The Ogun State Government on Wednesday halted the ongoing selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland, marking the second suspension in less than a month, as security operatives were deployed to the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode. Policemen and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were stationed at the palace following the directive.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the government said the decision was taken to preserve public order, protect the integrity of the process, and uphold the dignity of the Awujale stool, which became vacant after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025. He said the Fusengbuwa Ruling House should await further directives on the selection.
The Regent and head of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, Dr. Sonny Kuku, confirmed the suspension, saying the palace received official notice from the government. He said consultations were ongoing to enable a peaceful resumption of the process, dismissing claims of government interference and insisting that the kingmakers remained impartial and committed to selecting the best candidate.
The selection exercise, which had shortlisted 95 aspirants, had earlier been suspended in December over procedural concerns that could lead to litigation. The Department of State Services also confirmed that the profiling of nominees had been put on hold in compliance with the government’s directive, while some contenders have called for the process to resume in a transparent and inclusive manner.
