Install New Awujale Before Ileya, Chief Imam Appeals to Gov. Abiodun

Install New Awujale Before Ileya, Chief Imam Appeals to Gov. Abiodun
Ayanbadejo acknowledged recent infrastructural strides in the state but appealed for immediate action on the traditional leadership vacuum
Ayanbadejo maintained that the kingmakers had already completed their assignment and appealed for reconciliation

The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, has called on Dapo Abiodun to urgently resolve the delay in appointing a new Awujale, warning that the absence of a monarch could affect preparations for the upcoming Eid al-Adha.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the appeal came during a send-off ceremony for Hajj pilgrims at Gateway International Airport, where the cleric stressed the cultural and spiritual importance of having a reigning monarch in place before the festival, widely known as Ileya in the region.

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Sanwo-Olu said the late traditional

His intervention follows a similar call by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, whose chairman, Abdulateef Owoyemi, had earlier urged the state government to allow kingmakers conclude the selection process, which was suspended in January.

Addressing the governor, Ayanbadejo acknowledged recent infrastructural strides in the state but appealed for immediate action on the traditional leadership vacuum in Ijebuland.

“However, Governor, I am using the names of all our royal fathers… to beg you that the Muslim festival, Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) is just a few days away, yet the Ijebu land is yet to have the new Awujale,” he said.

He emphasised that Eid-al-Adha holds deep cultural significance for the people, noting that preparations for the festival are often made well in advance due to its importance.

Highlighting longstanding traditions, the cleric recalled that since 1875, when Oba Tunwase provided land and a ram for the celebration, it has become customary for the reigning Awujale to provide the sacrificial ram during the festival.

Install New Awujale Before Ileya, Chief Imam Appeals to Gov. Abiodun — Chief Imam of Ijebu Land and Chairman, League of Alfas and Imams, Ijebu Land, Alhaji Miftaudeen Ayanbadejo

“If we do not have a monarch this year, who will provide the ram?” he asked.

Ayanbadejo maintained that the kingmakers had already completed their assignment and appealed for reconciliation if any disagreements had arisen during the process.

“In the name of God, I appeal to Your Excellency… to kindly intervene so that Ijebuland can have a new Awujale before the Ileya festival,” he said.

The Awujale stool has remained vacant since the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona in 2025 after a 65-year reign.

Before the process was halted, 95 candidates, including 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, had been nominated for the throne.