The Ogun State Government and the Ijebu Ode Local Government have debunked reports alleging the suspension of three prominent Ijebu traditional chiefs from the Ijebu Council of Chiefs, describing the claims as false, misleading, and capable of inciting unrest.
In a joint statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, and the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, the authorities dismissed claims circulating on social media that the Kakanfo of Ijebuland, Chief Abimbola Okenla; the Lapoekun, Chief Tunde Odulaja; and the Madasa, Chief Lekan Oshifeso, had been suspended from the council.
“The Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in conjunction with the Ijebu Ode Local Government, has dismissed as false and misleading a report circulating on social media.
“Chieftaincy matters are governed by established laws, customs, and due process, none of which has been initiated in respect of the named chiefs,” the statement read.
Describing the report as the handiwork of mischief makers bent on causing confusion and disharmony within Ijebuland, the statement called on the public to disregard the rumour and rely solely on official government channels for accurate updates.
The denial comes amid mounting tension surrounding the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland, following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, after a 65-year reign.
Under the Ijebu rotational tradition, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is expected to produce candidates for consideration by the kingmakers. However, the process has been marred by delays, controversies, and petitions, prompting repeated interventions by the state government.
In the interim, the state government constituted a traditional administrative body to oversee duties pending the installation of a new monarch.
The body is chaired by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Folorunso Kuku, with Chief Lekan Oshifeso (Madasa) serving as secretary, one of the chiefs falsely rumoured to have been suspended.
Other members include Ilamurens, Pampas, and various title holders from across Ijebuland.
A fresh nomination process, which began with a meeting on January 12, 2026, was suspended again on January 20, following a spate of petitions.
On Friday, members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House held a peaceful protest, alleging attempts to impose a candidate on the people.
Against the backdrop of ongoing tension, the government and local authorities urged residents to remain calm, cautioning against the spread of unverified information that could inflame communal sentiments.
“We urge the public to verify all information through official sources and avoid being used by those seeking to disrupt peace in Ijebuland,” the statement concluded.