The Ogun State Government has nullified the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland and has directed the Fusengbuwa ruling house to restart the exercise in strict compliance with existing laws.
The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed the development, stating that the decision followed a government meeting convened to address procedural irregularities identified in the initial process.
The meeting, which held on Tuesday, brought together representatives of the ruling house, the Ijebu Ode Local Government, and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee. It was presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91 after a 65-year reign.
Earlier, the Ijebu Ode Local Government, in a letter dated December 2, 2025, had instructed the Fusengbuwa ruling house—whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale—to commence the selection process and submit a list of candidates within 14 days.
The ruling house subsequently began the process, with more than 60 princes reportedly expressing interest, and December 15 was scheduled for the selection meeting.
However, Prof. Yusuf explained that the state government ordered the process to be restarted after identifying procedural lapses that could lead to prolonged legal disputes.
He noted that the intervention was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration governing the Awujale stool. According to him, the initial directive from the local government has been withdrawn, and a new process will begin once fresh instructions are issued.
“We have not submitted any list to the kingmakers, so there is no cause for concern. The family will reconvene and strictly follow the guidelines provided by the government to prevent unnecessary litigation,” Yusuf said.
