Ijebu Ruling House Appeals to Tinubu to Resolve Awujale Stool Deadlock

The Keregbetu family of Ijebu-Ode, alongside members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, has formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the prolonged stalemate over the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland, warning that the delay threatens peace, cultural heritage, and socio-economic stability in Ogun State.

The petition follows the suspension of the selection process by the Ogun State government, which cited numerous petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders. The Awujale stool has remained vacant since July 2025, following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.

At a nomination meeting last year, 95 aspirants — 94 princes and one princess — emerged from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to contest the throne. However, the suspension of the process has prevented the kingmakers from completing their constitutional duty, generating anxiety across Ijebuland and creating uncertainty over the future of the ancient kingdom.

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In a statement, the head of the Keregbetu family, Adegboyega Olowu, urged President Tinubu to prevail on Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the suspension and allow the selection process to resume without further delay. Olowu said the deadlock is “illegal and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in the kingdom,” adding that one of the aspirants had begun presenting himself as Awujale-elect without completing the traditional procedures.

The family emphasised that the Awujale stool is a symbol of Ijebuland’s cultural heritage and a pillar of peace, unity, and socio-economic development. They warned that failure to resolve the impasse before the upcoming Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festival could negatively impact the Ojude Oba Festival, an internationally renowned cultural event that attracts both indigenes from the Diaspora and tourists worldwide.

Over 500 members of the Keregbetu family and Fusengbuwa Ruling House met on February 22, 2026, to deliberate on the issue and resolved to make what they described as a third urgent appeal to the president. They stressed that restoring the selection process will safeguard peace, preserve the integrity of the stool, and protect the kingdom’s rich cultural traditions.

Observers note that while the Ogun State Government has denied endorsing any aspirant and maintains that the suspension was meant to ensure proper review of petitions, the appeal highlights the urgent need for leadership intervention to prevent further tension in Ijebuland.

Supporters of the appeal say a swift resolution is essential not only for maintaining social harmony but also for sustaining the kingdom’s tourism and cultural economy, which thrives during annual festivals. The royal family called on all stakeholders to respect traditional norms and allow the kingmakers to carry out their duties lawfully, transparently, and fairly.

Ijebu Ruling House Appeals to Tinubu to Resolve Awujale Stool Deadlock

Human Rights Lawyer Says Amupitan’s INEC ‘Failed Woefully’ in FCT Election

Human rights lawyer and former Chidi Odinkalu, has expressed strong doubts about the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Chairman Joash Amupitan to conduct credible 2027 general elections. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Odinkalu criticised the commission’s handling of the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections, declaring that “INEC failed.” He said, “Amupitan’s INEC failed woefully. On this evidence, nobody can trust Joash Amupitan to organise credible elections in 2027. It is not about the law; it is about the failure of will and the failure of electoral administration.”

Odinkalu pointed to poor logistics, including late deployment of election materials and personnel, as well as voter reassignment without adequate notice of polling unit changes on election day. He argued that these administrative lapses risked disenfranchising voters and undermined public confidence in the electoral process. He urged INEC officials to either adequately prepare for their responsibilities or step aside for “more capable hands.” Odinkalu also rejected arguments that it might be too early to assess Amupitan, noting that the chairman previously oversaw a governorship election in Anambra State, which provides a measure of his track record.

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“The commission must acknowledge its shortcomings, apologise to Nigerians, and take personal responsibility for lapses,” Odinkalu said. “Nigerians are not asking for perfection, but they want to see sincerity and concrete steps toward improvement.” Political analysts say Odinkalu’s remarks reflect broader concerns about INEC’s credibility and readiness to conduct nationwide elections. Parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) highlighted issues with pre-election curfews, logistics, and voter management, while civil society groups like the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticised the FCT minister and INEC for actions that may have undermined the polls.

INEC, for its part, defended its operations, highlighting voter registration technology, election officer training, and electronic result transmission as evidence of improved procedures. Nevertheless, critics maintain that the commission must address systemic gaps to restore confidence ahead of 2027. With Nigeria’s 2027 elections approaching, Odinkalu’s comments underscore the urgent need for INEC to enhance transparency, improve voter communication, and strengthen election logistics. Observers stress that rebuilding trust in the electoral system is essential for national stability and the credibility of future elections.

Human Rights Lawyer Says Amupitan’s INEC ‘Failed Woefully’ in FCT Election

FCT Poll: Falana Queries Wike’s Power to Declare Public Holiday

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to publicly cite any law empowering him to declare a public holiday or impose movement restrictions during the recently concluded FCT area council election.

Falana insisted that the minister acted outside the law, arguing that the authority to declare public holidays in Nigeria does not reside with the FCT minister. According to him, only the President, the Minister of Interior, and state governors are legally authorised to announce federal or state holidays.

The senior lawyer criticised the declaration of a work-free day ahead of the election, saying it amounted to an abuse of executive power and a dangerous precedent capable of undermining constitutional governance.

Wike had earlier defended his decision, claiming he acted with the consent of the President after receiving a security report suggesting that some individuals planned to transport troublemakers into the Federal Capital Territory to disrupt the polls. He also cautioned Falana against commenting on every national issue without verifying facts.

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However, Falana, in a statement issued on Monday, dismissed the minister’s justification, stressing that even the President lacks the constitutional power to issue directives concerning the conduct of elections.

“The minister’s defence that the President authorised him to order the restriction of movement is illegal, as the President has no power whatsoever to direct how elections are conducted in Nigeria,” Falana said.

He referenced Section 160(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the commission’s powers to regulate elections are not subject to presidential or ministerial control.

Falana further questioned Wike’s conduct on election day, pointing out that the minister is not a registered voter in the FCT and should therefore have strictly complied with the restriction order he announced.

“I challenge the FCT Minister to refer to any law that empowers him to declare a public holiday or restrict the movement of citizens during the Area Council election,” Falana said.

“Assuming, without conceding, that the President authorised movement restriction, did that authorisation include declaring a public holiday? Did the minister himself comply with the restriction order? Did it permit him to move around or interfere with electoral officers?”

The dispute has reignited national debate over ministerial powers in the FCT, election-day movement restrictions, and the need to protect INEC’s independence from executive interference.

Legal observers say the controversy highlights the importance of strict adherence to constitutional provisions to preserve public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

FCT Poll: Falana Queries Wike’s Power to Declare Public Holiday