Ijebu Ruling House Appeals to Tinubu to Resolve Awujale Stool Deadlock

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