The Ogun State Government has officially nullified the ongoing process to select a new Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, directing the ruling house to start afresh.
The decision was confirmed on Wednesday by the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, following a meeting with state officials.
The revered stool became vacant after the demise of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July. The Ijebu Ode Local Government had, in a December 2 letter, directed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to produce a successor within 14 days.
Acting on the directive, the house commenced screening for the position, attracting over 60 princes, with a screening exercise scheduled for December 15.
However, that exercise was suspended after the state government summoned stakeholders to a meeting on Tuesday presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ganiyu Hamzat.
Prof. Yusuf stated that the government identified procedural errors in the initial process, which, if uncorrected, could lead to litigation. He emphasized that the intervention was to ensure strict compliance with the state’s 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1959 Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration.
“The earlier process was cancelled to avoid unnecessary litigation. Some people are already watching closely to exploit any procedural error,” Yusuf explained.
He outlined the proper procedure: the ruling house must first formally notify the local government of its readiness. The local government will then inform the state ministry, which will authorize the commencement of a fresh selection process.
Yusuf noted that the 65-year reign of the late monarch meant that many officials were unfamiliar with the correct installation procedure, unlike in other communities with more frequent transitions.
The government’s move aims to ensure a transparent and legally sound selection for the highly significant traditional stool.
