Ogun State Government has intervened in the Awujale succession process to forestall possible legal disputes, following the emergence of over 60 aspirants seeking to ascend the revered throne of Ijebu land.
The intervention led to the postponement of the nomination meeting earlier scheduled by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which is next in line to produce the monarch after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025. The state government invited members of the ruling house, kingmakers and the Awujale Interregnum Committee to a meeting aimed at reviewing the procedure and ensuring full compliance with existing chieftaincy laws.
Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, said the decision to halt the nomination process was taken to avoid errors that could trigger litigation. He explained that the government’s involvement was meant to help all parties compare notes and ensure that the process was properly conducted.
According to him, the postponement had nothing to do with any individual or aspirant, but was purely a preventive step to guarantee a smooth and credible selection exercise. He added that the ruling house welcomed the move, noting that it would strengthen the integrity of the process.
Also speaking, Vice Chairman of the ruling house, Prof Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that no fewer than 60 princes had indicated interest in the Awujale stool. He said the outcome of the meeting with the state government would determine when the nomination meeting would eventually hold.
The succession process has gathered momentum following a directive by the local government, which gave the ruling house 14 days to submit names of candidates for the throne, as efforts intensify to find a successor to the late monarch who reigned for 65 years.
