Ogun Government Nullifies Awujale Selection Process Over Procedural Flaws

The Ogun State Government cancelled the ongoing selection process for the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, citing procedural irregularities that could expose the exercise to legal challenges.

The development was confirmed on Wednesday by the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, during a telephone interview with Global Mirror News.

He disclosed that the State Government directed the ruling house to restart the entire process in line with existing Chieftaincy laws.

The revered Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025. The monarch passed away at the age of 91 after an unprecedented 65-year reign that shaped the cultural and socio-political identity of Ijebuland.

In a letter dated December 2, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Oke Adebanjo, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House was formally instructed to nominate a successor.

The ruling house was given a 14-day deadline to conclude the process and submit the names of eligible candidates.

Acting on the directive, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House commenced the selection process, which reportedly attracted over 60 Princes. Screening of aspirants was scheduled for Monday, December 15.

However, the exercise was abruptly suspended after the Ogun State Government summoned representatives of the ruling house and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee to a meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting, presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat, was convened to ensure compliance with extant chieftaincy laws.

According to Prof. Yusuf, the Government identified procedural errors in how the process was initiated and consequently withdrew the earlier directive.

“The Government wants us to strictly adhere to the provisions of the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State and the 1957 chieftaincy declaration governing the Awujale stool,” Yusuf said. “The earlier letter has been withdrawn, and we are to begin the process afresh once a new directive is issued.”

He added that the ruling house had not submitted any list of candidates to the kingmakers, stressing that restarting the process would not create complications.

A Senior State Government Official, who attended the meeting but spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed the suspension.

The Official dismissed allegations of Government interference, explaining that the intervention was solely to correct errors made by the Local Government in initiating the process.

“The Local Government jumped the gun and did not follow the laid-down procedure,” the source said. “The ruling house must first formally notify the Local Government of its readiness before the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs authorises the commencement of the selection process. This is to prevent avoidable litigation.”

The official noted that given the long interval since the last installation of an Awujale, some officials may be unfamiliar with the detailed procedure, necessitating the Government’s corrective action.