The Ogun State Government has intervened to suspend the ongoing selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland, citing overriding concerns for public order, security, and the sanctity of the revered throne.
The directive, issued via an official letter dated January 20, 2026, from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, orders an immediate halt to all activities related to the succession. The letter, signed by the Commissioner, Ganiyu Hamzat, and addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, was made public on Wednesday.
This move follows the receipt of multiple petitions and intelligence reports from security agencies and key stakeholders regarding the contested process to find a successor to the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose historic 65-year reign ended last year.
The government’s letter emphasizes the unique stature of the Awujale stool, describing it as a foremost traditional institution in Yorubaland and a paramountcy in Ogun State. It noted that the late monarch’s transformative reign had significantly elevated the throne’s prestige and modern relevance, consequently attracting intense public and institutional scrutiny to the succession.
“Given the reports at its disposal, the government has elected to act proactively without further delay by halting the process in its entirety,” the letter stated.
The suspension is enacted under the powers granted by the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which allows the State Executive Council to intervene in a chieftaincy appointment where necessary in the interest of peace, order, and good governance.
The Ijebu-Ode Local Government has been instructed to formally communicate the decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. The ruling house, from which the next monarch must emerge, has been advised to suspend all activities and await further directives from the state government.
The intervention underscores the high stakes involved in selecting a successor to one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional stools and highlights the government’s determination to prevent any crisis that could arise from a disputed process. Political and traditional observers are now watching closely for the state’s next steps in guiding the landmark succession.
