Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has dismissed as “false and misleading” reports claiming he confronted the Council of Afobajes over the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland, insisting he neither issued threats nor imposed any ultimatum on the traditional kingmakers.
In a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government said Abiodun’s engagement with the Afobajes was a “respectful consultative meeting” focused on issues of shared interest aimed at ensuring progress and harmony in traditional affairs across Ijebuland.
The statement added that the governor has previously held similar interventions with other traditional stakeholders, including meetings that helped harmonise previously polarised Olori Ebi groups and encouraged withdrawal of a pending litigation by one of the kingmakers.
The administration specifically rejected statements circulating online—most notably the phrase “No Kuye, No Awujale”—describing them as fabricated and unrelated to the governor or his government. “No Afobaje will attest to such an occurrence, as it never happened,” the statement said, attributing the narrative to “mischief makers.”
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Akinmade said the governor remains committed to due process, respect for the autonomy of traditional institutions and a fair selection process, stressing that the administration prioritises dialogue, peace and preservation of cultural norms.
The controversy comes amid wider tensions around the selection process..Media reports said the Ijebu-Ode Local Government chairman, Dare Alebiosun, directed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and Awujale kingmakers to suspend the selection process following petitions, security reports and complaints alleging irregularities and inducement.
The directive referenced provisions of Ogun State’s Obas and Chiefs Law (2021), citing the need to preserve peace and good governance.
Separate Abiodunreports indicate that Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde petitioned the governor alleging he was being excluded from the process by the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which reportedly insists he is not a member and therefore ineligible.
The reports said the selection process had attracted 95 aspirants, and referenced earlier court proceedings in which Ayinde sought to halt the process but failed at the interim stage.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.
Crediblenewsng.com
