Heavy security was deployed on Monday at Bisirodipe Hall in the Government Reserved Area of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House began its nomination process to select the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Dozens of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were stationed within and around the venue ahead of the exercise, which was scheduled to commence at noon.
Members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, delegates, observers and residents gathered at the hall, prompting security operatives to restrict access to only accredited participants. Several individuals without clearance were turned back at the entrance.
Supporters believed to be loyal to Fuji musician and Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, were also denied entry for failing to present valid passes.
Ayinde has raised objections to the ongoing process, alleging attempts to exclude him from participating in the selection of candidates. In a petition dated January 8, 2026, addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun through his lawyer, Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, he accused the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of acting in violation of the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law.
The musician, who claims membership of the Fidipote Ruling House, had earlier approached the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu Ode seeking to halt the nomination process. The court declined to grant an interim injunction, after which Ayinde withdrew the suit without stating reasons.
The nomination exercise resumed following an earlier suspension and a directive from the Ijebu Ode Local Government, dated January 6, 2026, instructing the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to conclude the process within 14 days.
Ayinde said he was surprised by a notice issued by the family’s Public Relations Officer, Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa, directing aspirants to obtain nomination cards and appear before a screening committee, arguing that the procedure disenfranchised eligible members of the ruling house.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025. The late monarch reigned for 65 years and passed away at the age of 91, with scores of princes now expressing interest in succeeding him.
