Fresh pressure mounted yesterday over the prolonged delay in selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland, as the Keregbetu family of Ijebu-Ode formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the suspended selection process.
The appeal follows the Ogun State Government’s decision to halt the exercise, citing a surge of petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.
The revered stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at 91, ending a historic 65-year reign.
Since then, the process to name his successor from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has stalled, despite 95 aspirants 94 princes and one princess emerging at a nomination meeting in Ijebu-Ode.
In a statement, the head of the Keregbetu family, Adegboyega Olowu, called on President Tinubu to prevail on Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift what he described as an indefinite suspension and allow kingmakers to conclude their constitutional duty.
Olowu warned that the delay has deepened uncertainty across Ijebuland and could destabilise the ancient kingdom if not urgently addressed.
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He described the Awujale stool as more than a traditional office, calling it a cultural symbol and stabilising force not only in Ogun State but beyond.
“As members of the ruling house to produce the next Awujale and critical stakeholders, we are compelled to draw your attention to the current delay surrounding the selection process.
“This development is illegal and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in the kingdom. Such actions must not be allowed.”
The family further alleged that since the suspension, one of the aspirants has begun parading himself as Awujale-elect without completing the traditional rites and formal selection procedures, a development it described as troubling.
Olowu disclosed that more than 500 members of the Keregbetu family and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House convened on February 22, 2026, resolving to make what he termed a third “urgent appeal” to the President.
According to the family, the uncertainty comes at a sensitive time, with the Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festival and the internationally renowned Ojude Oba Festival fast approaching.
Olowu cautioned that failure to install a new Awujale before Ileya could disrupt this year’s Ojude Oba Festival — a major cultural celebration that draws indigenes from the Diaspora and tourists from around the world.
In their petition, the family urged the President to act swiftly.
“We humbly appeal to Your Excellency to use your good offices to prevail on Governor Abiodun to lift the suspension and allow the kingmakers to resume their constitutional duty in a lawful, transparent and fair manner.”
