The government of Ogun State has put a stop to the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland after receiving multiple petitions and security reports that raised concerns about public order and the sanctity of the traditional stool.
The suspension comes weeks after veteran Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, submitted a petition to the state executive council asking it to cancel the nomination exercise that took place on January 12, 2026.
KWAM 1‘s complaint was reportedly one of several received by the state government from different stakeholders and security agencies regarding the selection process.
Ganiyu Hamzat, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, announced the suspension in a statement released on Wednesday, January 21, explaining that the government acted preventively to protect peace, order, and good governance.
The commissioner cited the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which gives the executive council authority to cancel an appointment when it believes doing so serves the public interest.
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Hamzat noted that the lengthy 65-year reign of the previous Awujale, Sikiru Adetona, had greatly enhanced the stool’s modern reputation, which has brought significant national attention to both the next occupant and how the selection is conducted.
The commissioner instructed the chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area to inform the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House about the suspension without delay.
He also told the ruling house to wait for additional instructions from the state government before taking any further action in the matter.
The statement, however, did not indicate when the selection process would be allowed to continue or give details about the specific complaints and security concerns that led to the government’s decision to intervene.