Governor Abiodun: Awujale Selection Ban Stalls Ijebuland Succession

• Religious leaders in Ijebuland have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift an embargo on the selection process for the next Awujale, in place since January 2026.
• The delay in installing a successor to the late Oba Sikiru Adetona is causing significant concern among the community.
• Bishop Peter Rotimi Oludipe and Chief Imam Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo stated the state government is responsible for halting the selection process.
• Both leaders urged the governor to trust the integrity of the kingmakers and allow the traditional process to conclude.
• The ongoing intervention highlights broader issues concerning the autonomy of traditional institutions and potential legal precedents in Ogun State.

The intervention by the state government in the Ijebu Awujale selection process has created an undesirable vacuum, raising questions about the autonomy of traditional institutions.

A significant chieftaincy dispute has emerged in Ijebuland, Ogun State, concerning the selection of the next Awujale, the traditional ruler of the region. The process to identify a successor to the late Oba Sikiru Adetona has been stalled by an embargo imposed by Governor Dapo Abiodun, a restriction that has reportedly been in place since January 2026. This prolonged delay has become a source of considerable anxiety and concern among the local populace, prompting various community leaders to appeal for its immediate lifting.

Religious figures from across Ijebuland recently voiced their collective plea to the governor during the inauguration of 52 borehole projects in Ijebu-Ode, an initiative generously funded by Abimbola Onabanjo and his wife, Abayomi. Among those who spoke were the Lord Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ijebu, Rt. Rev. Dr Peter Rotimi Oludipe; the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo; and Chief Bolanle Bakare, a prominent traditionalist and head of the Osugbo in Ijebu-Ode. Their unified message underscored the urgency of resolving the impasse and allowing the traditional Ijebu Awujale selection process to proceed to its conclusion.

Bishop Oludipe explicitly stated that the state government is responsible for the current delay, noting that Governor Abiodun had effectively halted the arrangements for those tasked with selecting the Awujale. He emphasized the integrity of the designated kingmakers, asserting that they should be permitted to fulfill their traditional duties without interference. The Anglican bishop highlighted the undesirable vacuum created by the absence of an Awujale, particularly for a community as historically significant and widely recognized as Ijebuland, where many are questioning the ongoing delay in installing a new monarch.

Echoing these sentiments, the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Ayanbadejo, expressed his hope for the eventual emergence of the next Awujale, believing the matter will be resolved in due course. He recalled his previous efforts to rally Muslim clerics to join him in urging the governor to facilitate the monarch's installation. Sheikh Ayanbadejo advised the government to heed the voice of the people and place trust in the kingmakers, whom he described as individuals of integrity and proven pedigree, chosen by the late Awujale himself. He further implored Governor Abiodun to ensure that the new traditional ruler is installed during his current tenure, reinforcing the community's desire for a timely resolution to the Ogun State chieftaincy dispute.

The Governor Abiodun Awujale selection ban raises critical questions regarding the autonomy of traditional institutions within Ogun State and the extent of executive intervention in such processes. While acknowledging that the government might have its reasons for imposing the embargo, religious leaders have consistently urged that the selection process be allowed to conclude in the broader interest of Ijebuland. This ongoing delay creates uncertainty for local governance and could set a significant precedent regarding executive authority over traditional ruler succession.

Lawyers and observers of administrative law should closely monitor the resolution of this Awujale selection embargo. The outcome will reflect the Ogun State government's approach to the independence of traditional institutions and could influence how future chieftaincy disputes are handled, potentially leading to further administrative law challenges. The intervention by the state government in the Ijebu Awujale selection process has created an undesirable vacuum, raising questions about the autonomy of traditional institutions and the balance of power between modern governance and ancient customs.

Lawyers should monitor the resolution of the Awujale selection embargo as it reflects the Ogun State government's approach to traditional institution autonomy and could influence future chieftaincy disputes or administrative law challenges. This ongoing delay creates uncertainty for local governance and potential legal precedent regarding executive intervention in traditional succession.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH