The Ogun State Government has suspended the selection process for the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool following petitions and security reports, saying the move was necessary to safeguard peace, order, and the integrity of the revered traditional institution.
The government has also directed the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to immediately suspend all activities related to the selection of a new Awujale, pending further directives from the state.
In a letter made available to newsmen on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the government explained that the Awujale stool is one of the foremost traditional institutions in Yoruba land, and particularly in Ogun State.
Hamzat highlighted that the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years, significantly enhanced the prestige and esteem of the stool, placing the selection of the next Awujale under intense public focus and scrutiny.
According to the letter, the government has received multiple petitions and security reports concerning the ongoing selection process.
“In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and preserve the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process at this time,” Hamzat stated.
The commissioner cited the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empower the government to “set aside an appointment if the Executive Council is satisfied that it is in the interest of peace, order and good government to do so.”
“Thus, given the reports at its disposal, the government has elected to act proactively without further delay, in the interest of peace, order, and good governance, by halting the process in its entirety,” he added.
Hamzat further urged all parties to comply with the directive and maintain respect for the revered institution, saying the state government would provide further guidance in due course.
