InA shocking turn of events, the Ogun State government has suspended the ongoing process for selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland, citing security concerns and rising tensions.

The decision, announced by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, has put the highly anticipated succession to the prestigious throne on hold.

The Awujale stool, one of the most revered traditional institutions in Yoruba land, was left without a monarch after the demise of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for an unprecedented 65 years. The selection process, which had already begun, saw 94 princes and one princess throwing their hats into the ring.

However, the state government received several petitions and security reports expressing concerns over the process, prompting it to intervene. “In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time,” Hamzat stated.

The Commissioner cited the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the government to intervene in the interest of peace, order, and good governance. The decision has been conveyed to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, with instructions to await further directives.

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In a related development, the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council has cancelled a planned meet-and-greet with nominees, directing them to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Ijebu-Ode instead. The DSS had summoned the nominees for profiling as part of standard security vetting, but the exercise has been suspended following the state government’s directive.

“The suspension of activities surrounding the Awujale stool, including the DSS profiling, was a directive of the state government and not a unilateral action by the security agency,” a source clarified. The move has been welcomed by stakeholders, who are calling for calm and patience as the state government navigates the situation.

As the situation unfolds, security has been beefed up at the Awujale palace, with police, NSCDC, and Amotekun Corps personnel stationed there. The state government’s decision has temporarily put the spotlight on the succession process, leaving many wondering what the future holds for the Awujale throne.