The Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has expressed dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay in the appointment of a new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, urging the state government to lift the embargo on the selection process.
The head of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chief Abdulateef Owoyemi, voiced the concern on Wednesday, describing the continued suspension as worrisome.
The Ogun State Government had halted the selection process for a second time in January 2026, citing petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.
The suspension followed an earlier stoppage in December 2025 over alleged procedural irregularities.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.
At the nomination meeting held in Ijebu Ode, a total of 95 candidates—94 princes and one princess—from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House emerged as aspirants for the throne.
Owoyemi lamented that despite repeated appeals, the government had yet to allow kingmakers to resume and conclude the selection process.
“We have continued to pray that the governor will reconsider his position and allow the kingmakers to carry out their constitutional responsibility,” he said.
He warned that the delay was creating anxiety among residents of Ijebuland and placing financial and emotional strain on the candidates.
“The challenges arising from this delay are increasing daily. The people are anxious, and the aspirants are under pressure, spending significant resources as the process drags on,” Owoyemi added.
The ruling house also appealed to the state government to resolve the matter before the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir festival, stressing that the process could still be concluded within the timeframe.
“We are not satisfied with the current situation. This is an important traditional institution that cannot remain in limbo indefinitely. We urge the governor to lift the embargo and allow the emergence of a new Awujale before Eid-el-Kabir,” he said.
Owoyemi further disclosed that efforts by community leaders, including Muslim and Christian clerics, to secure a meeting with the governor had not been successful.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, declined to comment, stating briefly that he was attending an executive council meeting.
The delay in filling the revered traditional stool has continued to generate concern among stakeholders in Ijebuland, with calls intensifying for a swift resolution.
