The Keregbetu family of Ijebu-Ode and princes and princesses of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House have petitioned President Bola Tinubu over what they described as the prolonged suspension of the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Abeokuta, the head of Keregbetu family, Adegboyega Hanifatu Olowu, called on the President to prevail on Governor Dapo Abiodun to immediately lift the suspension and allow the kingmakers to complete the process without further delay.
Olowu expressed concern over recent developments in Ijebu-Ode, noting that the suspension had generated anxiety across Ijebuland and stalled the installation of a new Awujale.
Describing the Awujale stool as a symbol of cultural heritage and a pillar of peace and socio-economic stability in Ogun State and beyond, the family said the lingering impasse could trigger tension and instability in the ancient kingdom.
“As members of the ruling house to produce the next Awujale and critical stakeholders, we are compelled to draw Your Excellency’s attention to the current delay surrounding the selection process,” the statement read.
The family alleged that since the suspension, one of the aspirants had begun parading himself as Awujale-elect without completing the traditional selection process. It further claimed that the aspirant allegedly commissioned a Waka musician to produce and circulate a promotional jingle proclaiming him as the new Awujale.
“This development is illegal and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in the kingdom. Such actions must not be allowed,” Olowu warned.
He disclosed that over 500 members of the Keregbetu family and Fusengbuwa Ruling House met on February 22, 2026, and resolved to make what he described as a third “urgent appeal” to the President on the matter.
According to him, the suspension of the process has heightened apprehension, especially with the Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festival and the globally acclaimed Ojude Oba Festival approaching.
He warned that failure to install a new Awujale before the Ileya festival could jeopardise this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, a major cultural event that attracts indigenes in the Diaspora and tourists from across the world.
The family also expressed fears that uncertainty surrounding the stool could negatively impact tourism revenue and discourage corporate participation in the annual festival, thereby affecting Ogun State’s economy.
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s drive to boost tourism, the family urged President Tinubu to intervene to ensure that due traditional process is followed.
“We humbly appeal to Your Excellency to use your good offices to prevail on Governor Abiodun to lift the suspension and allow the kingmakers to resume their constitutional duty in a lawful, transparent and fair manner,” the statement added.
Vanguard recalls that the Ogun State government, for the second time last month, halted the selection process, citing a flood of petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, had stated that the decision was taken in the interest of peace and security.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the demise of Sikiru Adetona, who passed on at the age of 91 after 65 years on the throne.
A total of 95 aspirants — 94 princes and one princess — from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had emerged at a nomination meeting held in Ijebu-Ode.
The kingmakers, led by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Dr Sunny Kuku, were set to commence the selection process before the state government announced its suspension.