A peaceful protest erupted in Ijebu Ode over alleged imposition of the next Awujale, amid halted traditional selection processes and rising tensions

A peaceful protest broke out in Ijebu Ode on Friday over alleged plans to impose the next Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland. Residents marched through Awujale Palace Road towards the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat to express displeasure with the ongoing developments.

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The unrest coincides with traditional procedures surrounding Awujale nominations following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in 2025.

On Monday, the Fusengbuwa ruling house submitted the names of princes and a princess eligible for consideration by the kingmakers.

However, the Ogun State government on Wednesday ordered that the selection process be halted until further notice.

The directive, signed by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ganiyu Hamzat, cited numerous petitions from security agencies and stakeholders.

The government emphasised the need to maintain public order, safeguard the integrity of the process, and preserve the veneration of the vacant Awujale stool.

The government had initially suspended the selection process on 18 December 2025, after identifying procedural errors that could lead to legal disputes over the installation of a new Awujale. Prof. Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, confirmed that the prior process was cancelled to prevent potential litigation.

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The demonstration in Ijebu Ode reflects growing public concern over the transparency and fairness of the traditional succession process, as residents demand adherence to due procedures in selecting the next paramount ruler.