- Ijebu Ode Residents March Against Suspension of Awujale Selection Process
- Aspirants were reportedly invited to the state headquarters of the DSS
- Olorogun Sunny Kuku has dismissed claims of government interference
Residents of Ijebu Ode on Friday staged a peaceful protest over alleged plans by the Ogun State Government to impose the next Awujale on the people.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the protesters marched along Awujale Palace Road towards the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat, expressing concern over what they described as troubling developments in the selection process for the revered traditional stool.
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Earlier in the week, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had submitted the names of more than 90 eligible aspirants to the kingmakers for consideration. However, the process was later suspended by the Ogun State Government, which directed that all steps be halted until further notice.
Following the suspension, aspirants were reportedly invited to the state headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), a move that further fuelled speculation and public unease.
In a directive signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the state government cited alleged procedural flaws in the submission made by the ruling house as the reason for its intervention.
The development sparked mixed reactions across Ijebu land, with many residents alleging that the government was positioning itself to favour a preferred candidate for the Awujale stool.
In its official communication, the Ogun State Government said the decision to suspend the process was taken in the interest of public order, to protect the integrity of the selection exercise and to preserve the dignity of the vacant Awujale throne.
The government recalled that it had earlier suspended the process on December 18, 2025, after identifying procedural issues which it warned could lead to legal disputes over the installation of a new monarch.
Meanwhile, the Awujale regent, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, has dismissed claims of government interference, insisting that Governor Dapo Abiodun is not involved in the selection of the next Awujale.
According to him, the governor’s role is limited to ensuring peace and preventing unrest during the process. He added that the kingmakers are still awaiting official reports from security agencies and other relevant stakeholders before taking further steps.
