Police invite kingmakers over bribery allegation in Awujale selection process

Police in Ogun State have summoned kingmakers involved in the selection process for the new Awujale, over allegations of bribery and material inducement to the vacant throne in Ijebuland.

It was learnt that some of the kingmakers were alleged to have collected money to sell the paramount traditional ruler’s throne in Ijebuland to the highest bidder among the contestants.

In a letter dated February 3, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, DCP Gbenga Adeoye, the police ordered kingmakers to appear at the department on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. for interrogation.

The police stated in the letter that their investigation is based on their constitutional and statutory powers, as outlined in Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020.

“This is a fact-finding invitation… Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of criminal justice delivery and fairness,” the letter stated, while noting that the invited individual was free to appear with a lawyer.

Even though the police did not reveal specific names of suspects beyond those already invited, it was learnt that more kingmakers engage to the Awujale succession process might be questioned as the investigation unfolds.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed on Wednesday that the police had summoned some of the kingmakers for a fact-finding probe into the alleged monetary and material inducement claims to the revered throne.

“Yes, it is true,” he said as he confirmed to our correspondent in a WhatsApp call.

In recent times, since the demise of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the revered throne has been enveloped with lobbying and behind-the-scenes politicking, which has continued to spark demands for transparency and strict adherence to traditional and legal protocols. (Guardian)