Awujale: Ruling House seeks Tinubu’s intervention in selection impasse

The head of the Keregbetu family of Ijebu-Ode, Adegboyega Olowu, alongside princes and princesses of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, seeking urgent intervention in the suspended selection process of the new Awujale of Ijebuland.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Olowu, the family urged the President to appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the suspension placed on the selection process and allow the kingmakers to complete their assignment.

The family expressed concern that the suspension had generated tension and uncertainty in Ijebu-Ode and across Ijebuland.

The statement read, “As concerned citizens of Nigeria, members of the ruling house to produce the next Awujale and major stakeholders, we are writing to you regarding the current impasse and delay surrounding the selection process of the new Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun State.

“There is no doubt, Your Excellency, that the recent suspension of this process by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has created significant tension, uncertainty and potential for instability in Ijebu-Ode and the whole of Ijebuland.”

The family alleged that the suspension had led to irregular actions by one of the candidates.

“The suspension of the process has even resulted in a situation where one of the candidates has started parading himself as the Awujale-elect without going through the complete selection process.

“The same candidate, in desperation, even procured the services of a Waka musician to produce a jingle praising him as the new Awujale of Ijebuland. The waka jingle is now being deliberately distributed throughout the Ijebu kingdom.

“This is not only illegal but could lead to a serious breakdown of law and order in the kingdom. This brazen and illegal act by one of the candidates, and indeed any of the candidates, should not be allowed.”

Olowu stated that these developments prompted a meeting of over 500 stakeholders from the Keregbetu family and Fusengbuwa Ruling House on February 22, 2026, where it was agreed to make another urgent appeal to the President.

“This is about the third time we have sent written appeals and Save-our-Souls missives to Your Excellency on this matter,” he said.

The family also warned that failure to install a new Awujale before the forthcoming Ileya festival could jeopardise the globally recognised Ojude Oba Festival.

“Your Excellency, if a new Awujale of Ijebuland is not installed before this year’s Ileya Muslim festival, there is a likelihood of a failure of this year’s Ojude Oba Festival. God forbid.

“Many of our people in the Diaspora may not travel to Nigeria to participate in the annual globally recognised cultural festival if a new Awujale is not installed before then.

“This will be detrimental to tourism in Ogun State, as the significant revenues generated annually from the festival may be lost in 2026,” he added.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.

Last month, the Ogun State Government, through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, announced the suspension of the selection process for the second time, citing petitions received from security agencies and other stakeholders.

The kingmakers, led by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Dr Sunny Kuku, were set to commence the selection process when the suspension was announced.

On Sunday, one of the contestants and the lawmaker representing Somolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives, Ademorin Aliu Kuye, denied ever presenting himself as the Awujale-elect.

Kuye also distanced himself from a viral song reportedly produced by a female waka singer praising him as the Awujale-elect, saying he believed the song was created by detractors to tarnish his reputation.

On the viral song, Kuye said: “I don’t know about the production of any song. I know that this could be the handiwork of my opponent because I never commissioned anybody to do that song.

“I am saying it with all sense of responsibility, and if anybody or any musician has something contrary, let the person come out.

“In fact, I didn’t know about the song. I didn’t hear it until people started complaining about it, so I suspect that it must have come from these detractors. We know what they are capable of.” (Punch)