Ogun Suspends Awujale Selection Again Amid Security Concerns

The Ogun State government has once again put the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebu land on hold.

Our correspondent in Ijebu Ode reports that security at the Awujale palace was heightened on Wednesday, with police and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to the area.

The Awujale throne became vacant in July 2025 following the death of 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona, who ruled for 65 years.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the government said the decision to suspend the process was due to numerous petitions from security agencies and other key stakeholders.

The statement partly read:

“The Awujale stool is one of the foremost and most prestigious chieftaincy titles in Yoruba land and Ogun State. The stature of the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for sixty-five years, significantly enhanced the modern esteem of the stool.

“The focus and scrutiny on the next Awujale are therefore considerable. The State Government has received multiple petitions, reports from security agencies, and inputs from stakeholders regarding the ongoing selection process.

“To preserve public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the respect due the stool, it has become necessary to halt the selection at this time.

“This decision is made in line with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the government to set aside an appointment in the interest of peace, order, and good governance.

“The Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House are to be notified immediately and advised to await further directives regarding the selection process.”

This marks the second suspension of the Awujale selection process. The first was in December 2025, when the government halted it citing procedural errors.