Ogun State Government has again suspended the Awujale of Ijebuland succession process as DSS invites nominees for screening amid security concerns in Ijebu-Ode
Security Tension in Ijebu-Ode as Ogun Govt Halts Awujale Selection, DSS Steps In
The succession process for the revered stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland has again been thrown into uncertainty as the Ogun State Government ordered a fresh suspension of the exercise, even as nominees were invited by the Department of State Services (DSS), Ogun State Command, for security screening.
The latest development followed a government circular dated January 20, 2026, which placed the selection process on hold for the second time in just over a month, citing mounting security concerns and the need to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the ancient stool.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration had earlier halted the process on December 18, 2025, pointing to procedural irregularities. The government later lifted the suspension on January 6, 2026, directing the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to conclude the nomination process within 14 days.
However, just as the Awujale kingmakers were set to begin deliberations to select one candidate from the 95 nominees submitted by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the state government intervened again.
One of the nominees, who spoke to The Nation, disclosed that he was invited to appear before the DSS office in Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday—the same date and time the palace screening by kingmakers was scheduled.
According to reports, several nominees were sighted entering the DSS office located at Igbeba GRA, opposite the NTA office, fueling speculation about the role of security agencies in the stalled process.
Clarifying the situation, a source close to the DSS said the invitations were strictly for profiling and vetting purposes, and not an attempt to interfere with or suspend the traditional process.
“It is important to clarify that the exercise was not placed on hold by the DSS or any security agency. Rather, the State Government, through an official circular already in the public domain, directed that the exercise be suspended,” the source said.
The source explained that DSS profiling was intended to follow the palace screening and was scheduled to run over several days.
“Prior to the postponement of the screening of nominees by the kingmakers, the nominees were expected to visit the DSS office for profiling. This profiling is a prerequisite for comprehensive vetting and involves filling out forms that provide information necessary to vet all communities involved.”
According to the source, invitations had already been sent to nominees through the Palace Secretary before the government issued another suspension directive.
“However, while the nominees were preparing to come, another circular was issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs suspending all activities related to the Awujale succession… Consequently, the DSS has decided to suspend the planned vetting as well.”
The DSS further cautioned against misrepresentation of its role in the unfolding events.
“It is important to stress that the DSS should not be associated with any misinformation. Any report should clearly reflect that the suspension was a government decision, not one initiated by the DSS… Our only concern is accuracy and the avoidance of misinformation.”
Meanwhile, security presence around the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode was significantly reinforced, with armed operatives from the Nigeria Police, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, and So-Safe Corps deployed along the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway.
The security buildup followed intelligence reports suggesting that powerful interests may have attempted to infiltrate the kingmakers’ meeting within the palace complex, allegedly to influence the emergence of a preferred candidate.
Earlier on Monday, January 19, leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi (Olori-Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori-Ebi), and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman), had formally submitted the list of 95 nominees to the kingmakers. However, security operatives were already stationed at the palace entrance, preventing the commencement of deliberations.
In a letter addressed to the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chairman, the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs formally directed the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to halt all further steps in the process.
“The State Government hereby directs that you convey this decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House immediately,” the letter read in part.
The letter, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, cited security reports, petitions, and the need to maintain public order.
“State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process… it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time,” Hamzat stated.
He stressed that the Awujale stool remains one of the most revered traditional institutions in Yoruba land, noting that the 65-year reign of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona elevated the global prestige of the throne.
“These realities place a lot of focus, attention, and scrutiny on the next Awujale and the process by which he emerges,” the letter added.
Citing provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, the government said it acted proactively in the interest of peace, order, and good governance.
As tensions linger, all eyes remain on the state government’s next directive, with stakeholders urging transparency, restraint, and respect for tradition in determining the next Awujale of Ijebuland. Read More
