|By Chinwendu Nwani
A wave of peaceful protests swept through parts of Ijebu-Ode on Monday as residents publicly endorsed the Ogun State Government’s decision to suspend the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland, insisting that the move would safeguard fairness and due process.
The demonstrators, operating under the banners of Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, marched along major roads, brandishing placards that read, “Awujale stool is not for sale,” “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from crisis,” “We want the best prince as Awujale,” and “Let there be a free and fair selection process.”
The procession culminated at the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat, where the council chairman, Hon. Dare Adebiosu, addressed the crowd and dismissed claims that the state government was backing any preferred candidate.
Adebiosu said the suspension was purely procedural, aimed at enforcing transparency and fairness in line with traditional and legal requirements. He assured the protesters that the process would resume and eventually produce an Awujale who truly reflects the collective will of Ijebuland.
Commending the protesters for maintaining peace, the chairman stressed that the government’s overriding interest was to prevent a flawed process that could plunge the ancient kingdom into crisis.
Speaking for the protesters, Alhaji Babatunde Salami said the demonstration was meant to caution kingmakers against actions capable of undermining the integrity of the revered Awujale stool.
He described the throne as one of the most respected in Yorubaland and beyond, warning that it must not be trivialised or reduced to a transactional contest.
Another protester, Mr. Yusuf Adetilewa, voiced concern over reports of bribery and undue influence allegedly trailing the selection exercise, warning against the emergence of what he called “moneybag kings.”
According to him, residents would resist any attempt to hijack the process, insisting that strict adherence to due process remained non-negotiable.
Mrs. Morolayo Oyesefo also demanded equal treatment for all contestants, arguing that possession of existing traditional titles should not automatically disqualify any eligible prince. She urged the government to investigate allegations of bribery and sanction anyone found culpable, noting that a compromised process could trigger prolonged legal battles.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders known as the Alagemos in Ijebuland have also thrown their weight behind the Ogun State Government’s intervention.
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 in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s intentions, saying the suspension was not designed to impose a candidate but to protect due process.
Chief Muili, however, urged the government to ensure the process is concluded without unnecessary delay.
Also speaking, the Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Samsideen Adebayo, said the suspension had created room for fairness, noting that the Funsengbuwa Ruling House had already submitted a list of candidates.
He urged kingmakers to conclude the exercise transparently, stressing that Ijebuland deserves an Awujale who will foster peace, unity, and development rather than oppression.
