Indigenes and residents of Ijebu Ode took to the streets on Friday morning to protest what they called attempts by “powerful interests” to influence the selection of the next Awujale.

The demonstrators marched from the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters, voicing their opposition to alleged external interference in the traditional succession process.

The protest followed a circular issued by the Ogun State Government on January 20, 2026, instructing kingmakers to pause further action on selecting a candidate from the 95 nominees submitted by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. Leaders of the ruling house include Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, Olori Ebi; Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, Deputy Olori Ebi; and Professor Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman.

The circular, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, has fueled accusations that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration is seeking to influence the process to favor a preferred candidate.

Speaking during the peaceful protest, Mrs. Adenugba Obileye said the march aimed to express the community’s anger over what she described as “thickening plots to interfere with the job of the kingmakers” and to prevent the installation of an Awujale outside due process.

“We are here to register our displeasure and demand that the kingmakers be allowed to perform their constitutional duty without interference. The people of Ijebu will not accept any attempt to impose a candidate outside the traditional process,” she said.