The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu Ode has called on Bola Tinubu and Dapo Abiodun to intervene in the prolonged suspension of the process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
Speaking on Sunday at his residence in Ijebu Idowa, the Chairman of the ruling house, Abdulateef Owoyemi, alongside other leaders of the house, expressed concern over the delay, saying it has created anxiety among residents awaiting a new monarch.
According to him, the three-month suspension imposed on the selection process has persisted despite the absence of any indictment against members of the ruling house or the kingmakers who were questioned over alleged bribery.
“For more than three months now, the Ogun State Government has halted the Awujale selection process over petitions that have not been substantiated,” he said.
Owoyemi added that members of the ruling house had honoured multiple invitations from security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, without any evidence of wrongdoing being established.
“We have become victims of suspicion and intimidation despite no findings of wrongdoing,” he said.
He urged the state government to immediately lift the embargo and allow the kingmakers, led by Dr Sunny Kuku, to continue the process in line with tradition.
“We therefore hereby make a passionate appeal to His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun and his key officials and advisers, to kindly lift the suspension order placed on this 60th Awujale selection process since over three months ago.
“We urge the governor to please direct the Afobaje Kingmakers to immediately resume, meticulously carry out, and successfully conclude their age long and statutory responsibility of wisely and objectively selecting the next Awujale for Ijebu Ode and Ijebuland without any further delay or intervention,” Owoyemi said.
He also expressed confidence in the integrity of the kingmakers, describing them as experienced individuals who had served the late monarch faithfully.
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“We believe the kingmakers cannot be influenced to act against the will of the people or tradition,” he added.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91, after 65 years on the throne.
The Ogun State Government had earlier suspended the selection process in January 2026, citing petitions and security concerns, after an initial halt in December 2025 over procedural issues.
A total of 95 aspirants, comprising 94 princes and one princess, emerged from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House during the nomination process held in Ijebu Ode.