Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on the Awujale Chiefs in Council to ensure a level playing ground for all contestants in the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The governor made the appeal during a meeting with members of the Council in Iperu, where discussions centered on the succession process following the passing of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 after reigning for over 65 years.
Abiodun noted that nature abhors a vacuum, stressing the need for Ijebuland to have a new monarch as soon as possible. He assured that his administration would support whoever emerges through a transparent nomination process handled by the kingmakers.
“Nature abhors a vacuum, and the process of installing another Awujale has started. The pathway to having in place a regency is the pathway to ensuring that all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, and that the laws of Ijebuland are strictly followed,” the governor said.
He expressed confidence in the Chiefs, describing them as respectable figures who worked closely with the late monarch to maintain peace in Ijebuland. He also dismissed speculations of division among them, insisting the Council remained united.
“This is my first meeting with them to commiserate with them on the passing of our revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and also to assure them that despite the rumours that have been ongoing, I have absolute confidence in them. The Council is intact, with no disharmony among them,” Abiodun added.
Also speaking, the Olootu Olowa and Deputy Chairman of the Council, Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, said the kingmakers were committed to sustaining peace in Ijebuland and would continue to work as a team in the interest of progress and unity.