The Ogun State Government has ordered an immediate suspension of the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland, citing petitions, security reports and the need to preserve peace and the integrity of the revered traditional stool.
The directive was conveyed in a formal letter addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
According to the state government, the decision followed growing concerns raised by stakeholders over the selection process, which has attracted intense public attention due to the prominence of the Awujale stool within Yoruba land and Ogun State in particular.
The government noted that the Awujale of Ijebuland occupies one of the foremost and most respected traditional stools in the South-West, a stature that was further elevated by the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose 65-year reign significantly enhanced the modern prestige and influence of the throne.
“These realities,” the government said, “place considerable focus and scrutiny on the choice of the next Awujale and the process through which he emerges.”
The letter disclosed that the state government had received several petitions, alongside reports from security agencies and other critical stakeholders, regarding the conduct of the selection exercise.
To forestall a breakdown of law and order and to protect the sanctity of the institution, the government resolved to halt the process.
Hon. Hamzat explained that the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the government to set aside an appointment where it is deemed necessary in the interest of peace, order and good governance.
He stressed that the government chose to act proactively, rather than wait for the situation to escalate, insisting that the suspension was in the overall interest of Ijebuland and the state at large.
Consequently, the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chairman has been directed to immediately communicate the government’s decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, in particular, was advised to suspend all actions relating to the selection process and await further directives from the state government.
The development has effectively placed the selection of a new Awujale on hold, pending further review and guidance from the Ogun State Government.
