Ogun State government denies suspending three Ijebu chiefs over their roles in Awujale dispute

OGUN State government officials have denied reports that they have had to suspend three high-ranking Ijebu chiefs in response to the ongoing rancour surrounding the appointment on a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

On July 13, last year, the last Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona passed away at the age of 91 and the traditional kingmakers began the process of naming a new monarch. However, the process has been fraught with disputes as it has been repeatedly suspended amid allegations of irregularities.

Governor Dapo Abiodun had halted the exercise on December 18, 2025, citing procedural errors. Then, on January 6, 2026, the government directed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to resume the process and conclude it within 14 days.

However, last week,  just as the Awujale kingmakers were set to select one candidate from the 95 nominees, the state government again suspended the exercise again. Then, all 95 princes who had signified an interest in the stool were invited to the Department of State Security headquarters in Ijebu Ode for profiling purposes.

Yesterday, it was reported that three prominent traditional chiefs were suspended from the Ijebu Council of Chiefs over their role in the saga. In a robust denial, however, the Ogun State commissioner for local government, Hon Ganiyu Hamzat and the chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area Dare Alebiosu, have issued a joint statement refuting this.

They described the report as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to create tension and disaffection within Ijebuland. Those mentioned in the viral report include the Kakanfo of Ijebu land Chief Abimbola Okenla, the Lapoekun of Ijebuland Chief Tunde Odulaja and the Madasa of Ijebuland Chief Lekan Oshifeso.

Both  the commissioner and local government chairman stated that no suspension has been approved or carried out by any recognised traditional institution or by the Ogun State government concerning the named chiefs. They stressed that chieftaincy matters are regulated by laid-down laws, customs and due process, none of which, according to them, has been initiated against the affected traditional titleholders.

Describing the publication as the handiwork of mischief makers, the statement urged members of the public to disregard the report and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing confusion or undermining traditional institutions. Residents were further advised to rely only on official government communication channels for accurate and verified information on matters relating to traditional leadership and chieftaincy affairs.