Ogun govt halts selection process for new Awujale of Ijebuland

The Ogun State Government has put a stop to the ongoing selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland.

This decision was communicated by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government on Tuesday.

Very Nigerian reports that the government had earlier nullified the previous selection process for the vacant Awujale stool.

The state government then directed the Fusengbuwa ruling house to restart the process, ensuring it follows the existing laws.

This, according to the government, was to address procedural lapses in the selection process.

However, the Commissioner in the letter explained that several petitions and reports were received from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process.

He argued that in order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the veneration of the stool, halting the process was necessary.

Part of the letter which serial number CHM.5/27T/210 dated 20th January, 2026 reads: ” 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.

“In taking this decision, government has 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.

“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 government by halting the process in its entirety.

“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.”

Recall that the Awujale stool became vacant in July following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona who died at the age of 91 after a 65-year reign.

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