Ogun Halts Awujale Selection Amid Heightened Security
Armed security operatives from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun, and So-Safe Corps have intensified security around the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway leading to the Ijebu-Ode palace, amid concerns that influential interests might attempt to interfere with the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
On Monday, January 19, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House leaders, including Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori Ebi), and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman), submitted the list of 95 nominees to the kingmakers, who were scheduled to begin the selection process at the palace.
Security operatives were deployed to monitor the entrance.
However, a letter dated January 20, 2026, from the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs directed both the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to suspend the selection process until further notice.
The directive, signed by Commissioner Ganiyu Hamzat, cited security concerns, the need to maintain public order, and the protection of the stool’s integrity.
“State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders regarding the ongoing selection process. To maintain public order and safeguard the sanctity of the stool, it is imperative to halt the selection process at this time,” Hamzat stated.
Among the 95 nominees reportedly is a prince endorsed by the Oracle (Ifa) as the ideal candidate to succeed the late Oba Adetona and transform Ijebuland.
Other nominees include Princess Oluwakemi Adetokunboh, Prince Adebisi Kadiri, Prince Abdul-Fatai Arowolo, Prince Olumuyiwa Adeyemi, Prince Okeowo Obafemi, and Prince Adegbenga Bakare.
Owoyemi, Otunba Jadiara of Ijebuland and former ICAN President, said the royal family had conducted extensive traditional research through the oracles to support a preferred candidate, whom he declined to name.
He described the nomination of the 95 candidates as peaceful and harmonious, expressing confidence that the kingmakers and government would select the candidate blessed by God and the ancestors.
“We have no doubt that the kingmakers will select the person appointed by Almighty God, blessed by our ancestors,” Owoyemi said.
“Even those not appointed will serve in the palace, and there will be no litigation. We are hopeful the government will support the family’s choice, and Ijebu will become the greatest city in Africa.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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