The Ogun State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) has invited people contesting for the Awujale of Ijebuland throne for screening. This is happening even though the Ogun State Government has again stopped the selection process.
In a circular dated January 20, 2026, the state government suspended the process for the second time. The first suspension was on December 18, 2025, due to mistakes in the procedure. Later, on January 6, 2026, the government asked the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to continue and finish the process within 14 days.
Just as the kingmakers were about to choose one candidate from the 95 nominees, the government again stopped the exercise. The new suspension was explained as being necessary for security reasons and to protect the dignity of the Awujale stool.
One of the nominees said they were invited to the DSS office in Ijebu-Ode on the same day and time they were supposed to be at the palace. Reporters also saw several nominees entering the DSS office at Igbeba GRA in Ijebu-Ode.
A source in the DSS explained that the invitation was only for profiling, which means collecting personal information for security checks. The source said the DSS did not stop the selection process. According to the source, the suspension came from the state government, not from any security agency.
The source explained that the nominees were meant to visit the DSS after being screened at the palace by the kingmakers. However, before the palace screening could happen, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs issued another circular stopping all activities related to the Awujale succession. Because of this, the DSS also stopped its planned screening.
The DSS stressed that it should not be blamed for the suspension and warned against spreading wrong information. It said its only concern was to ensure accurate reporting and avoid misinformation.
Meanwhile, heavy security was deployed around the Awujale’s palace in Ijebu-Ode. Security personnel from the police, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun, and So-Safe Corps were stationed along the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway. This was due to fears that some powerful individuals might try to influence the kingmakers to choose a particular candidate.
On Monday, January 19, leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House submitted the names of 95 nominees to the kingmakers. The kingmakers were expected to meet at the palace to begin the selection, but security officers were seen guarding the entrance.
In a letter dated January 20, 2026, the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs officially directed the kingmakers and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to stop the selection process until further notice.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the government received several petitions and security reports about the process. He said the decision was taken to maintain peace, protect public order, and preserve the dignity of the Awujale stool.
The letter explained that the Awujale throne is one of the most respected traditional stools in Ogun State and Yorubaland. It also noted the long and respected reign of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who ruled for 65 years. Because of this, the government said it was important to carefully manage the selection of his successor.
The government said it acted based on the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, which allows it to stop an appointment if it believes doing so will help maintain peace and good governance.
Meanwhile, one of the princes reportedly approved by the Ifa oracle as the best candidate was among the 95 nominees. This was revealed by the Olori-Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, after the nomination exercise in Ijebu-Ode.
Owoyemi said the ruling house hoped that the kingmakers and the state government would choose a candidate who reflects the wishes of the family, their ancestors, and God.
Some of the nominees include Princess Oluwakemi Adetokunboh, Prince Adebisi Kadiri, a retired Lagos State permanent secretary, Prince Abdul-Fatai Arowolo, Prince Olumuyiwa Adeyemi, Prince Okeowo Obafemi, and Prince Adegbenga Bakare.
Owoyemi said the royal family had carried out deep traditional consultations and had agreed to support one candidate, although he did not mention the name. The list of nominees was signed by leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, while officials of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government attended the nomination process as observers.
