By Akinwale Kasali
There is massive protest in Ijebu Ode over alleged plans to impose the next Awujale on the people.
The peaceful protest broke out in Ijebu Ode, and saw residents march through the Awujale Palace Road towards the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat to express displeasure with the ongoing developments.
Earlier in the week, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had submitted the names of Princes and a Princess eligible for consideration by the kingmakers.
However, in a twist of events, the Ogun State Government led by Governor Dapo Abiodun ordered that the selection process be halted till further notice. Aspirants were thereafter invited to the State Headquarters of the Department of State Services, DSS.
The directive, signed by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ganiyu Hamzat, cited numerous petitions from security agencies and stakeholders.
This development generated mixed feelings with allegations of plans by the Ogun State Government to impose a Candidate became rife.
The Ogun State Government emphasised the need to maintain public order, safeguard the integrity of the process, and preserve the veneration of the vacant Awujale stool.
It would be recalled that the government had initially suspended the selection process on 18 December 2025, after identifying procedural errors that could lead to legal disputes over the installation of a new Awujale.
But Prof. Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, confirmed that the prior process was cancelled to prevent potential litigation.
On Thursday, Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Abiodun had written a statement titled: ‘AWUJALE SELECTION: GOVERNOR ABIODUN RESPONDS TO MISLEADING REPORTS’, making clarifications about the information being circulated suggesting a confrontation between the Governor and the Council of Afobajes regarding the Awujale selection.
Akinmade had stated that the claims are completely false and misleading.
He disclosed that the Governor held a respectful consultative meeting with the Council of Afobajes, consistent with meetings he held in the past with the Olori Ebis that were hitherto polarized which fostered their harmonization and, through such earlier engagements, he also persuaded one of the kingmakers to withdraw a filed litigation.
The discussions Akinmade said, focused on matters of mutual concern in the interest of the progress in traditional affairs within Ijebuland.
He added that contrary to the rumors being peddled, Governor Abiodun did not issue threats, ultimatums.
He said statements attributed to him, including “No Kuye, No Awujale”, are entirely fabricated and bear no relation to the Governor or his administration.
“No Afobaje will attest to such an occurrence, as it never happened. This is once again the fabrication of falsehoods by mischief makers”, he stated.
He added that the Governor remains committed to upholding due process, respecting the autonomy of traditional institutions, and ensuring a fair process in the selection of a new Awujale for Ijebu.
“His administration continues to prioritize dialogue, harmony, and the preservation of cultural values.
“We all know how highly the Governor holds the throne of Awujale which he has consistently demonstrated.
“Members of the public, traditional stakeholders, and the media are urged to disregard these unfounded insinuations and rely solely on verified information from official sources”.
Despite the clarifications made by the Governor, the People of Ijebu Ode and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House are still suspecting foul play, leading to the protest.
The protest further reflect the growing public concern over the transparency and fairness of the traditional succession process, as residents demand adherence to due procedures in selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
