By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Indigenes and residents of Ijebu on Friday morning trooped out in large numbers, converging at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway leading to the palace before marching to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters, Itoro, to protest an alleged plan by unnamed powerful interests to impose the next Awujale on the kingmakers, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, and the entire Ijebu nation.
According to a report by The Nation newspaper, the Ogun State Government, in a circular dated January 20, 2026, directed the kingmakers to halt further actions in the selection process of a candidate from the 95 nominees earlier submitted by leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. The nominees were forwarded by Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori Ebi), and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman).
The directive, issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, effectively suspended the ongoing process, a development that has fuelled allegations that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is interfering in the selection process with the intention of imposing a preferred candidate on the kingmakers.
Speaking during the peaceful protest, Mrs. Adenugba Obileye, who led the demonstrators, said they had gathered at the local government headquarters to express their displeasure over what she described as growing attempts to interfere with the constitutional duties of the kingmakers. She warned against any move to impose an Awujale who does not emerge through due process.
Nation