The Ogun State Government has again suspended the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland, even as the Department of State Services (DSS), Ogun State Command, invited some nominees for screening.
The latest suspension was conveyed in a circular dated January 20, 2026, marking the second time the process has been put on hold by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun. The exercise was earlier suspended on December 18, 2025, over what the government described as procedural lapses.
Following the initial suspension, the state government, on January 6, 2026, directed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to resume the process and conclude it within 14 days. However, just as the Awujale kingmakers were preparing to select one candidate from the 95 nominees submitted by the ruling house, the government issued another directive halting the exercise.
The government cited security concerns, petitions from stakeholders, and the need to protect public order and the integrity of the Awujale stool as reasons for the renewed suspension.
Meanwhile, some of the nominees were invited by the DSS to its office in Ijebu-Ode for profiling. A nominee who spoke on the development said the invitation coincided with the date and time the kingmakers were expected to meet at the palace.
Several nominees were seen entering the DSS office at Igbeba GRA, opposite the NTA premises in Ijebu-Ode. However, a source close to the DSS clarified that the exercise was strictly for profiling and not connected to the suspension of the selection process.
According to the source, the DSS screening was a routine security vetting procedure planned to take place after palace screening by the kingmakers. Invitations had reportedly been sent to nominees through the Palace Secretary before the state government issued the suspension directive.
“The exercise was not stopped by the DSS or any security agency. The suspension was ordered by the state government through an official circular that is already in the public domain,” the source said, adding that the DSS subsequently suspended its vetting in compliance with the government’s directive.
Security was visibly reinforced around the Ijebu-Ode palace, with operatives drawn from the police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, and the So-Safe Corps deployed along the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway. The heightened security followed concerns over alleged attempts by powerful interests to influence the selection process.
Earlier, leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had submitted the list of 95 nominees to the Awujale kingmakers on Monday, January 19. The nomination list was endorsed by the Olori-Ebi of the ruling house, Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, alongside other principal members of the family.
In a letter signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, and addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the state government directed the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to halt all further actions on the selection process until further notice.
The letter noted that the Awujale stool is one of the most prominent traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Ogun State, stressing that the long reign of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, had further elevated its prestige. It added that the sensitivity surrounding the emergence of the next Awujale necessitated proactive government intervention to safeguard peace, order, and good governance.
The government assured that further directives would be issued in due course.
Post comments (0)