Tension escalated in Ijebu Ode on Wednesday as the Ogun State Government abruptly halted the ongoing selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland, deploying heavy security forces to the Awujale palace in what has become the second suspension in less than one month.
Punch observed a strong presence of armed policemen and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) around the palace shortly after the government issued the directive, effectively placing the revered traditional institution under lockdown.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91 after a historic 65-year reign.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat, the state government said the decision to suspend the process was taken to preserve public order, protect the integrity of the selection exercise, and safeguard the prestige of the Awujale stool.
This latest suspension comes barely weeks after the government first halted the process on December 18, 2025, citing procedural lapses that could lead to prolonged legal battles.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House had earlier shortlisted 95 contenders — made up of 94 princes and one princess — during a nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode.
The exercise has drawn intense public interest and controversy, with Fuji music icon Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1, reportedly seeking an interim injunction at the state High Court to stop the process.
Confirming the development, the Regent and Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, Dr. Sonny Kuku, said the palace received official communication from the government indicating that the process had been temporarily paused.
“Today, we received a message from the government that the process has been temporarily halted. At the moment, we do not know the reason, but we are consulting with them because the public is eagerly awaiting the emergence of a new Awujale,” Kuku said.
Addressing speculation of government interference, Kuku dismissed the claims as unfounded, stressing that the kingmakers remain independent and uncompromised.
On the heavy security presence at the palace, the regent said it should not be interpreted as intimidation but rather as a signal to the public that the process is temporarily on hold.
“There is no conflict, physical or emotional. The palace is a symbol of the people, and the barricade is simply to inform everyone that the process is in abeyance,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed that the 95 shortlisted nominees were scheduled for profiling at its Ijebu-Ode office before the suspension took effect. The agency clarified that the halt was a government decision and not initiated by the DSS.
Adding a new twist to the unfolding drama, one of the aspirants, Mr. Wasiu Adewale Olasunkanmi Adesanya, has formally written to the Ogun State Government urging that the process, when resumed, should be inclusive, transparent, and fair.
In a letter dated January 21, 2026, signed by his counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, Adesanya traced his lineage to Princess Anifowoshe of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and warned against the exclusion of qualified contenders.
He called on the government to ensure that the process promotes unity in Ijebuland and preserves the legitimacy of the revered Awujale stool.
