The Ogun State Police Command has once again summoned nine kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode over allegations of bribery and financial inducement tied to the ongoing process of selecting a new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.
The kingmakers are expected to appear at the State Command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Monday and Tuesday next week.
A senior police source, who spoke anonymously on Friday, confirmed the development, stating that the invitation remains part of an ongoing investigation into claims of financial inducement.
“The nine kingmakers have been asked to report at the command headquarters at Eleweran on Monday and Tuesday. The invitation is still in connection with allegations of financial inducement,” the source said.
One of the affected kingmakers, the Kakanfo of Ijebuland, Chief Abimbola Okenla, also acknowledged receiving the invitation.
“It is true that the Ogun State Police Command has invited the kingmakers to the headquarters in Abeokuta. Four of us are to appear on Monday, while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday,” he said.
Okenla, however, expressed displeasure over the repeated summons, describing the allegations as baseless and a distraction to the process.
“None of us is happy with these frequent invitations by security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebuland are equally not pleased, as it is becoming a distraction,” he said.
He further appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers complete their assignment without interference.
“We are pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of selecting the next Awujale without further delay,” he added.
In a related reaction, the head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, said he could not immediately verify the authenticity of the latest police invitation.
“I have heard about the reported police summon, but I cannot confirm whether it is true or mere rumour. I appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun, as the father of all, to allow reason to prevail so that we can have a new Awujale in good time,” he said.
Owoyemi reiterated the expectation of the Ijebu people to have a credible successor to the late monarch.
“What the Ijebu people desire is a new Awujale who will consolidate on the enduring legacies of our revered late monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest,” he added.
Meanwhile, a copy of the police invitation letter dated April 17, 2026, addressed to Chief Adebisi Adaran (Gbeden), indicated that the summon was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gbenga Adeoye.
Part of the letter read, “In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10:00hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID.
“This is a fact-finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act, 2020.
“Your presence is required to assist in advancing the course of justice and fairness. You may come along with your lawyer if you so wish.”
The development follows an earlier invitation extended to the same kingmakers in February over similar allegations, though that probe was reportedly stalled after interventions by authorities.
The Ogun State government had previously suspended the selection process in January, citing multiple petitions from stakeholders and security agencies.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.
Earlier, in December 2025, the process was also halted over alleged procedural breaches.
The Awujale stool has remained vacant since July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona at the age of 91, after 65 years on the throne.
Before the suspension, a total of 95 aspirants, comprising 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, had emerged during a nomination exercise held in Ijebu-Ode.
