The Ogun State Government has suspended the ongoing process to select the new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.

Ganiyu Hamzat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, announced the decision in a letter dated January 20, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government.

According to the government, the decision follows “several” petitions, reports from security agencies, and inputs from other key stakeholders regarding the selection process.

This marks the second time the government has halted the effort to appoint a successor to the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years before his death last year.

Hamzat said in the statement, “In this regard, the State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process.

“In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process, and maintain the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process for the stool at this time.”

He explained that the government acted in line with the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers it to “set aside an appointment if the Executive Council is satisfied that it is in the interest of peace, order and good government to do so.”

“The government acted proactively without further delay in the interest of peace, order and good government by halting the process in its entirety.

“Therefore, the State Government hereby directs that you convey this decision to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House immediately. The latter particularly should be advised to await further directives regarding the selection process,” Hamzat added.