Awujale Stool: Ogun Govt Halts Selection Process Again, DSS Wades In

ABEOKUTA – Tension has further escalated over the selection of a new Awu­jale of Ijebuland following a fresh directive by the Ogun State gov­ernment suspending the process for the second time.

This is coming as the Depart­ment of State Services (DSS) has invited all nominees vying for the vacant royal stool for screening.

The state government’s latest intervention was conveyed in an official letter by the state Commis­sioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, dated January 20, 2026.

According to the letter ad­dressed to the chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, the gov­ernment ordered the immediate suspension of the selection exer­cise, citing concerns over public order, security considerations and the need to protect the integ­rity and sanctity of the revered Awujale stool.

The government disclosed that it had received several pe­titions, alongside reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders, regarding the ongo­ing process.

“In view of these develop­ments, it has become imperative to halt the process in order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the selection exercise and preserve the sanctity of the Awujale stool,” the government stated.

The decision, it explained, was taken in line with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empow­ers the Executive Council to set aside an appointment where it is considered necessary in the interest of peace, order and good governance.

“Given the reports at its disposal, the government has elected to act proactively with­out further delay by halting the process in its entirety,” the letter added.

Consequently, the Ijebu-Ode Local Government chairman was directed to immediately con­vey the government’s decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Coun­cil and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, with the latter advised to await further directives from the state government.

Meanwhile, the crisis took another dimension on Wednes­day as the Department of State Services (DSS) invited nominees contesting the vacant stool for an engagement at its Ijebu-Ode office.

The DSS invitation, also dat­ed January 20, was conveyed through a letter issued by the secretary of the Awujale Afobaje Council.

The letter directed the heads of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Lateef Owoyemi, Dokun Ajidagba and Fassy Yusuf, to en­sure that all nominees report to the DSS office in Ijebu-Ode.

Following the DSS direc­tive, the Awujale kingmakers announced the cancellation of the scheduled meet-and-greet session earlier planned for Wednesday.

In a separate notice, nomi­nees were advised to disregard the meeting and instead comply with the instruction to present themselves at the DSS facility.