The Ijebu Progressive Elders Forum (IPEF) has publicly warned that the Ogun State administration is attempting to steer the selection of the next Awujale, the paramount traditional ruler of Ijebuland, by favouring a single aspirant rather than allowing customary procedures to run their course.
Key facts:
- The late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona died on 13 July 2025, leaving the throne vacant for more than 15 months.
- IPEF’s National President, High Chief Adebanjo Adeboluro, signed a statement demanding that Governor Dapo Abiodun withdraw from the succession “process”.
- The forum alleges that the Department of State Services (DSS) has invited some members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to investigate the sale of expression‑of‑interest forms, a move described as unwarranted interference.
- IPEF contends that a list of eligible princes, compiled under File C17/5/2 of 1943, has already been submitted to the Afobajes, the traditional custodians tasked with choosing the new monarch.
- A quoted statement from the elders reads: “The Awujale institution is bigger than any political ambition; we will not accept an imposed monarch.”
What is the current dispute about?
The controversy centres on the recognition of Otunba Olukayode Otufale as Olori‑Ebi (family head) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. IPEF argues that the rightful Olori‑Ebi should be selected by the family itself, according to long‑standing customs, and not appointed by the government to influence the succession.
How has the government responded?
Governor Abiodun, speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Ijebu‑Ode, assured attendees that a new Awujale would be crowned before 29 May 2027. He pledged that his administration would “facilitate a smooth, peaceful and widely acceptable process” and emphasized the cultural significance of the Awujale institution for Ijebuland’s unity.
Why does the forum consider the issue a threat?
IPEF describes the situation as more than a family disagreement, labeling it a “government‑engineered division”. The elders claim that the sale of expression‑of‑interest forms is an internal administrative matter, not a security threat, and that involving the DSS undermines the autonomy of the traditional house.
What does the forum demand?
- Immediate withdrawal of the governor from the succession exercise.
- Recognition of the family’s right to appoint its own Olori‑Ebi.
- Inclusion of all qualified princes from the twelve branches of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, free from political bias.
- An end to the prolonged delay that has left the throne empty for over a year.
The elders warned that the people of Ijebuland would resist any attempt to install a monarch through “political sponsorship”, insisting that the rightful Awujale must emerge through a transparent, legitimate traditional process. They added that patience should not be mistaken for weakness, and that the community retains the democratic right to respond lawfully, even through the ballot, if their wishes are ignored.
What are the next steps?
The statement leaves open the possibility of further dialogue between the traditional council, the governor’s office, and security agencies, but stresses that any resolution must respect the chieftaincy declaration that assigns the selection role to the Afobajes, while the government’s role remains supervisory.