The Ogun State Government has again halted the ongoing selection process of Awujale of Ijebuland, citing maintenance of public order, protecting the integrity of the process, and preserve the veneration of the stool.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government.
This commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy Affairs cited several petitions and security reports received by the government and none compliance to the Oba and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 as reasons for the decision.
The statement also instructed Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chairman to promptly inform the Awujale Kingmakers and Fusengbuwa Ruling House of the government’s new decision and aimed at upholding the dignity of the position, ensuring a peaceful and orderly succession process.
The government is committed to ensuring a peaceful outcome of the Awujale succession process.
The meeting expected to be on held between the Awujale Interregnum Administrative council and the candidates vying for the Awujale stool after the submission of their names to the king makers by Fusengbuwa ruling house recently could not hold due to the presence of security officers at the palace of Awujale.
A source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said a letter was sent by the state government suspending the process of the selection by the ruling house, that was why none of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative council was in the palace to do anything.
Meanwhile, while the Awujale Interregnum Administrative council are on suspension as regards this process, Ijebu Ode office of the Directorate of State service DSS was a beehive of activities as the Awujale contestants were spotted in and out of the office.
Some of the Awujale contestants while speaking on their mission at the office of the DSS, said they were invited to appear with their profiles for necessary documents for investigation.
Traffic flow around the DSS Ijebu Ode office, located along the Idobi/Igbeba road was also affected due to this development.
This is the second time the state government will suspend the selection process of the Awujale stool
having nullified the same process late last year due to procedural lapses.
Ogun Government again Halts Awujale Selection Process Amidst Petitions, Security Concerns
