Traditional rulers and chiefs in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have dissolved the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council and established a new body, the Adele Oba Awujale in Council, to oversee the affairs of the town pending the installation of a new monarch.
The decision followed a meeting involving members of the Ilamuren, Pampa, Odi and other traditional chieftaincy groups in Ijebuland.
At the meeting, the chiefs unanimously resolved that members of the dissolved council should relinquish their previous positions and become part of the newly constituted administrative body.
The Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council was established by the Ogun State Government following the death of the 91-year-old Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in July 2025, to manage the town’s traditional and administrative affairs during the transition.
The council was initially chaired by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Folorunso Kuku.
However, in a resolution signed by the Chairman of the newly established Adele Oba Awujale in Council, Sonny Kuku, the chiefs said the decision was informed by their interpretation of the existing traditional and legal provisions governing the Awujale chieftaincy institution.
They argued that the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 2021 did not specifically establish an Awujale Regency Council or prescribe a general process for appointing a regent during an interregnum.
The chiefs, however, maintained that the existing law and the 1957 Declaration recognised customary arrangements within the traditional institution, including the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.
The resolution stated, “Upon consideration of the applicable traditional and statutory framework, it was observed that the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 2021 does not expressly establish an Awujale Regency Council, nor does it prescribe a general procedure for the appointment of a Regent.”
It added that the newly constituted council would take over the administration of Ijebu-Ode during the period without a substantive monarch.
The statement further said, “Consequently, the Adele Oba Awujale in Council shall henceforth assume responsibility for the administration of the affairs of Ijebu-Ode during the interregnum and exercise, on an interim basis, such administrative powers and functions as may appropriately be required in the absence of the Awujale, subject to applicable laws and established customs and traditions.”
The 14-member council is made up of Sonny Kuku, who holds the Ogbeni Oja title; Rasheed Adesanya (Olisa); O.B. Okuboyejo (Obasewa); Chris Okunowo (Bobasuwa); Jide Ajayi (Jagun Aso); Lekan Osifeso (Olootu Olowa); and Jimi Lawal (Olotu Ifore).
Other members include Kunle Ogunade (Apebi), B.O. Osibogun (Iyalode), Adegoke Balogun (Jaginrin), Agboola Alausa (Balogun), Abimbola Okenla (Kakanfo), Adebisi Adaran (Ogbeni Odi Awujale) and Ayotunde Odulaja (Lapoekun).
The chiefs described the arrangement as a traditional administrative structure intended to maintain continuity and stability in Ijebu-Ode while the selection and installation of a new Awujale are ongoing.
They also emphasised that the decision was rooted in the longstanding customs and cultural practices of the Ijebu people.
“Our position is firmly rooted in the ancient customs, established cultural practices and time-honoured traditions of the Ijebu people, particularly as they relate to the Awujale Chieftaincy Institution,” the statement said.
The chiefs added that the new arrangement was designed to safeguard the traditional institution and ensure the smooth administration of Ijebuland until a substantive Awujale emerges.
