Awujale selection process cancelled by Ogun State Government over procedural errors, with ruling house directed to restart the exercise
The Ogun State Government has cancelled the Awujale selection process for the installation of a new paramount ruler of Ijebuland, citing procedural errors that could expose the exercise to legal challenges.
The development was confirmed by the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Professor Fassy Yusuf, after a meeting involving representatives of the ruling house, the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee and officials of the state government.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July at the age of 91, bringing to an end a historic 65 year reign as monarch of Ijebuland.
In a letter dated December 2, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Oke Adebanjo, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had been directed to submit names of eligible candidates within 14 days, in line with its turn to produce the next Awujale.
Acting on the directive, the ruling house commenced the selection exercise, which reportedly attracted about 60 princes, and fixed December 15 for the screening of aspirants before the process was halted.
Professor Yusuf said the Awujale selection process was cancelled after the state government identified lapses in how the exercise was initiated, warning that the errors could open the door to prolonged litigation if allowed to stand.
Professor Yusuf explained that the government withdrew the initial authorisation letter and directed strict adherence to the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State as well as the 1957 chieftaincy declaration guiding succession to the Awujale stool.
According to Professor Yusuf, the intervention was not unusual and was agreed upon by all parties to safeguard the integrity of the revered traditional institution. He added that the ruling house would reconvene once a fresh directive is issued and begin the process anew.
A senior state government official who participated in the meeting, but spoke on condition of anonymity, said the decision was not an act of interference but a necessary corrective step to ensure compliance with extant laws.
The official described the move as a decisive effort to prevent future disputes and preserve public confidence in the succession process.
Also read: K1 De Ultimate defends bid for Awujale throne amid criticism
Stakeholders in Ijebuland continue to follow developments closely as preparations are expected to begin for a fresh, law compliant selection of the next Awujale.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
