Residents troop out, Protest alleged plot to influence selection of next Awujale of Ijebuland
Residents troop out, Protest alleged plot to influence selection of next Awujale of Ijebuland
Residents and indigenes of Ijebu on Friday staged a peaceful protest against what they described as attempts by powerful interests to influence the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
The protesters gathered at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway leading to the palace and marched to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters in Itoro, demanding that the traditional succession process be allowed to run without interference.
Their action followed a circular issued by the Ogun State Government on January 20, 2026, which directed the kingmakers to suspend further steps in the selection process. The order came after leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had submitted 95 nominees to the kingmakers for consideration.
The circular, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, immediately halted the process, triggering accusations that the state government was seeking to impose a preferred candidate.
Protesters alleged that the intervention by the Dapo Abiodun administration was designed to undermine the authority of the kingmakers and manipulate the outcome of the succession.
Leading the protest, Mrs Adenugba Obileye said the group had come to formally express its opposition to any attempt to derail due process.
She stated that the people of Ijebu would resist any move to impose an Awujale who did not emerge through established traditional procedures.
