IJEBU ROYAL FAMILY PETITIONS TINUBU OVER SUSPENDED AWUJALE SELECTION

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

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

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

The family expressed concern that the decision to halt the exercise had created tension and uncertainty in Ijebu-Ode and across Ijebuland.

“There is no doubt 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 statement read.

The petitioners alleged that the delay had emboldened one of the contestants to parade himself as the Awujale-elect without completing the selection process. They further claimed that the candidate procured a waka musician to produce and circulate a jingle praising him as the new Awujale, an act they described as illegal and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

Olowu said the development prompted a meeting of over 500 stakeholders from the Keregbetu family and Fusengbuwa Ruling House on February 22, 2026, where it was agreed to send another urgent appeal to the President. He noted that this was the third written appeal to the Presidency on the matter.

The family also warned that failure to install a new Awujale before the forthcoming Ileya festival could jeopardise the globally recognised Ojude Oba Festival, potentially affecting tourism and revenue generation in Ogun State.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of 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 from security agencies and other stakeholders. The kingmakers, led by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Sunny Kuku, had been set to commence the process when the suspension was declared.

Meanwhile, one of the contestants and member representing Somolu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ademorin Aliu Kuye, denied presenting himself as the Awujale-elect. He also distanced himself from the viral waka song, describing it as the handiwork of detractors seeking to tarnish his reputation.

“I didn’t commission anybody to produce any song. I only heard about it when people started complaining. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, let the person come forward,” Kuye said.

The impasse continues to generate debate within Ijebuland as stakeholders await further action from the Ogun State Government and the Presidency.