Wasiu Ayinde Petitions Ogun Govt over Exclusion from Awujale Selection Process

Sunday Ehigiator

Popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Adesanya, has petitioned Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the State Executive Council over his alleged wrongful exclusion from the nomination exercise for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland.In the petition written by his solicitors, W.K. Shittu (SAN) & Co, Adesanya alleged that the nomination meeting held on January 12, 2026, at Bisrod Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, was marred by grave procedural irregularities, including the exclusion of eligible members of the ruling house.

According to the petition, Adesanya remains an acknowledged member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and was duly qualified to participate in the process to nominate candidates for the Awujale stool following the demise of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.However, he and several other eligible members were allegedly denied entry into the venue by security operatives, including police officers, based on a “delegate” system which, the petitioner claimed, was unilaterally introduced and unknown to customary law.The legal team stated that the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government had earlier invited members of the ruling house to a statutory meeting in line with customary law and Ogun State chieftaincy regulations. They alleged that despite this, only selected persons with special entry cards were allowed access to the venue, effectively disenfranchising other legitimate members.

Adesanya’s lawyers argued that the process violated the Obas, Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council Law of Ogun State, 2021, particularly Section 16(1)(f), which requires that candidates be nominated at a proper meeting of the ruling house.

They also alleged a breach of the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy Declaration and a violation of the constitutional right to fair hearing as guaranteed under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The deliberate exclusion of our client and other eligible members from the nomination meeting is a blatant violation of their fundamental right to fair hearing and renders the entire exercise null and void,” the petition stated, citing Supreme Court authorities on the principle of audi alteram partem.

The petition further described the actions of the leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House as repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience, and an unlawful exercise of authority that undermines transparency in chieftaincy matters.

Among the reliefs sought, Adesanya urged the Ogun State Executive Council to declare the January 12 nomination exercise null and void, direct a fresh and inclusive nomination process, and ensure strict compliance with relevant laws and customary provisions. He also asked the government to prevent any further exclusion of bona fide members of the ruling house.

The petition listed at least 15 princes and princesses who were allegedly prevented from entering the venue and noted that a flash drive containing evidence of the alleged incidents was attached.

“Names of members of the family prevented from entering the venue of the nomination exercise: Prince Adetayo Abayomi Oduneye; Prince Adeyemo Ridwan Afolohunso Oduneye; Prince M. O. Alatishe; Princess Adetoun Oduneye; Prince Adebambo Oduneye; Prince Ashiru Saheed Orisanmi; Prince Adesanya Johnson Adekunle; Prince Adesanya Adetayo; Prince Tunde Banjo; Prince Orekoya Adekitan; Princess Bolanle Ashiru; Prince Olalekan Olubanjo; Princess Temitope Ashiru; Princess Saidat Ashiru; and Prince Adebola Adesanya.”

Adesanya, through his counsel, warned that failure by the state government to take urgent steps to address the grievances would compel him to seek redress in court, insisting that the petition was submitted without prejudice to his constitutional and customary rights.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the Attorney General of Ogun State, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the kingmakers, the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, and Governor Dapo Abiodun.