The Ogun State Government has put the selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland on hold, citing urgent security concerns, numerous public petitions, and the necessity to maintain peace as well as the esteemed traditions surrounding the role.
On January 20, 2026, Honourable Ganiyu Hamzat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, issued an official statement announcing the suspension. He noted that this decision follows a reel of petitions and reports from security agencies and stakeholders closely involved in the succession process. The government recognizes the significance of the Awujale seat as one of the most respected traditional institutions within Yorubaland, especially in Ogun State.
The late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who held the throne for an impressive 65 years, has greatly enriched the reputation and importance of the position, attracting both local and international scrutiny regarding his successor. Thus, the urgency for the government to take appropriate and prompt actions is highlighted.
“The State Government has received various petitions and intelligence reports concerning the current selection process. To uphold public safety, ensure the credibility of the process, and respect the sanctity of the stool, it is crucial to suspend the selection at this time,” the statement notes.
The government references the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which grants the Executive Council the authority to halt appointments as necessary for maintaining peace and good governance. By acting preemptively, the government aims to prevent any potential disruption of law and order, ensuring that the Awujale succession is conducted in a transparent and widely accepted manner.
As a result, the government has instructed that the suspension be communicated immediately to both the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, with the latter specifically advised to await further instructions from the government regarding the continuation of the selection process.
This recent move temporarily stalls the much-anticipated succession for the esteemed Awujale throne as the Ogun State Government reviews the situation, reiterating its dedication to arriving at a peaceful, credible, and inclusive solution.
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