The Ogun State Government has again suspended the selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland, ordering a halt to all activities and deploying heavy security around the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode.
The stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona. In a statement, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, said the suspension was to preserve peace, protect public order and safeguard the integrity of the process. This is the second halt in less than a month, after an earlier suspension in December over procedural lapses that could lead to litigation.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House had earlier shortlisted 95 contenders for the throne. Regent and head of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, Dr. Sonny Kuku, confirmed the pause, saying consultations with the government were ongoing to ensure the process resumes peacefully. He dismissed claims of government interference or imposition, insisting the kingmakers remain independent and committed to selecting the best candidate.
Security agencies, including the DSS, also suspended the planned profiling of aspirants in line with the government’s directive. Meanwhile, one of the contenders, Wasiu Adesanya, wrote to the state government urging that the process, when resumed, should be inclusive, transparent and fair to avoid disenfranchising any qualified aspirant.
The state government said the action was taken under the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of 2021 to maintain peace and protect the prestige of the Awujale stool.
