The Ogun State Government has halted the ongoing selection process for the vacant Awujale stool and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland
Prof. Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, confirmed the suspension in a phone interview on Wednesday. The stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July at the age of 91, after a 65-year reign.
A letter dated December 2, 2025, and signed by Oke Adebanjo, Secretary of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, instructed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to nominate candidates for the Awujale stool within 14 days. The ruling house began the process, attracting over 60 princes, and scheduled candidate screenings for Monday, December 15.
The exercise was suspended after the state government summoned representatives of the ruling house and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee to a meeting on Tuesday. Presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat, the meeting aimed to ensure full compliance with chieftaincy laws.
Prof. Yusuf explained that the government directed a restart of the selection process due to procedural lapses that could lead to legal disputes. He stressed that the intervention was standard, ensuring adherence to the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1957 chieftaincy declaration governing the Awujale stool.
“The meeting with the government was to ensure everything falls in place,” Yusuf said. “We will soon receive a new letter from the local government to restart the process. The earlier 14-day directive has been withdrawn. No candidate list has been submitted to the kingmakers, so there is nothing to worry about.”
A senior government official, speaking anonymously, also confirmed the suspension, noting that the meeting was meant to correct procedural errors, not interfere with the ruling house.
“The local government acted prematurely, not following the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1957 chieftaincy declaration,” the official said. “We have advised all parties on the proper procedure to prevent litigation.
“To properly begin the process, the ruling house must formally notify the local government of its readiness. The local government will then seek authorization from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Considering the Awujale stool has remained unchanged for 65 years, it is understandable that some officials may be unfamiliar with the process.”
The government assured that restarting the selection process will ensure full compliance with the law and prevent disputes over the installation of the next Awujale.
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