Residents of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Monday January 26, staged a peaceful protest in support of the Ogun State Government’s decision to suspend the ongoing selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland, calling for strict penalties against anyone involved in bribery or undue influence.
The demonstrators, comprising members of Ijebu Sons and Daughters as well as Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, marched through major streets of the town, displaying placards with messages such as “Awujale stool is not for sale,” “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from crisis,” and “Let the best prince emerge.”
The protest culminated at the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat, where the council chairman, Hon. Dare Adebiosu, addressed the crowd. He reiterated that the State Government has no preferred candidate for the revered stool, stressing that the suspension was solely to guarantee transparency and adherence to due process.
According to Adebiosu, the Government’s intervention was necessary to prevent actions capable of undermining the integrity of the traditional institution. He assured the protesters that the process would resume in a manner that reflects fairness and the collective will of the people of Ijebuland.
Speaking for the protesters, Alhaji Babatunde Salami said the march was a message to the kingmakers to conduct themselves responsibly, noting that the Awujale stool commands respect not only in Yorubaland but across Nigeria and beyond.
Another protester, Mr. Yusuf Adetilewa, decried allegations of bribery and corruption trailing the process, warning that financial influence must not be allowed to determine who ascends the throne. He insisted that strict compliance with established guidelines was non-negotiable.
Mrs. Morolayo Oyesefo also demanded equal treatment for all contestants, arguing that no aspirant should be unfairly disqualified on the basis of holding other traditional titles. She urged the Government to investigate allegations of inducement and punish anyone found culpable to avert protracted disputes and court cases.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders in Ijebuland, including the Alagemos, have endorsed the state Government’s actions. Speaking after a meeting at the palace of the Ija-Oloko of Imosan, the Alapini Awopa General of Ogun State, High Chief Tajudeen Adekunle Muili, expressed confidence that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s decision was aimed at safeguarding due process rather than imposing a candidate.
Also speaking, the Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Samsideen Adebayo, said the suspension would enable kingmakers to conclude the process transparently, following the submission of candidates by the Funsengbuwa Ruling House.
The traditional leaders maintained that the ultimate goal is the emergence of an Awujale who will foster peace, unity, and development in Ijebuland.
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