The Keregbetu family of Ijebu-Ode has formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu, expressing concern over the prolonged suspension of the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The Ogun State government had previously halted the process, citing numerous petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders. The Awujale stool has been vacant since July 2025 following the death of Sikiru Adetona, who passed at the age of 91 after a remarkable 65-year reign.
At a nomination meeting in Ijebu-Ode, 95 aspirants—94 princes and one princess—from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House were presented as candidates for the throne. However, the Keregbetu family, through their head, Adegboyega Olowu, urged the President to intervene and prevail on Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the suspension, allowing the kingmakers to complete the selection without further delay.
Olowu highlighted that the ongoing suspension has generated widespread anxiety in Ijebuland, stalling the installation of a new Awujale. Describing the Awujale stool as a cornerstone of cultural heritage and a stabilizing force for peace and socio-economic development in Ogun State, the family warned that the impasse could lead to unrest.
The family further alleged that one aspirant has begun presenting himself as the Awujale-elect despite the incomplete selection process, describing such actions as illegal and potentially destabilizing.
He added that over 500 members of the Keregbetu family and Fusengbuwa Ruling House met on February 22, 2026, issuing a third “urgent appeal” to the President. With the Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festival and the globally celebrated Ojude Oba Festival approaching, Olowu warned that failure to install a new Awujale in time could jeopardize this year’s festivities, which attract indigenes from the Diaspora and tourists worldwide.
The petition concluded with a call for the President to ensure that Governor Abiodun allows the kingmakers to carry out their constitutional duty lawfully, transparently, and fairly.
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