Confusion in Ijebu-Ode: DSS Summons 95 Princes as Ogun Govt Freezes Awujale Selection Again
IJEBU-ODE — The race to select the next Awujale of Ijebuland took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as the Department of State Services (DSS) summoned all nominees for “profiling,” just hours after the Ogun State Government officially suspended the selection process for the second time.
Operatives of the secret police invited the 95 princes from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to their office at the Igbeba Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Ijebu-Ode, effectively aborting a planned “meet-and-greet” session scheduled by the Kingmakers at the Palace.
“Report for Profiling”
The directives came in rapid succession, creating anxiety across the ancient town. The Awujale Kingmakers Council, through its Secretary, Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, issued a notice directing all candidates to report to the DSS facility by 11:00 am prompt instead of the palace.
“We write to formally inform you that the meet-and-greet earlier scheduled for this morning at the Aafin Awujale has been cancelled,” the notice read. “Accordingly, the Awujale nominees are hereby directed to report to the DSS office… for profiling.”
Sources confirm that prominent contenders, including renowned ophthalmic surgeon Dr. Adekunle Hassan and retired Permanent Secretary Prince Adebisi Kadiri, were among those who complied with the directive.
Govt Wields the Big Stick
While the DSS grilled the candidates, the Ogun State Government explained its decision to slam the brakes on the process.
In a letter dated January 20, 2026, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, ordered the Ijebu-Ode Local Government to halt all activities related to filling the vacant stool immediately.
Hamzat cited “security reports” and a flood of petitions alleging irregularities as the primary reasons for the suspension.
“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 at this time,” Hamzat stated.
A Recurring Stalemate
This marks the second time the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration has stopped the process since the demise of the late monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, in July 2025.
The government first suspended the exercise on December 18, 2025, citing “procedural errors” by the ruling house. Although they gave the green light to resume on January 6, 2026, this latest directive suggests deep-seated friction between the government and the traditional selectors.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House had earlier submitted a list of 95 princes to the Kingmakers on Monday, signaling their readiness to proceed before the government’s hammer fell.