The Awujale Kingmakers Council has announced the cancellation of a planned meet-and-greet, earlier scheduled to be held at the Aafin Awujale in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and instead directed that all Awujale nominees report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in the town.
The directive was conveyed in a formal communication dated January 20, 2026, and addressed to key leaders of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, including its Chairman, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi; Deputy Chairman, Otunba Dokun Ajidagba; and Vice Chairman, Professor Fassy Yusuf.
According to the notice, all nominees in the ongoing Awujale selection process are required to present themselves at the DSS office located along NTA Road, beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode, by 11:00 a.m. prompt on Wednesday.
The council explained that the new directive necessitated the cancellation of the earlier engagement at the Aafin Awujale, though no specific reason was provided for the change of venue. The council, however, expressed regret over any inconvenience the sudden alteration in plans might cause.
The letter was signed by the Secretary of the Awujale Afobaje Council, Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, who urged all concerned parties to comply strictly with the directive and ensure punctual attendance.
“We write to formally inform you that the meet-and-greet earlier scheduled for this morning at the Aafin Awujale has been cancelled,” the letter partly read.
“Accordingly, the Awujale nominees are hereby directed to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office located at State Security Service (SSS) along NTA Road, beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode. Time: 11:00 a.m. prompt.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause. Kindly ensure that all concerned nominees are punctual and comply strictly with this directive.”
The development comes amid ongoing traditional and administrative processes surrounding the nomination and eventual selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland. The Awujale stool is one of the most prominent traditional institutions in Yorubaland, and its succession process often attracts significant attention from the public and government authorities alike.
The involvement of security agencies in aspects of the selection process is not unprecedented, particularly in situations involving petitions, disputes, or concerns about public order. However, the Awujale Kingmakers Council did not disclose further details regarding the purpose of the DSS engagement or what the nominees should expect during the meeting.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the council nor security authorities had issued additional statements on the outcome or implications of the DSS invitation.
Observers say the latest development underscores the sensitive nature of the Awujale succession process, which has, in recent times, been marked by petitions, official interventions, and heightened public interest across Ijebuland.
