Ogun Denies Chiefs’ Suspension Amid Awujale Throne Tensions

The Ogun State Government has moved swiftly to debunk viral reports claiming the suspension of three high-ranking traditional chiefs from the Ijebu Council of Chiefs. In a joint statement released on Friday, January 23, 2026, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Ijebu Ode Local Government described the rumors as “mischievous fabrications” designed to trigger communal instability.

Those falsely named in the social media reports include the Kakanfo of Ijebuland, Chief Abimbola Okenla; the Lapoekun, Chief Tunde Odulaja; and the Madasa, Chief Lekan Oshifeso. The Commissioner for Local Government, Ganiyu Hamzat, and the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, clarified that no disciplinary actions have been initiated against these titleholders, emphasizing that chieftaincy matters remain strictly governed by established laws and tradition.

The denial arrives at a delicate moment for the kingdom. Ijebuland has been without a monarch since the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, following a historic 65-year reign. The task of filling the vacant stool has proven difficult, with the state government halting the selection process for the second time in six months just days ago. Citing “rising tensions, petitions, and security concerns,” the authorities suspended a fresh nomination exercise that had begun on January 12.

Under the traditional rotational system, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is tasked with presenting candidates. However, internal friction and outside petitions—including a high-profile legal challenge from Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1)—have stalled progress. Ayinde’s petition alleged procedural flaws in the delegate system used to nominate candidates, prompting the government to intervene to “protect the integrity and veneration of the stool.”

While the government works to mediate, an interim administrative body chaired by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Folorunso Kuku, has been managing traditional duties. Interestingly, Chief Lekan Oshifeso—one of the men rumored to be suspended—currently serves as the secretary of this very body. Government officials believe the misinformation was a targeted attempt to delegitimize the interim council during this sensitive interregnum.

The tension spilled onto the streets on Friday as members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House staged a peaceful protest in Ijebu Ode. Carrying placards, the protesters warned against any “political imposition” of a candidate. Leading the demonstration, Mrs. Adenugba Obileye demanded that the kingmakers be allowed to perform their duties without external interference, stressing that the stool is sacred and must not be “sacrificed on the altar of pecuniary interests.”

In response to the protests, Dare Alebiosu assured residents that the government has no “preferred candidate” and is only interested in a peaceful, lawful transition. He confirmed that the Awujale’s palace, which had been temporarily closed, was reopened on Thursday to allow for traditional rites. The chairman urged the public to rely only on official gazettes and verified channels to avoid being misled by “information merchants” seeking to profit from the uncertainty.

As the state government awaits further security reports before reopening the nomination window, the message from Abeokuta is clear: the rule of law will prevail over social media rumors. For now, the hunt for the next Awujale remains in a state of carefully managed suspension, with the government calling for “mutual courtesy and patience” among all stakeholders in the ancient kingdom.