The Ogun State government has directed that the ongoing selection process to determine the next Awujale of Ijebuland be suspended immediately.
The directive was contained in a letter dated January 20, 2026, issued by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, and addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.
According to the letter, Naijaonpoint reports that the government cited security issues and several petitions from security agencies and critical stakeholders against the process as reasons for the directive to halt the selection process for the new Awujale.
The government described the Awujale stool as a foremost stool in Yoruba land generally, and in Ogun State, and in order to maintain the integrity of the entire process, the government has ordered the suspension of the process.
“The Awujale stool is a foremost stool in Yoruba land generally and in Ogun State particularly. The stature of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona; who reigned for sixty-five years significantly enhanced the modern esteem and prestige of the stool.
“In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time,” the Commissioner said.
Hamzat explained that the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the state government to intervene where necessary.
“Government has had due regard to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empower it to set aside an appointment if the Executive Council is satisfied that it is in the interest of peace, order and good government to do so,” he noted.
Hamzat added that the government needed to take proactive action to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
“Given the reports at its disposal, government has elected to act proactively without further delay in the interest of peace, order and good government by halting the process in its entirety,” he submitted.
The Commissioner directed the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government to immediately convey the government’s decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
“The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, in particular, should be advised to await further directives regarding the selection process,” the letter stated.