THE Ogun State Government has suspended the ongoing selection process for the vacant Awujale stool, the paramount traditional title in Ijebuland, citing procedural lapses.
The development was confirmed yesterday by the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, during an interview.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025 at the age of 91, ending a 65-year reign.
In a letter dated December 2, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the Ijebu Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House was asked to nominate a successor within 14 days.
Acting on the letter, the ruling house commenced the process, attracting over 60 princes and fixing December 15 for the screening of aspirants.
However, the exercise was suspended after the state government invited representatives of the ruling house and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee to a meeting aimed at ensuring compliance with existing Chieftaincy laws.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, which was chaired by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, Prof. Yusuf said the government directed that the entire process be restarted due to procedural errors that could lead to legal disputes.
He noted that the intervention was necessary to ensure strict adherence to the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State and the 1957 chieftaincy declaration governing the Awujale stool. According to him, the earlier letter authorising the process has been withdrawn and a fresh directive is expected.
A senior government official, who attended the meeting but requested anonymity, also confirmed the suspension, dismissing claims of undue interference.
The official explained that the local government did not follow the proper procedure in initiating the process and that corrective steps were taken to avoid potential litigation.
The official added that the ruling house is expected to formally notify the local government of its readiness before the process can be properly authorised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.