The Ogun State Government has halted the ongoing process to appoint a new Awujale of Ijebuland following the receipt of several petitions and security reports, a move aimed at maintaining peace and protecting the integrity of the ancient traditional stool.
The decision was communicated in a letter dated January 20, 2026, issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, and addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area.
In the correspondence, the government described the Awujale throne as one of the most prominent traditional institutions in Yorubaland, noting that the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose reign lasted 65 years, elevated the status and influence of the stool nationwide.
Hamzat explained that the weight of the institution and the legacy of the immediate past monarch have generated heightened public interest in the succession exercise, leading the state to intervene in order to forestall tension and ensure stability.
“The State Government has received numerous petitions and security briefings from relevant agencies and stakeholders regarding the ongoing process,” the commissioner said.
“Given the circumstances, and in the interest of public peace and respect for the Awujale stool, the government has resolved to suspend the selection exercise at this time,” he added.
The commissioner stated that the action was taken in accordance with the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the government to halt any appointment process where such action is considered necessary to maintain order and good governance.
He further directed the Ijebu Ode Local Government chairman to immediately inform the Awujale kingmakers’ council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of the suspension, instructing them to put all related activities on hold pending further instructions from the state government.
