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The Ogun State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the selection process for a new Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ganiyu Hamzat, in a letter dated January 20 and addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government.
Hamzat said the decision followed the receipt of several petitions, reports from security agencies and submissions by key stakeholders over the ongoing process to fill the vacant stool.
According to him, the government considered it necessary to intervene in order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the selection process and preserve the sanctity of the Awujale stool.
The letter, titled “Re: Awujale Selection Process,” noted that the Awujale stool remains one of the foremost traditional institutions in Yorubaland and a paramount stool in Ogun State.
Hamzat added that the stature of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years, significantly enhanced the prestige and modern relevance of the stool, thereby placing intense public attention on the emergence of his successor.
“In this regard, the State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process,” the letter read.
“In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time.”
The commissioner said the action was taken in line with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the state executive council to set aside an appointment if it is deemed necessary in the interest of peace, order and good governance.
He explained that the government opted to act proactively to forestall a breakdown of peace and prevent further controversy surrounding the revered throne.
The government consequently directed the chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government to immediately convey the decision to the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
Hamzat stressed that the ruling house should suspend all actions relating to the selection process and await further directives from the state government.
