Ogun Govt halts Awujale selection process, cites security reports, petitions

The Ogun State Government has halted the ongoing selection process for the new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, announced this in a letter dated January 20, 2025 and addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government.

The government said it halted the ongoing process after receiving “several” petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the process.

Daily Trust reports that this is the second time the government would stop the selection process to pick the successor of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Oba Adetona joined his ancestors last year after reigning for 65 years.

Daily Trust reports that the race to fill the vacant stool has been intense, marked by controversy and intrigue.

Last week, the Fusengbuwa Ruling, next line to produce the Awujale, submitted list of 94 princes and one princess cleared as candidates for the stool.

The ruling house subsequently had passed the responsibility to the kingmakers to select the new Awujale out the 95 candidates before the latest development from the government, halting the process.

“In this regard, the State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process.

“In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time,” Hamzat said in the statement.

In taking this decision, the Commissioner said government had “due regard to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021 which empower it to “set aside an appointment if the Executive Council is satisfied that it is in the interest of peace, order and good government to do so.”

He explained that the government “acted proactively without further delay in the interest of peace, order and good government by halting the process in its entirety.”

Hamzat added that “Therefore, the State Government hereby directs that you convey this decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House immediately.

“The latter particularly, should be advised to await further directives regarding the selection process.”

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