Ogun State Court Battles Over Awujale Succession Continue as Community Waits.

Religious leaders in Ijebuland have appealed to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the ban on the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland. The plea was made by prominent figures including the Anglican Diocese of Ijebu’s Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Rotimi Oludipe; the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo; and Chief Bolanle Bakare, a traditionalist and head of Osugbo in Ijebu-Ode. They spoke during the inauguration of 52 boreholes funded by philanthropists Abimbola and Abayomi Onabanjo in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday.

The traditional stool of Awujale became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona after a 65-year reign. Since then, the Ogun State government had suspended the selection process in January 2026, citing petitions from security agencies and stakeholders, as well as procedural concerns raised in December 2025. Despite the initial halt, the community remains eager for the process to be completed.

The religious leaders expressed concern over the prolonged delay, emphasizing that the absence of a monarch is detrimental to Ijebuland. Bishop Oludipe urged the governor to allow the kingmakers—who are respected and known for their integrity—to resume their duties and conclude the selection process. He pointed out that the delay has created anxiety among the community, with many asking about the status of the new monarch.

Oludipe also acknowledged that the government may have reasons for the embargo but stressed the importance of concluding the process in the best interest of the community. He praised the philanthropists for their water projects, describing the boreholes as a vital intervention that will improve access to potable water and enhance living conditions.

The Chief Imam shared a hopeful outlook, stating that the emergence of the new Awujale is a matter of divine timing. He urged the governor to facilitate the process and ensure the monarch’s installation happens during his tenure. Sheikh Ayanbadejo urged the government to heed the voice of the people and trust the kingmakers’ integrity, emphasizing their pedigree and capacity to select a suitable ruler.

Chief Bakare, head of Osugbo in Ijebu-Ode, echoed these sentiments, calling on the government to lift the embargo and allow the selection process to conclude without further delays. He highlighted that his community, Idewon, and others are eager for a new Awujale to be installed, viewing it as a matter of urgency.

The community’s call for swift action comes amidst ongoing legal battles, as the Funsengbuwa ruling house has taken Ogun State and other officials to court, demanding the completion of the selection process. The stool has been vacant since Oba Sikiru Adetona’s passing, and the delays have stirred widespread anticipation for a new monarch who can lead Ijebuland into the future.