry before the process can begin.
Stakeholders agreed that restarting the process was the best way to safeguard the integrity of the succession, given that the Awujale stool has remained unchanged for 65 years.
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