The Ogun State government has once again suspended the selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebu land.

Our correspondent in Ijebu Ode reports that heavy security was deployed to the Awujale palace on Wednesday, including police officers and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The Awujale throne has been vacant since July 2025 following the death of 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona, who ruled for 65 years.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the government explained that the suspension was due to multiple petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.

The statement said:

“The Awujale stool is one of the foremost and most respected chieftaincy titles in Yoruba land and Ogun State. The late Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for sixty-five years, greatly enhanced its prestige.

“Given this, the process of selecting the next Awujale has attracted intense focus and scrutiny. The government has received several petitions and reports from security agencies and key stakeholders regarding the ongoing selection.

“To preserve public order, protect the integrity of the process, and uphold the dignity of the stool, it has become necessary to halt the selection at this time.

“This decision is made in accordance with the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which allows the government to set aside an appointment in the interest of peace, order, and good governance.

“The Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House should be notified immediately and advised to await further directives on the selection process.”

This is the second time the Ogun State government has suspended the selection. The first suspension was in December 2025, following concerns over procedural irregularities.