- Awujale Selection: Osugbo Calls for Fresh Council of Afobajes in Ogun
- Oluwo Omobolanle Bakare criticised the exclusion of the Osugbo Society from the selection process
- Chief (Mrs.) Osoteku Alawiye praised Governor Abiodun for dissolving the committee previously responsible for the selection
Members of the Osugbo Society in Ijebu-Ode have appealed to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to reconstitute the Council of Afobajes (kingmakers) to ensure transparency, credibility and adherence to tradition in the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the call was made on Tuesday during the society’s first meeting of 2026 in Ijebu-Ode, where members expressed concern over the alleged involvement of individuals in the selection process without adequate background checks.
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Speaking at the meeting, the Oluwo Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode, Oluwo Omobolanle Bakare, criticised the exclusion of the Osugbo Society from the selection process, despite its recognition as third in the traditional hierarchy under the 1957 Ijebu constitution.
According to him, allegations of financial inducement among kingmakers would not have arisen if individuals of proven integrity had been appointed.
“I want the government to investigate and verify the conduct of those who will serve as kingmakers. They should not appoint just anybody, but people with integrity. Those currently selected are not faithful at all,” Bakare said.
He further urged the governor to formally recognise the Osugbo Society as part of the Council of Afobajes, noting that the 1957 constitution explicitly lists the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as a member of the council.
“In the 1957 constitution, the Osugbo was placed in the third class. We have written to the governor to consider us as part of the Afobajes. The constitution already recognises the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as a member, but some people do not like it. That was why we protested,” he added.
Bakare commended the Ogun State Government for suspending the Awujale selection process, describing the decision as timely and necessary to prevent unrest in the ancient town.
“I see the governor’s action as a good one because without it, everything would have turned upside down,” he said.
He also questioned reports that 95 individuals were shortlisted for the Awujale position, describing the figure as highly irregular.
“I cannot understand how 95 people were presented for the Awujale selection. They should have picked two, three or four candidates and presented them to Ifa. Once the Osugbo is not involved, the process is incomplete. Without the Osugbo, there is no Council of Afobajes,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Otu-Erelu Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode and Iyalorisa General of Akile Ijebu, Chief (Mrs.) Osoteku Alawiye, praised Governor Abiodun for dissolving the committee previously responsible for the selection, describing its members as unfit for such a sensitive task.
She called on the governor to constitute a fresh and inclusive body of kingmakers, incorporating all recognised traditional institutions, including the Osugbo Society, to ensure a peaceful and credible process.
Chief Alawiye described Ijebu-Ode as a town of deep historical significance, stressing that the emergence of its monarch must strictly follow due process and traditional rites to safeguard peace and progress in Ijebuland.
