By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has appealed to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the suspension placed on the selection process of the 60th Awujale of Ijebuland, describing the delay as unprecedented and harmful to the peace and progress of the kingdom.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the ruling house, its Chairman, Alhaji Abdulateef Owoyemi, flanked by the Deputy Chairman, Chief Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, decried what they termed undue interference in a traditionally sacred process.

Owoyemi expressed concern that the vacuum created by the passing of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has persisted longer than expected, heightening anxiety among indigenes both at home and in the diaspora.

“Today marks yet another solemn moment in the history of Ijebu-Ode, as our people continue to yearn for the emergence of a new Awujale. The delay has created uncertainty and concern among our people,” he said.

He noted that the late monarch, during his lifetime, had carefully selected credible kingmakers to ensure a seamless succession, stressing that their integrity remains intact.

“The late Awujale, with wisdom and foresight, entrusted the responsibility of selecting his successor to men of proven character and integrity. These kingmakers have served Ijebuland diligently for decades without blemish,” Owoyemi stated.

The ruling house disclosed that it had fulfilled its statutory responsibility by submitting a list of nominated candidates to the kingmakers on January 19, 2026, in line with tradition. However, the process was abruptly halted following government intervention.

According to Owoyemi, the directive led to the sealing of the Awujale Palace and suspension of all selection activities over allegations bordering on security concerns and bribery.

“We were shocked to learn that barely two days after submitting our nomination list, the palace was sealed and the process halted over allegations that were neither substantiated nor clearly defined,” he said.

He further revealed that members of the ruling house and kingmakers were invited for questioning by security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), but no evidence of wrongdoing was established.

“As of today, none of those invited for questioning has been found culpable. The allegations remain unproven and, in our view, speculative,” he added.

Describing the suspension, which has lasted over three months, as unfair and capable of undermining the revered traditional institution, Owoyemi said the development was without precedent.

“This is unprecedented. The process has been stalled over what appears to be unverified claims by individuals who may not wish the ruling house well,” he said.

The ruling house, therefore, urged the governor to allow the immediate resumption of the process to enable kingmakers to carry out their constitutional duty without further delay.

“We respectfully call on His Excellency to lift the suspension and direct the kingmakers to resume and conclude the selection of the next Awujale without further interference,” he appealed.

While acknowledging the governor’s commitment to transparency and fairness, the ruling house stressed the need to balance oversight with respect for tradition.

“We appreciate the governor’s intention to ensure probity and equity. However, we believe the process should now be allowed to reach its rightful conclusion in the interest of peace, unity and development of Ijebuland,” Owoyemi noted.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, however, expressed optimism that the emergence of a new Awujale would usher in renewed hope and prosperity for the people.

“We are confident that once concluded, this process will bring joy, progress and pride to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland,” he concluded.