By Desire Emmanuel
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House in the Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Sunday, May 3, expressed concern over the suspension in the selection process of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The ruling house appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, to urgently intervene in the matter.
Speaking on Sunday on the situation, Chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, said that the three-month suspension of the selection exercise had created what he described as “unnecessary tension” across Ijebu Ode in particular and Ijebuland generally.
According to him, the process that is being overseen by the kingmakers led by Dr Sunny Kuku should proceed in accordance with tradition.
He said: “For over three months, the Ogun State government has suspended the Awujale selection process based on petitions that remain unproven.
“Although members of the ruling house had been repeatedly invited by the police and the Department of State Services, no evidence of wrongdoing had been established against them.
“Despite the absence of any incriminating findings, we have continued to face suspicion and undue pressure.”
He therefore urged the government to lift the suspension without further delay, allowing the kingmakers to carry out their constitutional duty of selecting the next Awujale.
“We make a passionate appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun and his team to rescind the suspension placed on this 60th Awujale selection process, which has lasted for over three months.
“We also urge that the kingmakers be directed to promptly resume and diligently complete their age-long responsibility of choosing the next Awujale for Ijebu Ode and the entire Ijebuland without interference,” Owoyemi said.
He further expressed confidence in the integrity of the kingmakers, describing them as individuals who served the late monarch with dedication and discipline.
It will be recalled that the Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91 after 65-year reign.
The Ogun State government initially suspended the process in December 2025 over procedural concerns, and again in January 2026 following petitions from security agencies and stakeholders.
