No law prohibits Otunba title holders from becoming Awujale, say Ijebu chiefs

The council of Otunbas in Ijebuland says no law in Ogun state prohibits holders of the Otunba title from becoming the Awujale of Ijebuland.

Reacting to the claim that persons holding the Otunba title are disqualified from the Awujale stool, the council said at various times in history, Otunba titleholders have emerged as the Awujale of Ijebuland.

The council dismissed the claim in a letter addressed to the Awujale interregnum administrative council. The letter was signed by B. Alebiosu, the council chairman; Akin Osiyemi, second vice-chairman; and Ayodele Osibogun, secretary.

Citing the Chieftaincy Declarations registered in 1957 and approved in 1959, the council said the succession to the Awujale stool is governed exclusively by the declarations.

“The Declarations contain no provision, express or implied, that disqualifies an otherwise eligible candidate merely because he previously held the title of Otunba,” the council said.

The council said any alleged customary rule not contained in the registered declarations does not have any legal backing.

The council warned that any selection process that excludes eligible candidates could result in legal challenges and communal disharmony.

The council added that the Awujale stool is a sacred traditional institution rather than a political office.

There have been growing tensions in Ogun state over the succession process, following the death of Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, after a 65-year reign.

The state government, through a letter dated January 20, 2026, and signed by Ganiyu Hamzat, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, directed the suspension of all activities related to the selection.

The directive cited rising petitions, including one from Wasiu Ayinde, the popular Fuji musician, alleging unlawful exclusion.

Kingmakers and the ruling house have maintained that the process should remain strictly within traditional guidelines without external interference.(The cable)