Hundreds of Ijebu indigenes protest in Ijebu Ode over alleged powerful interests and Ogun State Govt interference to foist a candidate as next Awujale. Govt halted kingmakers’ process via Jan 20 circular citing security concerns and petitions
Indigenes Block Roads Over Claims of Interference in Sacred Awujale Succession – “No Imposition!”
Ijebu Ode was thrown into frenzy on Friday morning as hundreds of indigenes and residents poured onto the streets in a powerful show of unity, marching from the iconic Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway straight to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters at Itoro.
The demonstration, described as peaceful yet resolute, was sparked by growing outrage over what protesters claim is a sinister plot by unnamed powerful forces—widely alleged to include state government influence—to impose a preferred candidate on the kingmakers, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, and the entire Ijebu nation for the vacant Awujale stool.
The flashpoint: a January 20, 2026 circular from Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, which abruptly halted all further steps in the selection process. The directive stopped kingmakers from proceeding with the 95 nominees (94 princes and one princess) submitted by Fusengbuwa Ruling House leaders—Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori Ebi), and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman).
The suspension, citing rising tensions, multiple petitions, and security concerns under the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021, has fueled widespread accusations that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration is meddling to favor a handpicked successor to the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years until his passing in July 2025.
Leading the charge, Mrs. Adenugba Obileye, who spearheaded the protest, declared their mission clear: to formally register deep displeasure and demand an end to any interference that undermines due process.
“We are here at the local government headquarters to register our displeasure over the thickening plots to interfere with the job of the kingmakers and impose an Awujale that does not emerge from due process,” she stated firmly.
This marks the latest twist in a highly charged succession battle for one of Yorubaland’s most prestigious thrones. Earlier interventions included DSS summoning nominees, repeated govt halts (this being the second in recent weeks), and petitions from aspirants like Fuji star KWAM 1 alleging exclusion and flaws in the nomination process.
Kingmakers, led by Ogbeni Oja Chief Sonny Kuku, have insisted on transparency and rejected any imposition, while the state maintains its actions prioritize peace, order, and the stool’s integrity.
As crowds chanted against external meddling, the protest underscores deep community resolve to protect tradition and ensure the next Awujale emerges through legitimate, customary channels—free from political overreach. Read More
