Ogun denies Awujale pick as the state warns that anyone spreading or promoting false claims about the royal selection will face prosecution

The Ogun State Government on Monday said it has no anointed candidate for the Awujale of Ijebuland, denying reports that it had selected a preferred contender and warning that anyone spreading or promoting such claims would face prosecution.

Also read: 95 candidates emerge for Awujale from Fusingbuwa ruling house

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, said in a statement that the government would invoke relevant laws, including Section 23(2) of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, against anyone parading themselves as Awujale-elect before the completion of the selection process.

The warning followed a nomination meeting by the Fusengbuwa ruling house, the family entitled by custom to present candidates for the vacant throne, during which 95 aspirants, made up of 94 princes and one princess, emerged.

Hamzat said the government was “seriously concerned” about what it described as false and misleading reports circulating in the media and on social platforms claiming that a particular candidate had already been chosen.

He said the process of selecting the Awujale is governed strictly by customary law, established chieftaincy declarations and existing state legislation, adding that the government would not tolerate any actions capable of causing tension or undermining peace in Ijebuland or Ogun State.

“The deliberate spread of false information, misinformation or inciting publications capable of causing disaffection or breach of the peace will not be tolerated,” Hamzat said.

The commissioner urged the public to disregard the reports and called on journalists, opinion leaders and community stakeholders to verify information through official channels.

He said the government remained committed to neutrality, fairness and respect for tradition, and to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Ijebuland.

Also read: KWAM1 questions fairness of Fusengbuwa Awujale selection

The Awujale stool became vacant in July last year following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died at the age of 91 after reigning for 65 years as the paramount ruler of Ijebu land.