The leaders of Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode have called on Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to lift the suspension placed on the selection process of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
Read more breaking stories from our latest nigeria news
They described the suspension of the selection process as unprecedented and harmful to the peace and progress of the kingdom.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the ruling house, the Chairman, Alhaji Abdulateef Owoyemi, flanked by the Deputy Chairman, Chief Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, decried what they termed undue interference in a traditionally sacred process.
Read related news:
Gov. Abiodun, let Kingmakers, Oracle decide new Awujale, says Fusengbuwa ruling house
Fusengbuwa ruling house rejects KWAM1’s protest over Awujale selection process
Awujale stool: Leadership crisis in Fusengbuwa Ruling House shifts to court
“Today marks yet another solemn moment in the history of Ijebu-Ode, as our people continue to yearn for the emergence of a new Awujale. The delay has created uncertainty and concern among our people,” Owoyemi said.
“The late Awujale, with wisdom and foresight, entrusted the responsibility of selecting his successor to men of proven character and integrity. These kingmakers have served Ijebuland diligently for decades without blemish,” Owoyemi added.
The ruling house disclosed that it had fulfilled its statutory responsibility by submitting a list of nominated candidates to the kingmakers on January 19, 2026, in line with tradition. However, the process was abruptly halted following government intervention.
According to Owoyemi, the directive led to the sealing of the Awujale Palace and suspension of all selection activities over allegations bordering on security concerns and bribery.
“We were shocked to learn that barely two days after submitting our nomination list, the palace was sealed and the process halted over allegations that were neither substantiated nor clearly defined,” he said.
He further revealed that members of the ruling house and kingmakers were invited for questioning by security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), but no evidence of wrongdoing was established.
“As of today, none of those invited for questioning has been found culpable. The allegations remain unproven and, in our view, speculative,” he added.
Describing the suspension, which has lasted over three months, as unfair and capable of undermining the revered traditional institution, Owoyemi said the development was without precedent.
“This is unprecedented. The process has been stalled over what appears to be unverified claims by individuals who may not wish the ruling house well,” he said.
The ruling house, therefore, urged the governor to allow the immediate resumption of the process to enable kingmakers carry out their constitutional duty without further delay.
