The Ogun State Government has halted the nomination process of aspirants contesting for the revered Awujale of Ijebuland stool, following petitions and reports submitted by security agencies and key stakeholders.

The process, which was recently conducted by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu Ode, had produced over 90 aspirants nominated by their respective immediate families. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is entitled to produce the next Awujale.

Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the decision to halt the process became necessary in view of several petitions and security reports received in relation to the ongoing selection exercise.

He said the action was taken to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and preserve the sanctity and reverence of the Awujale stool.

“As you are aware, the Awujale stool is one of the foremost traditional stools in Yorubaland generally and in Ogun State in particular, where it ranks among the paramount stools,” Hamzat said.

“Furthermore, the stature of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for sixty-five years, significantly enhanced the modern esteem and prestige of the stool. These realities place enormous focus, attention and scrutiny on the emergence of the next Awujale and the process by which he emerges.”

The commissioner noted that in reaching its decision, the state government acted in line with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the government to set aside an appointment if the Executive Council is satisfied that doing so is in the interest of peace, order and good governance.

“Given the reports at its disposal, the government has elected to act proactively, without further delay, in the interest of peace, order and good governance by halting the process in its entirety,” he said.

Hamzat further explained that the state government has directed the relevant local government chairman to immediately convey the decision to the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, advising them to await further directives on the selection process.