Awujale Succession: Ruling House Sues Ogun Government, Seeks Completion of Selection Process

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode has instituted legal action against the Ogun State Government, members of the Awujale kingmakers’ council and other officials over the stalled process of selecting a new Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

The suit, filed before the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode, seeks judicial intervention to compel the continuation and conclusion of the succession process following the vacancy created by the death of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

According to the claimants, the ruling house had completed its statutory responsibility by nominating candidates for the throne and forwarding the list to the kingmakers for the next stage of the selection exercise.

They argued that once the nomination process was concluded, the kingmakers became legally obligated to select a candidate and forward the name to the appropriate authorities for approval in line with existing chieftaincy regulations.

The plaintiffs further challenged the suspension of the selection process, alleging that actions taken to prevent the kingmakers from meeting disrupted a procedure already underway.

They maintained that the succession exercise had validly commenced and should have progressed through the stages prescribed by law without interference.

The suit also seeks declarations affirming the legality of the nomination process conducted by the ruling house and asks the court to direct the kingmakers to reconvene and complete the selection of a new monarch.

In addition, the claimants are requesting an order restraining further actions that could hinder the completion of the process.

Counsel to the ruling house argued that the state’s chieftaincy laws provide a clear sequence for the nomination, selection and approval of a traditional ruler, stressing that the process should proceed in accordance with the provisions of the law.

The case is expected to determine key legal questions surrounding the selection of the next Awujale and the extent of government involvement in traditional succession matters.