Residents of Ijebu Ode on Monday staged a peaceful protest in support of the Ogun State Government’s suspension of the Awujale selection process, calling for stiff penalties against anyone found culpable of bribery or undue influence in the exercise.
The protesters, drawn from Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu Ode Progressive Youths, marched through major streets of 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 later converged at the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat, where the council chairman, Hon. Dare Adebiosu, addressed the crowd and assured them that the state government has no preferred candidate in the process.
Adebiosu said the suspension ordered by the Ogun State Government was purely to ensure that laid down procedures were strictly followed and that fairness was guaranteed for all contestants.
“The government is not interested in who eventually emerges as Awujale,” he said. “What matters is that the process is transparent, fair and acceptable to the people. The suspension was meant to correct observed issues and not to impose any candidate.”
He commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and urged them to remain calm, assuring that the process would soon resume and produce an Awujale who truly reflects the will and aspirations of Ijebuland.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Alhaji Babatunde Salami said the demonstration was organised to send a strong message to the kingmakers on the need to act responsibly and protect the integrity of the revered stool.
“The Awujale stool is one of the most respected traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Nigeria at large,” he said. “It must not be reduced to a transactional exercise. We want the right person, chosen through a credible process, to occupy the throne.”
Another protester, Mr. Yusuf Adetilewa, expressed concern over rumours of bribery and manipulation surrounding the selection process, warning that such practices could damage the peace of the town.
“We are insisting that due process must be followed,” he said. “We do not want moneybags to hijack this process. Anyone found guilty of bribery, whether a contestant or a kingmaker, should be punished.”
Mrs. Morolayo Oyesefo also called for equal treatment of all contestants, stressing that possession of traditional titles should not be used to unfairly disqualify any prince.
“There are allegations of bribery involving both contestants and those conducting the process,” she said. “The government must investigate and punish anyone found guilty. If the process is compromised, it could lead to prolonged court cases and unrest.”
Meanwhile, traditional leaders known as the Alagemos in Ijebuland have thrown their weight behind the decision of the Ogun State Government to suspend the process.
Speaking after a meeting at the palace of the Ija Oloko of Imosan, the Alapini Awopa General of Ogun State, High Chief Tajudeen Adekunle Muili, said the suspension was necessary to safeguard the credibility of the process.
“I do not believe the suspension was done to impose anyone on Ijebuland,” he said. “It was done to ensure due process. We appreciate the governor’s intervention and urge that the process be concluded without unnecessary delay.”
Also speaking, the Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Samsideen Adebayo, said the pause would allow the kingmakers to complete their assignment transparently and without pressure.
“The Funsengbuwa Ruling House has submitted its list of candidates,” he said. “The kingmakers should now sit down and conclude the process fairly, giving everyone equal opportunity.”
He added that the ultimate desire of the people was the emergence of an Awujale who would foster peace, unity and development across Ijebuland.
