Indigenes and residents of Ijebu on Friday staged a peaceful protest over claims that powerful interests are attempting to influence the selection of the next Awujale, bypassing the kingmakers, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and the wider Ijebu community.
The protesters converged at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway leading to the palace before marching to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat in Itoro, where they expressed concern over what they described as an emerging plot to impose a preferred candidate on the traditional institution.
According to The Nation, the tension followed a circular issued by the Ogun State Government on January 20, 2026, which directed the kingmakers to halt further action on the selection process. The directive reportedly stopped the consideration of candidates from a list of 95 nominees earlier submitted by leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, the Olori Ebi; Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, the Deputy Olori Ebi; and Professor Fassy Yusuf, the Vice Chairman.
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The circular, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, has sparked accusations that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is interfering in the traditional process, allegedly with the intention of installing a favoured candidate.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mrs. Adenugba Obileye said the march was meant to formally register their opposition to any attempt to undermine the authority of the kingmakers. She stressed that the emergence of the next Awujale must strictly follow laid-down customs and due process, warning against actions that could threaten peace and unity within Ijebu land.