Our correspondent, currently at Ijebu Ode, also observed heavy security deployment at the Awujale palace on Wednesday, including officers from the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the government explained that the suspension is due to numerous petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders. The statement has since gone viral.
The statement reads in part:
“I write in respect of the ongoing process for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland. As you are aware, the Awujale stool is one of the foremost stools in Yoruba land and in Ogun State, where it is a paramount chieftaincy.
“The stature of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for sixty-five years, significantly enhanced the prestige of the stool. These realities place a lot of focus, attention, and scrutiny on the next Awujale and the process by which he emerges.
“The State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies, and input from key stakeholders regarding the ongoing selection process.
“To maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and preserve the veneration of the stool, it has become necessary to halt the selection at this time.
“In taking this decision, the government has acted in accordance with the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers it to set aside an appointment if satisfied that it is in the interest of peace, order, and good governance.
“Given the reports at its disposal, the Government has elected to act proactively without further delay by halting the process entirely.
“The State Government hereby directs that this decision be conveyed to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the latter of which should await further directives regarding the selection process.”
This is the second time the Ogun State government has suspended the selection process. The first suspension occurred around December 18, 2025, due to alleged procedural errors.
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