By Habeeb Ibrahim
The Ijebu Progressive Elders Forum (IPEF) has accused the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, of interfering in the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The forum alleged that the government was attempting to influence the succession process in favour of a preferred candidate, Omooba Folu Aderibigbe, following the death of the former Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on July 13, 2025.
In a position statement published by The Guardian on Thursday, October 29, the forum described the developments surrounding the vacant stool as a government-engineered division within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
It alleged that the government had created divisions within the ruling house by attempting to restrict the selection process to a particular nuclear family, despite the 1959 Chieftaincy Declaration reportedly allowing descendants of the Fusengbuwa lineage to contest.
The forum also questioned the recognition of Otunba Olukayode Otufale as the Olori-Ebi of the ruling house, describing his emergence as government-backed and disputed.
According to the elders, the recognition of a disputed family head could influence the sale of expression-of-interest forms and the eventual selection of the next monarch.
The forum further alleged that Omooba Aderibigbe was being favoured because of his relationship with the governor, insisting that the Awujale stool should not be used as a reward for political loyalty.
It said the throne should be occupied by a candidate with a record of service to Ijebuland and not through political sponsorship.
The elders also raised concerns over an invitation reportedly issued by the Department of State Services (DSS) to some Olori-Ebis on October 29, 2026.
The invitation, signed by Yemi Oloto on behalf of the State Director of Security, DSS, Ogun State, reportedly concerned investigations into the sale of expression-of-interest forms to princes and princesses interested in the vacant stool.
Describing the development as intimidation, the forum questioned the involvement of the DSS in what it considers an internal administrative process of the ruling house.
It maintained that the existing selection process had already produced a list of eligible candidates which had been forwarded to the Afobajes, who are expected to perform their traditional role in selecting the next monarch.
The forum argued that the state government’s responsibility should be limited to supervising the process in accordance with the applicable chieftaincy declaration rather than determining who succeeds the late monarch.
IPEF, through its National President, High Chief Adebanjo Adeboluro, called on Abiodun to end what it described as unnecessary delays and interference in the succession process.
It also demanded that the governor allow all eligible candidates from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to participate without political influence.
The elders urged the government to allow the ruling house to resolve its leadership disagreements according to its customs and traditions.
They further warned against using the dispute over the Olori-Ebi position to frustrate the selection process.
The forum insisted that Ijebuland would not accept a monarch imposed through political sponsorship, adding that the integrity of the traditional institution must be protected.
The vacant Awujale stool followed the death of Oba Adetona, who ruled Ijebuland for 65 years before his death at the age of 91.
The Ogun State Government has previously urged stakeholders to exercise patience and maintain peace during the succession process.
