Awujale Nomination Meeting Postponed Amidst Government Intervention

The nomination meeting of candidates for the vacant stool of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland has been postponed, following an intervention by the Ogun State government. The Fusengbuwa ruling house, which is next in line to produce the Awujale, had initially announced that the meeting would hold on Monday, December 15, 2025, but has since put it on hold.

According to sources, the postponement is aimed at preventing procedural errors that could result in litigation. The Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, revealed that the state government summoned the ruling house to a meeting on Tuesday to review the steps taken so far and ensure compliance with extant laws.

“The postponement of the nomination meeting has nothing to do with any individual,” Owoyemi said. “The government is just helping us to ensure that everything is done properly, so that the selection process does not become a fertile ground for litigation or generate legal controversy.”

The Vice Chairman of the ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that the meeting with the government is scheduled for Tuesday, and will involve the ruling house, kingmakers, and the Awujale Interregnum Committee.

“It is to ensure that everything is in order, and the outcome of this meeting will determine when next we will hold the nomination meeting,” Yusuf said. “The postponement has nothing to do with anyone. Whoever is saying that is only being mischievous and spreading falsehood.”

Meanwhile, it is reported that no fewer than 60 candidates are jostling to become the next Awujale, with the late Oba Adetona having reigned for 65 years before his death in July 2025. The local government had reportedly given the ruling house 14 days to present candidates for the throne, and the process is expected to resume soon.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house had earlier announced strict protocols for the nomination meeting, including the requirement that only accredited family members would be allowed entry, and that each candidate would be represented by two family members. The meeting is expected to be rescheduled soon, with the new date to be announced by the ruling house.