There was a massive protest in Ijebu Ode on Friday over alleged plans to impose the next Awujale on the people by the Ogun State Government.

The peaceful protest saw residents march through Awujale Palace Road towards the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat to express their displeasure over what they described as disturbing developments surrounding the selection process.

Earlier in the week, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had submitted the names of over 90 eligible aspirants for consideration by the kingmakers.

However, the Ogun State Government ordered that the selection process be halted until further notice, after which aspirants were reportedly invited to the state headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The directive, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, cited alleged procedural flaws in the submission from the ruling house.

The development generated mixed reactions, with allegations rife that the state government was planning to impose a preferred candidate for the revered Awujale stool.

In its letter, the Ogun State Government said the decision was taken to maintain public order, safeguard the integrity of the selection process and preserve the veneration of the vacant Awujale stool.

It was recalled that on December 18, 2025, the government had initially suspended the selection exercise after identifying procedural errors which, it said, could result in legal disputes over the installation of a new Awujale.

Meanwhile, the Awujale regent, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, has debunked insinuations of government interference in the process, saying the governor was not part of the selection exercise but was only interested in ensuring peace and a rancour-free process.

He explained that the kingmakers were still awaiting the official reports purportedly prepared by security agencies and other concerned stakeholders before proceeding further with the process.