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Tag: Awujale

  • Awujale: Police invite Olisa of Ijebu-Ode

    Awujale: Police invite Olisa of Ijebu-Ode

    Ogun State Police Command has summoned the Olisa of Ijebu- Ode, Chief Rasheed Adesanya, to appear before the  Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eleweran for questioning over allegations of “bribery and financial inducement.”

    A letter of invitation dated February 3, 2026 and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Gbenga Adeoye, which was addressed to Chief Adesanya, the traditional mayor of Ijebu-Ode, directed him to report to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), today.

    Read Also: Awujale: Osugbo demands fresh kingmakers’ council

    The letter added that Chief Adesanya’s presence was needed for fact – finding and clarification regarding the alleged “bribery and financial inducement.”

  • Awujale: Aspirant makes case for due process

    Awujale: Aspirant makes case for due process

    An aspirant to the throne of Awujale from Bubiade Family of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Adebowale Olufeko, has urged Ogun State Government, Chieftaincy Council, the Afobajes and all relevant stakeholders to uphold tradition, transparency and justice in the Awujale selection process.

    Olufeko, a lawyer, chartered arbitrator and mediator said this during a meeting in Ijebu-Ode, with Fusengbuwa Ruling House, noting that it was imperative to uphold due process, fairness and sacred tradition in carrying out ‘’this historic duty.’’

    “Indeed, we humbly appeal to your office concerning the ongoing process for the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland. This revered throne represents not only leadership, but also the soul, heritage and identity of the Ijebu,” Olufeko said.

    He said the people of Ijebuland were yearning for peace, unity and continuity, urging the government to act justly and avoid any action that could ignite unnecessary tension or unrest among Ijebu people.

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    Olufeko added: “Our objective is to examine the process, aggregate our views where necessary, and articulate our collective position with decorum, wisdom and unity – always mindful of tradition, law and respect for constituted authority.”

    Hailing Governor Dapo Abiodun on the transfer of TASUED to a federal university, Olufeko noted that a lot of infrastructural developments were ongoing in the state, especially in Ijebu-Ode and its environs.

    “We acknowledge and appreciate the state governor, Prince Abiodun, for the steps taken so far in ensuring that Fusengbuwa Ruling House produces the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    “We also express our gratitude to the kingmakers on their efforts to see that due process is followed in the selection of Awujale of Ijebuland,” he said.

    He said Fusengbuwa Ruling House requested that the kingmakers should be allowed to present Ijebu-Ode and Ijebuland with “Omo Oye,” noting that only one person would at the end emerge as “Omo Oye” to ascend the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Olufeko appreciated the “Olori Ebis” of the ruling houses, particularly the Head of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi, for their roles, guidance and sacrifices, saying Alhaji Owoyemi had offered his fatherly role on the issue.

  • Awujale: Osugbo demands fresh kingmakers’ council

    Awujale: Osugbo demands fresh kingmakers’ council

    Members of the Osugbo Society in Ijebu-Ode have called on Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun to reconstitute the Council of Afobajes (kingmakers).

    According to them, a reconstituted council will guarantee  transparency and credibility in the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebu-Ode.

    They made the call yesterday during the society’s first meeting of 2026 in Ijebu-Ode, where members expressed displeasure over the involvement of individuals in the selection process without proper background checks.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Oluwo Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode, Oluwo Omobolanle Bakare, condemned the exclusion of the Osugbo Society from the selection process, despite its position as third in the traditional hierarchy, as stipulated in the 1957 Constitution.

    According to him, allegations of financial inducement among kingmakers would not have arisen if members of the council had been painstakingly appointed.

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    “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.”

    The Oluwo further appealed to the governor to recognise the Osugbo Society as part of the Council of Afobajes, noting that the 1957 constitution clearly stipulates that the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode is a member of the council.

    He said: “In the 1957 constitution, the Osugbo was placed in the third class. We have written to the governor this morning to consider us as part of the Afobajes.

    “The constitution already recognises the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as part and parcel of the council, but some people do not like it. That was why we protested,” he explained.

    He hailed the government for suspending the selection process, stating that rising agitations from different quarters could have disrupted peace in the town.

    “I see the governor’s action as a good one because without it, everything would have turned upside down,” he said.

    The Oluwo also queried the large number of individuals reportedly shortlisted, describing it as unwieldy

    “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 added.

    The Otu-Erelu Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode and Iyalorisa-General of Akile Ijebu, Mrs. Osoteku Alawiye, commended the governor for dissolving the committee earlier saddled with the responsibility of selecting a new monarch.

    She urged the governor to constitute a fresh set of kingmakers that would include all relevant traditional institutions, including the Osugbo Society, in order to ensure an inclusive, credible, and crisis-free selection process.

    Chief Alawiye described Ijebu-Ode as a town of great historical importance, stressing that the selection of its monarch must strictly follow due process and traditional rites to guarantee peace and progress in the land.

  • Awujale selection: Osugbo demands fresh council of Afobajes

    Awujale selection: Osugbo demands fresh council of Afobajes

    Members of the Osugbo Society in Ijebu-Ode have called on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to reconstitute the Council of Afobajes (kingmakers) to ensure transparency and credibility in the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

    The call was made on Tuesday during the society’s first meeting of 2026, held in Ijebu-Ode, where members expressed displeasure over the involvement of individuals in the selection process without proper background checks.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Oluwo Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode, Oluwo Omobolanle Bakare, condemned the exclusion of the Osugbo Society from the selection process despite its position as third in the traditional hierarchy, as stipulated in the 1957 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,” he said.

    The Oluwo further appealed to the governor to recognise the Osugbo Society as part of the Council of Afobajes, noting that the 1957 constitution clearly stipulates that the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode is a member of the council.

    “In the 1957 constitution, the Osugbo was placed in the third class. We have written to the governor this morning to consider us as part of the Afobajes. The constitution already recognises the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as part and parcel of the council, but some people do not like it. That was why we protested,” he explained.

    He commended the Ogun State Government for suspending the selection process, stating that rising agitations from different quarters could have disrupted peace in the town.

    “I see the governor’s action as a good one because without it, everything would have turned upside down,” he said.

    Read Also: Awujale: Protesters demand penalties for bribery

    The Oluwo also questioned the large number of individuals reportedly shortlisted, describing it as abnormal.

    “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 added.

    Also speaking, the Otu-Erelu Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode and Iyalorisa General of Akile Ijebu, Chief (Mrs.) Osoteku Alawiye commended Governor Abiodun for dissolving the committee earlier saddled with the responsibility of selecting the new Awujale, describing the group as unfit for such a sensitive assignment.

    She urged the governor to constitute a fresh set of kingmakers that would include all relevant traditional institutions, including the Osugbo Society, in order to ensure an inclusive, credible, and crisis-free selection process.

    Chief Alawiye described Ijebu-Ode as a town of great historical importance, stressing that the selection of its monarch must strictly follow due process and traditional rites to guarantee peace and progress in the land.

  • Awujale: Protesters demand penalties for bribery

    Awujale: Protesters demand penalties for bribery

    Following the suspension of the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland by the Ogun State Government, a group of residents yesterday staged a peaceful protest across parts of Ijebu-Ode in support of the government’s decision.

    The protesters, under the banner of Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, marched through major roads in the town carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “Awujale stool is not for sale”, “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from crisis”, “We want the best prince as Awujale”, and “Let there be a free and fair selection process”.

    The procession converged on Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat, where the Chairman, Dare Adebiosu, addressed the crowd.

    He assured the protesters that Ogun State Government had no preferred candidate, explaining that the suspension was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to due process.

    “The government is not interested in who eventually emerges as Awujale,” he said. “The decision was taken to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.”

    He hailed the protesters for their peaceful conduct and assured them that the process would resume, leading to the emergence of an Awujale who would reflect the will of the people.

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    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Alhaji Babatunde Salami said the demonstration was intended to send a message to the kingmakers to act responsibly.

    “The Awujale stool is highly respected in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and even beyond,” he said. “This is not a position that should be treated casually. We want the kingmakers to choose the right person for our land.”

    Another protester, Mr. Yusuf Adetilewa, expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as rumours of bribery and corruption surrounding the selection process.

    “We are here to insist that due process must be followed,” he said. “We do not want moneybags to hijack the process and render it meaningless.”

    Mrs. Morolayo Oyesefo also called for equal treatment of contestants, noting that holding a traditional title should not be used as a basis for disqualification.

    “We have heard allegations of bribery involving contestants and those conducting the selection,” she said. “The government must punish anyone found guilty. We do not want the process compromised, as this can lead to unnecessary litigation.”

    The Alagemo in Ijebuland have backed the actions of Ogun State Government aimed at ensuring a seamless selection process.

    Speaking after a meeting held at the palace of the Ija-Oloko of Imosan, the Alapini Awopa General of Ogun State, High Chief Tajudeen Muili, expressed confidence in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s handling of the matter.

    “I do not believe the suspension was done for the governor to impose his will,” Muili said. “Rather, it is to ensure due process is followed. We appreciate the steps taken so far and only urge that the process be expedited.”

    The Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Adebayo, said the suspension would allow kingmakers to properly conclude the process by giving all contestants equal opportunity.

    “Funsengbuwa Ruling House has submitted the list of candidates,” he said. “The kingmakers should now sit down and complete the process transparently.”

    “All we want is an Awujale who will promote peace and progress in Ijebuland, not one who will oppress the people,” he added.

  • Awujale uproar and other stories

    Awujale uproar and other stories

    The uproar of the Awujale throne reflects a truth we deny in our souls. That we are republicans first. We may love democracy, go to polls, elect our governors and presidents, embrace constitutions and heckle our lawmakers.

    But everything shows that we love our monarchies just as much. The British created the House of Chiefs to defang the kings. They subjected them to civil authorities. The British were pretending to give us democracy without its cardinal tenet: freedom. It reminds one of the quote from Poet Lord Byron on Metternich of Austria: “he had no objection to true liberty except that  it will set them free.”

    Our kings have been without power. That is hard power, apologies to Harvard Professor Joseph Nye. But they have not lost soft power. And at the core of that soft power is honour, which philosopher Montesquieu says is the highest asset of monarchies. That honour is at the core of our spiritual sense of being.

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    That honour is the reason we have seen battles for the thrones not only in Ijebuland but across the country. We are still watching from the ringside the battle for supremacy between the Alafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife. Not long ago, the Ibadan traditional throne roiled after former Governor Abiola Ajimobi tweaked the status of lower cadre of rulers. In Benin, the former governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, was in an atavistic battle with the Oba of Benin by trying to upset his supremacy with upstart chiefs.

    The Kano throne continues to excite the nation with the spectre of two emirs and the governor playing a delicate balancing role. The courts are also coy at resolving it.

    All politicians technically are above the kings. They dare not tell their subjects so, or even flex a superior eye. Even presidents will rile them at their own peril. Let us stop pretending that we are republicans. Modernity may be seductive. But our roots are too deep to yield.

  • Awujale: Probe corruption allegations, stakeholders urge Ogun govt

    Awujale: Probe corruption allegations, stakeholders urge Ogun govt

    The Secretary of the Ijebu Council of Chiefs and Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Chief (Prof.) Adetokunbo Fassy Yusuf, has urged the Ogun State Government to thoroughly investigate alleged corruption and punish individuals accused of attempting to circumvent the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Yusuf made the call at the weekend in Ijebu-Ode, where he condemned what he described as deliberate attempts by some individuals to disrupt the selection process by promoting the interests of certain candidates over others.

    He said that it was fraudulent for anyone to single out or highlight preferred candidates, stressing that the 2022 Obas and Chiefs Law does not create any dichotomy among princes, as all eligible princes are regarded as equal under the law.

    “As far as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is concerned, we have done our part. But if there is any malpractice from our side, they should point it out. If anyone has soiled their hands, such persons should be made scapegoats. Equity demands clean hands,” he said.

    Yusuf insisted that anyone found mismanaging or undermining the process must be held accountable.

    Speaking on the suspension of the selection process, he urged the state government to clearly state the reasons for the action, noting that transparency would help ensure a smooth and credible process.

    “For the governor to suspend the process, there must be reasons. Government has all the apparatus to investigate both the immediate and remote causes. If anyone is found culpable, such a person should pay for destabilising the process,” he added.

    READ ALSO: Gov Abba Yusuf’s convoluted defection

    The high chief, who is also the Bagbimo of Ijebuland, explained that the process initially commenced with 95 nominations, which were later reduced to 86 in line with the provisions of the 2022 Obas and Chiefs Law, in order to avoid litigation.

    Yusuf, a former Ogun State Commissioner for Information expressed surprise that after adopting the template set by the kingmakers, certain names were allegedly highlighted while some Otunbas were disqualified—an action he described as “porous and reckless.”

    He clarified that the Otunba title was ceremonial, created by the immediate past Awujale to honour individuals who stood by him during political challenges, adding that it was neither traditional nor gazetted.

    “There is no document anywhere that says you cannot become Awujale if you are an Otunba,” he stated.

    Yusuf also described recent protests by some individuals as “sponsored,” noting that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House never met to collectively agree to such actions, which he described as unfortunate.

    He cautioned members of the public against relying on social media narratives, describing many online reports as fabrications capable of inciting unrest if not properly checked.

    “Most of what you read on social media are lies. As a media practitioner and scholar, I describe such activities as social chaos and social disruption. The public should be wary of patronising them,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, said the selection process was suspended temporarily to prevent unwholesome practices, assuring that it would resume soon.

    He denied reports that any chief had been suspended in the town, describing such claims as false.

    “I was shocked when I heard that a chief was suspended. That is not true, and we have issued a statement to clarify the situation,” Alebiosu said.

    The council chairman assured contestants and residents of a level playing field, stressing that government had no preferred candidate but would not allow the situation to degenerate into chaos.

    One of the contestants, Prince Adegboyega Banjoko of Ile Nla Quarters, Fusengbuwa Ruling House, called for fairness and urged the government to take decisive action against anyone attempting to hijack the process.

    Another contestant, Prince Tajudeen Bello, appealed for calm and urged the government to thoroughly investigate allegations of graft involving some candidates and kingmakers, insisting that the Awujale stool “must not be left to the highest bidder.”

  • Awujale: Royal family members, traditionalists protest alleged plot to impose candidate

    Awujale: Royal family members, traditionalists protest alleged plot to impose candidate

    Traditionalists and hundreds of members of Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebuland yesterday stormed Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway and marched to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters in Itooro in protest over alleged plot by powerful interests to foist the next Awujale on the kingmakers, the Fusengbuwa house and the Ijebu nation.

    The Awujale stool became vacant on July 13, 2025 following the demise of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors at 91 after 65 years on the throne.

    Fusengbuwa is the next in line to produce the next Awujale and The Nation reports that the Ogun State Government had in a circular dated January 20, 2026 stopped the kingmakers from taking further steps to select a candidate out of the 95 nominees earlier submitted to them by leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House – Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori Ebi) and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman).

    The state government circular stopping the process was signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat; a development that has continued to fuel allegations that Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration was interfering with the process ostensibly to impose a candidate. But the government denied the allegations.

    However, not persuaded by the state government’s reasons for halting the kingmakers’ assignment, Fusengbuwa royal family members and some traditionalists, armed with placards bearing different inscriptions, took the streets coursing through Odo-Egbo, Itale and palace road before terminating the peaceful protest at the Itooro Local Government Headquarters where they were received by the LG chairman, Dare Alebiosu.

    Some of their placards read: “Fusengbuwa say no to imposition”, “Let Ifa oracle determine the next Awujale” and “Let the kingmakers do their job, we say no to imposition.”

    Read Also: Awujale stool: Govt halts selection process

    Mrs Adejugba Obileye, who led the protest, said that they elected to storm the local government and register their displeasure over the alleged plot by the state government to hijack the process and impose a candidate on the kingmakers.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, she called for the opening of the palace and urged government to steer clear of any imposition plot.

    Obileye, who is also the Aremobinrin Jadiara, a unit of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, said that the Fusengbuwa is the next in line to fill the vacant Awujale stool, wondering why the selection process was put in abeyance for the second time within a month when the kingmakers were already doing what was expected of them traditionally and in line with the extant laws.

    She cautioned that the stool of Awujale is sacred, and should not be sacrificed on the altar of politics or any pecuniary gains.

    Obileye said: “We are at the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat to register our displeasure over the closure of the palace and the alleged plan to impose on us the next Awujale of Ijebu land.

    “We are here to say that Fusengbuwa ruling house is saying no and reject any plan of imposition for ongoing selection process of Awujale. Awujale stool is sacred. It is not to be filled as a result of one political consideration or the other.

    “We don’t want political Awujale. The Ijebu kingdom has its rich cultural heritage that should not be bastardised by anyone. We have Ifa oracle in our family, so, the government should allow the Ifa oracle to pick the right candidate for us and not just impose anyone. They should not impose any foreigner on us.

    “The government should desist from any planned imposition. They should allow the kingmakers do their job. We are not fighting with the government but they should not interfere unnecessarily in the ongoing selection process of the new Awujale.”

    Also speaking, Olubunmi Adesanya, another member of the ruling house, also called on the government not to impose the next Awujale on the family but rather allow Ifa oracle and the kingmakers do their job.

    Adesanya said: “We are here to plead with the government not to impose the next Awujale on us. The government should allow the kingmakers do their job. They should allow the Ifa oracle to pick the next Awujale for us.

    “We reject imposition in all ways and we plead with our chairman to help us convey our request to the government.”

    Also speaking on behalf of the traditionalists, High Chief Adekunle Talabi, the Obajelu, Olumoko of Imoko, a priest of the Agemo masquerade, also urged the government to distance itself from the alleged imposition plan.

    High Chief Talabi said: “I just want to urge our governor to allow the right thing to be done. There should be nothing like imposition. It is not acceptable. The government should allow the ruling house, the Fusengbuwa and the kingmakers to pick the next Awujale.

    “The traditionalists are also not happy with the rumoured plan by the government to impose a candidate. We beg the government to shelve this plan and let things be done as it is laid down from time immemorial.”

  • JUST IN: Protest rocks Ijebu Ode over alleged plot to impose candidate as Awujale 

    JUST IN: Protest rocks Ijebu Ode over alleged plot to impose candidate as Awujale 

    Indigenes and residents of Ijebu poured into Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway leading to palace and marched towards Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters Itoro on Friday morning in protest over alleged plot by unnamed powerful interests to foist the next Awujale on the kingmakers, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and the Ijebu nation.

    The Nation reports that the Ogun State Government, in a circular dated  January 20, 2026, stopped the Kingmakers from taking further steps to select a candidate out of the 95 nominees submitted  to the kingmaker by leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House – Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Olori Ebi) Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori Ebi) and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman).

    Read Also: No plan to impose Awujale, says govt

    The State Government’s circular stopping the process by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, fuelled allegations that Governor Dapo Abiodun – led administration was interfering with process reportedly to impose a candidate on kingmakers.

    Mrs Adenugba Obileye who leads the peace protest, said they were in the local government headquarters to register displeasure over alleged thickening plots to interfere with the job of the kingmakers and impose an Awujale that does not emerge  from due process.

    Details shortly…

  • No plan to impose Awujale, says govt

    No plan to impose Awujale, says govt

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has clarified circulating reports suggesting a confrontation between him and the Council of Afobajes, regarding Awujale selection.

    According to sources, ‘’these claims are false and misleading.’’

    The sources added: ‘’Governor Abiodun held a consultative meeting with the Council of Afobajes, consistent with the meetings he held in the past with the Olori Ebis that were hitherto polarised, which fostered their harmonisation and, through such earlier engagements, he also persuaded one of the kingmakers to withdraw a filed litigation.

    ‘’The discussions he had focused on matters of mutual concern in the interest of the progress in traditional affairs within Ijebuland.

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    ‘’Contrary to the rumours, Governor Abiodun did not issue threats and ultimatums. The statements attributed to him, including “No Kuye, No Awujale”, are entirely fabricated and bear no relation to the governor or his administration. No Afobaje will attest to such an occurrence, as it never happened. This is once again the fabrication of falsehoods by mischief makers.

    ‘’The governor remains committed to upholding due process, respecting the autonomy of traditional institutions and ensuring a fair process in the selection of a new Awujale for Ijebuland. His administration continues to prioritise dialogue, harmony and the preservation of cultural values.

    We all know how highly the governor holds the throne of Awujale, which he has consistently demonstrated .

    ‘’The public, traditional stakeholders and the media are urged to disregard these unfounded insinuations and rely on verified information from official sources.’’