The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has dragged Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and members of the Awujale Afobaje/Kingmakers Council before the Ogun State High Court over the delay in selecting a successor to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The suit, filed on August 21, 2026, is seeking an order compelling the kingmakers to reconvene and complete the selection process for the vacant traditional stool.
The case, marked HCJ/149/2026, was filed by the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Abdulateef Adebayo Owoyemi; his deputy, Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba; and Vice Chairman, Prof. Chief Fassy Yusuf.
Dispute Over Palace Closure
The plaintiffs are challenging the alleged intervention of the state government in the selection process, particularly the reported closure of the Awujale Palace on January 20, 2026.
They want the court to determine whether the government had the legal authority to order or facilitate the entry into and locking of the palace by police officers to prevent the kingmakers from meeting and selecting a new Awujale.
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The ruling house also asked the court to determine whether the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 gives the government the power to suspend the nomination or selection process.
95 Princes and Princesses Nominated
According to the claimants, the Ijebu-Ode Local Government notified the Fusengbuwa Ruling House on December 2, 2025, that it was its turn to produce a candidate for the vacant stool under the rotational arrangement.
The ruling house subsequently held its nomination meeting on January 12, 2026, within the period prescribed by law.
The family said 95 princes and princesses were nominated, with the list forwarded to the nine-member Awujale Afobaje/Kingmakers Council on January 19, 2026.
The claimants alleged that police officers stormed the Awujale Palace less than 24 hours later and prevented the kingmakers from meeting to select a candidate.
Ruling House Challenges Government’s Position
The state government had reportedly cited security concerns as well as allegations of bribery and financial inducement as reasons for suspending the process.
However, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House argued that no evidence or formal petition substantiating the allegations was presented.
It further claimed that investigations by the police and the Department of State Services did not establish any wrongdoing.
The plaintiffs are therefore asking the court to declare that the nomination process was validly completed and that the kingmakers are legally bound to select a candidate from the submitted list and forward the name to the Ogun State Executive Council.
Court Asked to Order Fresh Meeting
Among the reliefs being sought, the ruling house wants the court to order the kingmakers to reconvene within seven days of judgment and conclude the selection process.
It is also seeking an injunction restraining the state government and security agencies from further interfering in the process.
The plaintiffs maintain that the state’s chieftaincy law provides a clear sequence of nomination, selection and approval which, once commenced, must be followed to completion.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91, after 65 years on the throne.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.