Ogun Govt suspends Awujale succession amid rising tensions

By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA

The Ogun State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the ongoing selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebu land following rising tensions, multiple petitions and security reports.

The directive, conveyed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat, cited the need to preserve peace, public order and the sanctity of the revered Awujale stool.

Consequently, the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council cancelled a planned meet-and-greet with nominees at the palace and directed them to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Ijebu-Ode for profiling. The late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, reigned for 65 years.

Hamzat said the action was taken under the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, empowering the government to intervene where necessary to forestall a breakdown of law and order. Security presence was also reinforced around the palace.

While clarifying that the DSS did not initiate the suspension, a source said the profiling was part of standard vetting but was halted following the government’s directive.

The Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Council and Head of Kingmakers, Sonny Kuku, said the council is engaging the state government to understand the suspension and expressed optimism that the process would soon resume, dismissing claims of government interference or bias by the kingmakers.