he Ogun State Government on Wednesday suspended the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland for the second time in less than one month, as security operatives were deployed to the Awujale Palace in Ijebu Ode.
A correspondent who visited the palace observed a heavy presence of police officers and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), following a directive from the state government.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91. The monarch ruled Ijebuland for 65 years.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the state government said the suspension was aimed at maintaining public order, protecting the integrity of the selection process, and preserving the dignity of the Awujale stool.
Hamzat explained that the government acted proactively to prevent any breakdown of peace, adding that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House should wait for further instructions on the next steps.
“This decision was taken in the interest of peace, order, and good governance, based on reports available to the government,” he said.
This is the second time the process has been halted. On December 18, 2025, the government had earlier suspended the exercise over alleged procedural irregularities that could lead to legal disputes.
During a nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had shortlisted 95 candidates for the throne, made up of 94 princes and one princess.
The selection has continued to draw public attention, including from Fuji musician Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM1, who approached the state high court seeking an interim injunction to stop the process.
Confirming the latest development, the Regent and head of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, Dr Sonny Kuku, said the government had temporarily paused the exercise.
According to him, the committee received a message from the government informing them of the suspension, although no reason was immediately given.
“We are consulting with the government to ensure that the process resumes as soon as possible because the people are eager for the emergence of a new Awujale,” Kuku said.
He added that the kingmakers remained confident that the government was committed to ensuring a peaceful and credible outcome.
Responding to claims of government interference, Kuku dismissed such reports as speculation, stating that the kingmakers were not aware of any attempt to influence the process.
He stressed that the kingmakers understood the importance of their responsibility and would not allow any form of imposition.
“The government does not sit with us during our deliberations. There are always rumours in situations like this, but we focus on separating facts from speculation,” he said.
On the presence of security personnel at the palace, Kuku explained that it was not meant to influence the selection but to inform the public that the process had been temporarily suspended.
“The palace belongs to the people. Securing it is a way of clearly communicating that the process is on hold. There is no conflict, and we hope the palace will reopen soon to ease public anxiety,” he added.
ICYMI
