UPDATES: IJEBU RULING HOUSE SEEKS TINUBU’S INTERVENTION OVER AWUJALE SELECTION DEADLOCK

IJEBU RULING HOUSE SEEKS TINUBU’S INTERVENTION OVER AWUJALE SELECTION DEADLOCK


The head of the Keregbetu family of Ijebu-Ode, Adegboyega Olowu, alongside princes and princesses of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeking urgent intervention in the suspended selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Olowu, the family appealed to the President to prevail on Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the suspension and allow the kingmakers to conclude the process in accordance with tradition and extant laws.

The family expressed concern that the suspension has generated tension and uncertainty in Ijebu-Ode and across Ijebuland, warning that prolonged delay could destabilise the community.

According to the statement, the recent halt in the process has created what it described as “significant tension and potential for instability,” adding that stakeholders within the ruling house are worried about the implications for law and order.

The petitioners further alleged that the suspension has led to irregular developments, including claims that one of the aspirants began presenting himself as Awujale-elect without completing the traditional selection procedure. They also referenced the circulation of a musical jingle purportedly praising the aspirant as the new monarch, describing the development as inappropriate and capable of escalating tensions.

Olowu disclosed that more than 500 stakeholders from the Keregbetu family and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House met on Febru ary 22, 2026, and resolved to send another appeal to the President. He noted that this marks the third formal appeal to the Presidency on the matter.

The family warned that failure to install a new Awujale before the forthcoming Ileya festival could affect preparations for the globally recognised Ojude Oba Festival, a major cultural event that attracts visitors from within and outside Nigeria. They argued that uncertainty surrounding the stool could discourage participation, including from members of the diaspora, and potentially impact tourism revenue in Ogun State.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years. His passing marked the end of one of the longest and most influential traditional reigns in Nigeria.

Last month, the Ogun State Government, through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, announced the suspension of the selection process for the second time, citing petitions received from security agencies and other stakeholders. The kingmakers, led by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Dr Sunny Kuku, were reportedly set to commence the process before the suspension was announced.

Meanwhile, one of the aspirants and the lawmaker representing Somolu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ademorin Aliu Kuye, has denied presenting himself as Awujale-elect. He also distanced himself from the viral musical content, stating that he neither commissioned nor endorsed any such production and suggesting it could be the handiwork of detractors.

As the impasse continues, stakeholders across Ijebuland are calling for a resolution that upholds tradition, ensures due process and preserves peace within the kingdom.

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