The Awujale Kingmakers’ Council has cancelled a scheduled meet-and-greet with Awujale nominees earlier fixed for the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode, directing all nominees to instead report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in the town.
The development was communicated in a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Olórí Ẹbí of Fusengbuwa, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi; his deputy, Otunba Dokun Ajidagba; and Chief Prof. Fassy Yusuf.
In the letter, the council instructed all Awujale nominees to present themselves at the DSS office located along NTA Road, beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode, by 11:00 a.m. prompt.
“We write to formally inform you that the meet-and-greet earlier scheduled for this morning at the Aafin Awujale has been cancelled,” the letter stated.
It added: “Accordingly, the Awujale nominees are hereby directed to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office located at State Security Service (SSS), along NTA Road, beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode at 11:00 a.m. prompt.”
The council apologised for any inconvenience caused by the sudden change and urged strict compliance. The letter was signed by the Secretary of the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council, Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja.
The latest development comes amid heightened tension and ongoing traditional and administrative processes surrounding the vacant Awujale stool in Ijebuland.
DSS clarifies role in summons
Meanwhile, a source familiar with the process has clarified the circumstances surrounding the involvement of the DSS, stressing that the security agency did not halt the Awujale selection exercise.
According to the source, about 96 individuals reportedly nominated by the Fusengbuwa family were initially expected to undergo screening by the kingmakers at the palace.
“These individuals were present at the palace for screening by the kingmakers. It is important this is clearly understood,” the source said.
The source further explained that the nominees were scheduled to visit the DSS as part of routine security profiling, which is a standard prerequisite for comprehensive vetting.
“Before the postponement of the palace screening, the nominees were expected to visit the DSS office for profiling. This involves filling forms to gather information necessary for security vetting across all concerned communities,” the source stated.
However, the process was suspended following an official circular from the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which directed that all Awujale succession-related activities be put on hold.
“Following the government’s directive, higher authorities within the DSS also ordered the suspension of the profiling exercise. This explains why some nominees were seen around without the exercise proceeding,” the source added.
The source cautioned against misinformation, emphasising that the DSS should not be linked to any alleged interference in the succession process.
“The suspension was a decision of the state government, not an initiative of the DSS,” he said, adding that the agency has no intention of gagging the press but is only concerned with accurate and responsible reporting.
In summary, all activities relating to the Awujale stool, including DSS profiling, remain suspended in line with the state government’s directive, pending further instructions.
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