Awujale Standoff: Religious Leaders Urge Abiodun to Lift Ban

Religious leaders in Ijebuland have appealed to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the embargo on the selection of a successor to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

The appeal was made by the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ijebu, Rt. Rev. Peter Rotimi Oludipe; the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo; and the head of Osugbo in Ijebu-Ode, Chief Bolanle Bakare.

The religious leaders said the prolonged delay in filling the vacant traditional stool had become a source of concern among residents, with many people questioning when a new monarch would emerge.

Oludipe urged the governor to allow the kingmakers to continue the selection process, describing them as people of integrity who should be permitted to perform their traditional responsibilities.

He said the state government’s suspension of the process had created an unnecessary delay and appealed to Abiodun to lift the embargo so that the selection could be concluded in a manner acceptable to the people.

The bishop acknowledged that the government might have reasons for suspending the process but stressed that there should be no prolonged vacuum in Ijebuland.

The Chief Imam also expressed hope that a new Awujale would eventually emerge, while urging the governor to facilitate the completion of the process.

Ayanbadejo said the emergence of the next monarch was ultimately in God’s hands but maintained that the government should take concrete steps to resolve the situation.

He noted that residents and people outside Ijebuland had continued to ask questions about the vacant stool.

Bakare, who also appealed to the state government, said the people were eager to see the selection process concluded and a new Awujale installed.

The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025 at the age of 91, after 65 years on the throne.

The selection process was suspended by the Ogun State Government in January 2026 amid petitions and reports from security agencies and other stakeholders.

The controversy has since escalated into a legal dispute, with the Fusengbuwa Ruling House approaching the Ogun State High Court to challenge the suspension and seek the completion of the selection process.

The case is expected to come up again as stakeholders continue to seek a resolution to the dispute.

The religious leaders urged all parties to pursue dialogue and allow the process to proceed in the interest of peace, unity and the traditional institution of Ijebuland.