Awujale: Fusengbuwa Ruling House sues Abiodun, kingmakers over stalled selection - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Awujale: Fusengbuwa Ruling House sues Abiodun, kingmakers over stalled selection

Published

2 months ago

on

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

Awujale: Fusengbuwa Ruling House sues Abiodun, kingmakers over stalled selection

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has taken Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the state government and members of the Awujale Afobaje/Kingmakers Council to court over the stalled process of selecting the next Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

The suit, filed at the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode, is seeking judicial orders compelling the relevant authorities to allow the succession process to resume and be completed in accordance with the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

The case, dated August 21, 2026, was filed by the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Abdulateef Owoyemi; Deputy Chairman, Adedokun Ajidagba; and Vice Chairman, Prof Fassy Yusuf.

The defendants include Governor Abiodun; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN); the Ogun State Executive Council; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat; the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government; and its chairman, Dare Alebiosu.

Nine members of the Awujale Afobaje/Kingmakers Council are also named as defendants. They are Sonny Kuku, Rasheed Adesanya, Oluwaranti Osifeso, Jimi Lawal, Abimbola Okenla, Kunle Ogunade, Agboola Alausa, Adebisi Adaran and Ayotunde Odulaja.

The legal dispute stems from the prolonged process of finding a successor to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 after a 65-year reign.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House maintains that the succession process was properly initiated after Ijebu-Ode Local Government notified it on December 2, 2025, that it was its turn to produce a candidate under the rotational arrangement governing the Awujale stool.

READ ALSO:

The family subsequently held its nomination meeting on January 12, 2026, which it said was within the 14-day period prescribed by Section 16 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

According to the claimants, 95 princes and princesses were nominated during the exercise, with the completed list forwarded to the nine-member kingmakers’ council on January 19, 2026.

The ruling house contends that the submission of the list marked the completion of its statutory responsibility and paved the way for the kingmakers to commence the next stage of the process — selecting a preferred candidate from the nominees.

However, the claimants allege that the kingmakers were prevented from meeting less than 24 hours after receiving the nomination list.

They alleged that police officers entered the Awujale Palace after midnight on January 20, 2026, and locked the premises, thereby preventing the kingmakers from convening to continue the selection process.

The ruling house is now asking the High Court to determine whether the Ogun State Government had the legal authority to order or facilitate the alleged closure of the palace and prevent the kingmakers from carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

It also wants the court to determine whether the state government had the power under the Ogun State chieftaincy law to suspend the nomination or selection process for the Awujale stool.

The claimants further argue that the ruling house had fully complied with its legal obligation after completing its nomination exercise within the prescribed period.

They are asking the court to determine whether the kingmakers, after receiving the 95-name nomination list, became legally obligated under Sections 16(1)(e) and (f) of the law to select a candidate and forward the name to the Ogun State Executive Council.

The ruling house is also relying on Section 22 of the law in asking the court to determine whether the Executive Council is required to act on a candidate selected and presented by the kingmakers.

The claimants are seeking a declaration that they should not be compelled to reopen, repeat or recommence the nomination exercise after completing it in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

They are also asking the court to declare that the Awujale kingmakers must proceed with the selection of a candidate from the submitted list and forward the name to the appropriate government authority.

Among the reliefs sought is an order directing the kingmakers to reconvene within seven days of judgment and complete the selection process.

The ruling house is further seeking an injunction restraining the Ogun State Government and security agencies from interfering with the succession process.

It wants the court to declare the alleged locking of the Awujale Palace unlawful, ultra vires the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021, and contrary to the claimants’ right to fair hearing.

The legal action follows an earlier decision by the state government to suspend the succession exercise amid concerns over security, alleged bribery and financial inducement.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, however, disputes the basis for those concerns and says no evidence or formal petition substantiating the allegations was presented to it.

The claimants further contend that investigations by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) did not establish wrongdoing by the ruling house.

The dispute has already affected planned engagements between the kingmakers and prospective candidates. The selection process was halted after security authorities became involved, while aspirants were subsequently directed to appear before the DSS for screening.

The case now places the respective powers and responsibilities of the ruling house, Awujale kingmakers and Ogun State Government before the court.

Counsel for the claimants, led by Olusegun Otayemi, argued in the originating summons that the state’s chieftaincy law establishes a sequential process involving nomination, selection and approval, which should be followed once the process has been validly commenced.

The ruling house is therefore asking the court to clarify whether any government authority has the power to interrupt the statutory process after the relevant stages have been completed.

The outcome of the case could determine the future of the current Awujale succession process, including whether the 95-name nomination list remains valid and whether the kingmakers can proceed with the selection of a successor to Oba Adetona.

It could also provide judicial clarification on how the provisions of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law 2021 should be applied in the appointment of the next Awujale.

The case adds a significant legal dimension to the prolonged search for a successor to one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional rulers, as stakeholders in Ijebuland await further developments from the court.

Awujale: Fusengbuwa Ruling House sues Abiodun, kingmakers over stalled selection

Loading

Related Topics:
Advertisement

metro

EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 10, 2026

By

EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties
Lagos-based businessman Onatayo Pelumi
EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Lagos-based businessman Onatayo Pelumi over alleged money laundering involving approximately ₦132 million, with the Federal High Court in Lagos ordering the forfeiture of two properties and ₦8 million to the Federal Government.

Justice Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Lagos, convicted Pelumi on five counts relating to the retention of proceeds of unlawful activities in bank accounts maintained with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Zenith Bank.

According to the EFCC, the charges covered various sums allegedly retained in the accounts between January 2023 and June 2026, despite the defendant’s knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The commission did not provide further details about the specific unlawful activities from which the money was allegedly derived.

In his judgment, Justice Osiagor sentenced Pelumi to three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦300,000 fine, on the first count.

READ ALSO:

For each of the remaining four counts, the court imposed five years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦300,000 fine per count.

However, the judge directed that all the prison terms run concurrently, meaning they are served at the same time rather than consecutively.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of two half-plots of land in Lagos and ₦8 million held in Pelumi’s Zenith Bank account to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The properties covered by the forfeiture order are a half-plot of land at No. 23 Michael Ayorinde Street, Abule-Egba, and another half-plot at No. 1 Yisa Street, Meiran, both in Lagos State.

In addition to the prison sentences and forfeiture orders, Pelumi was directed to undertake seven days of community service.

The conviction followed prosecution by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 as part of its efforts to investigate and prosecute financial crimes involving the retention of funds linked to unlawful activities.

The case also highlights the commission’s use of asset-forfeiture proceedings to recover money and property connected to financial crime cases.

The EFCC did not disclose additional details about the source of the funds beyond the allegations contained in the five-count charge.

 

EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 10, 2026

By

Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines
ACF’s Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba
Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to introduce measures to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians within three months, while demanding clear timelines and measurable targets for improving living conditions.

The forum said the Federal Government should move beyond repeated assurances that economic conditions would improve and provide specific commitments showing when Nigerians could begin to experience meaningful relief.

The ACF’s Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, made the call during an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to media reports.

Mohammed-Baba said the administration needed to be more transparent about the effects of its economic reforms and acknowledge areas where the outcomes had fallen short of expectations.

He argued that government policies should be assessed not only by their stated objectives but also by their effects on households, businesses and the wider population.

The ACF spokesman cited the rising cost of living, declining purchasing power, increasing rents, higher transportation expenses and electricity bills as some of the pressures confronting Nigerians. He also identified poor road infrastructure and persistent insecurity as challenges affecting citizens’ welfare.

READ ALSO:

According to him, the government should explain how it intends to address these problems and establish clear benchmarks against which its performance can be measured.

Mohammed-Baba called on the Tinubu administration to outline what it expects to achieve within one, two and three years, arguing that measurable targets would enable Nigerians to assess progress rather than rely solely on official assurances.

He also urged the government to acknowledge the difficulties associated with its economic policies and communicate more openly with citizens about the challenges and expected outcomes.

The ACF spokesman maintained that the government should not expect Nigerians to endure prolonged hardship without a clear indication of when relief measures would take effect.

He said three months should be enough for the administration to introduce measures capable of reducing some of the immediate pressures on households, even if broader economic recovery would require more time.

The forum also called for greater accountability from political leaders, arguing that the sacrifices demanded of citizens should be matched by a commitment from public officials to responsible governance and improved service delivery.

Mohammed-Baba’s comments add to the ongoing debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly the pressure that higher living costs have placed on households and small businesses.

The government has defended its reforms as necessary to address longstanding economic challenges. However, the ACF’s position underscores the need for clear communication about the expected benefits of the policies and practical measures to cushion their immediate effects.

On the 2027 general elections, Mohammed-Baba said the ACF would assess political parties and candidates based on their commitment to good governance, accountability, anti-corruption, equity and fairness.

He said the forum’s position would be guided by the quality of leadership and the ability of political actors to promote responsible governance rather than automatic support for any particular political party.

The ACF’s central demand is for the Federal Government to establish clear deadlines, measurable objectives and practical steps for reducing hardship, enabling Nigerians to judge progress by tangible improvements in their daily lives.

 

Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Adamawa Mourns as Fufore Loses Second Council Chairman in 18 Months

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 10, 2026

By

Adamawa Mourns as Fufore Loses Second Council Chairman in 18 Months
Late Chairman of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Dr Yahaya Sa’idu

Adamawa Mourns as Fufore Loses Second Council Chairman in 18 Months

The Chairman of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Dr Yahaya Sa’idu, has died less than three months after assuming office, in a development that has plunged the council and its residents into mourning.

Sa’idu reportedly died at a hospital in Kaduna following a brief illness. According to Ahmed B. Yusha’u, the council’s Information Officer, the chairman died at about 1 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

His death came approximately 18 months after his predecessor, Shuaibu Babas, also died while serving as chairman of the council, making the latest development another significant loss for the Fufore community.

The news of Sa’idu’s death was confirmed in a condolence message by Aliyu Boya Wakili, the member of the House of Representatives representing Fufore/Song Federal Constituency.

Wakili expressed sadness over the death, describing it as a major loss to the people of Fufore and Adamawa State. He prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

He also extended condolences to the late chairman’s family, associates and constituents, urging them to find strength and comfort during the difficult period.

READ ALSO:

The Adamawa State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) also mourned Sa’idu’s death. The association’s state chairman, Titus Obadiah, described him as a committed leader who served his community.

Obadiah sympathised with the bereaved family, friends, political associates and residents of Fufore, praying for comfort and strength for everyone affected by the loss.

The Adamawa State Police Command also expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, the Fufore community and the state government. The condolence message was signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje.

Other political figures who reportedly mourned Sa’idu included Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District, and Ahmad Lawan, a senior special assistant on security to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Sa’idu was sworn in as Fufore local government chairman on July 15, 2026, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His death occurred less than three months after he began his tenure.

His predecessor, Shuaibu Babas, died on April 23, 2025, while in office. Babas’s death was followed by a succession process that eventually led to his deputy, Peace Samson Audu, being sworn in as substantive chairman in May 2025.

The successive deaths have prompted fresh expressions of grief among political stakeholders and residents of Fufore, who are mourning the loss of two council leaders within approximately 18 months.

As tributes continue to emerge, details of Sa’idu’s funeral arrangements were yet to be formally confirmed in the reports available at the time of publication.

The circumstances surrounding his reported brief illness have not been publicly detailed beyond the information provided by the council’s Information Officer.

Adamawa Mourns as Fufore Loses Second Council Chairman in 18 Months

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending