Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Council and Head of Kingmakers, Chief Sonny Kuku, on Wednesday, confirmed that the kingmakers have halted the selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland based on the order of the Ogun State government.
He said that despite the compliance with the government order, the exact reason for the suspension order remains unclear to them.
Chief Kuku, however, added that the kingmakers have commenced consultations with the aim of resolving the matter as soon as possible.
Naijaonpoint reports that the head of the kingmakers made the position known while speaking with journalists in Ijebu-Ode.
He said before receiving the government directive, the kingmakers had already commenced work, and out of the names under consideration, only about 86 applications were deemed valid due to incomplete documentation submitted by some candidates.
“The kingmakers have already started work, and once we do, everything takes place within that enclave. We are being very careful not to say or do anything that could bias the process.
“At the moment, we do not know why the process was halted, but we are in touch with the government to understand the situation. We will do our best to ensure that the process resumes because critical stakeholders are waiting,” he added.
Chief Kuku, however, dismissed insinuations of government interference in the activities of the kingmakers, stating that the deliberations and decisions of the council are independent.
He expressed confidence that the government, like the kingmakers, is committed to ensuring a peaceful and credible outcome, noting that the selection process for the new Awujale is a sensitive matter.
“In situations like this, rumors are inevitable. The government does not sit with the kingmakers, and we do not work with them directly during our deliberations. If there is any attempt at imposition, we will not tolerate it and we will inform the public. As of now, nothing of that sort has happened,” he said.
Commenting on the presence of security agencies around the palace, Chief Kuku clarified that the move was not intended to influence the process.
“The palace is a symbol of the people. The barricade simply indicates that the process is in abeyance. There is no physical or emotional conflict. We hope it will be reopened very soon to avoid unnecessary anxiety among the people,” he explained.
On claims by the government that it received numerous petitions from stakeholders and security agencies, the kingmakers said none had been forwarded to them.
“If such petitions exist, they should be passed on to us. We have not received any. That is why we are consulting with the government, and once discussions are concluded, we will make a statement. There is nothing to worry about,” he assured.
Chief Kuku further stressed that the kingmakers are fully aware of the historical significance and impact of their task.
“Our decisions can affect the lives of the people for centuries to come. That is why we are extremely careful. We will ensure peace and that the best person emerges as the next Awujale,” he said.
Chief Kuku added that the kingmakers have no favourite among the candidates.
“We have not slept for five days. We are reviewing about 95 applications and over 1,200 documents with meticulous attention. If we were biased, we would not be putting ourselves through sleepless nights scrutinising these documents,” he stated.
Chief Kuku assured that the kingmakers are ready to resume the screening process once the suspension order from the government is lifted.