The Keregbetu family of Ijebu-Ode has petitioned President Bola Tinubu over what it described as a prolonged suspension of the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland, urging urgent intervention to prevent tension in the ancient kingdom.
The appeal follows the decision of the Ogun State government to halt the process, citing multiple petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders. The stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years and died at the age of 91.
At a nomination meeting held in Ijebu-Ode, 95 aspirants—94 princes and one princess—from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House reportedly emerged. However, the head of the Keregbetu family, Adegboyega Olowu, said the continued suspension has stalled the installation of a new monarch and generated anxiety across Ijebuland.
In a statement, Olowu called on the President to prevail on Dapo Abiodun to immediately lift the suspension and allow kingmakers to conclude the process without further delay. He described the Awujale stool as a symbol of cultural heritage and a pillar of peace and socio-economic stability, warning that the lingering impasse could trigger unrest.
The family also alleged that since the suspension, one aspirant had begun parading himself as Awujale-elect without completing the traditional selection process, describing the development as illegal and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
Olowu disclosed that over 500 members of the Keregbetu family and Fusengbuwa Ruling House met on February 22, 2026, and resolved to make what he termed a third “urgent appeal” to the President. He warned that failure to install a new Awujale ahead of upcoming major cultural festivities could jeopardise peace and disrupt one of the kingdom’s most significant annual celebrations.
The family appealed for a lawful, transparent, and fair resumption of the process to safeguard stability in Ijebuland.
