The succession process to the Awujale of Ijebuland stool took a more security-focused turn on Tuesday as nominees were directed to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Ijebu-Ode.
The directive was issued by the Awujale Kingmakers Council in a letter dated January 20, 2026, and signed by the Secretary of the Awujale Afobaje Council, Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja. The letter was addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, his deputy and the vice chairman.
According to the letter, all nominees are to present themselves at the DSS office located along NTA Road, beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode, by 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
In a related development, the council announced the cancellation of the meet-and-greet earlier scheduled to hold at the Aafin Awujale, signalling a tightening of procedures around the highly sensitive selection process.
“We write to formally inform you that the meet-and-greet earlier scheduled for this morning at the Aafin Awujale has been cancelled,” 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.”
Although the purpose of the DSS engagement was not disclosed, the move is widely viewed as part of broader security and due diligence measures surrounding the emergence of a new Awujale, one of the most influential traditional institutions in Yorubaland.
The latest development comes amid the Ogun State Government’s recent decision to halt the Awujale selection process following petitions and security reports, a move that has introduced caution and heightened institutional oversight into what is traditionally a cultural exercise.
As of the time of filing this report, further details on the outcome or expectations of the DSS screening had not been made public.
