Ogun govt. halts Awujale selection process over security, peace concerns

The Ogun State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the ongoing process for selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland, citing concerns related to security, peace, and the integrity of the revered traditional institution.

This directive was contained in an official letter issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Office of the Honourable Commissioner, Abeokuta, dated January 20, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.

According to the letter, referenced CHM.5/277/210, the state government acknowledged that the Awujale stool remains one of the foremost traditional stools in Yoruba land and Ogun State in particular. It noted that the long and impactful reign of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who ruled for 65 years, significantly enhanced the prestige, esteem, and modern relevance of the throne.

The government stated that these realities have drawn heightened public attention, scrutiny, and stakeholder interest in the emergence of the next Awujale.

“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,” the letter read.

It added that to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and preserve the veneration of the stool, the government considered it imperative to halt the process at this time.

The decision, the government explained, was taken in accordance with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the Executive Council to set aside appointments where it is deemed necessary for the interest of peace, order, and good governance.

“Thus, given the reports at its disposal, the government has elected to act proactively without further delay in the interest of peace, order and good governance by halting the process in its entirety,” the letter stated.

Consequently, the chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government was directed to immediately convey the decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, with specific instructions that all parties should await further directives from the state government regarding the selection process.

The letter was signed by Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to due process, peace, and stability in traditional institutions across Ogun State.

The suspension is expected to calm tensions and allow authorities to address issues raised by stakeholders before any further steps are taken toward the emergence of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.