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Indigenes and residents of Ijebu on Friday morning gathered at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway leading to the palace and marched to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat in Itoro to protest an alleged plan by unnamed powerful interests to impose the next Awujale on the kingmakers, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, and the wider Ijebu community.
Reports say the protest followed a circular issued by the Ogun State Government on January 20, 2026, directing the kingmakers to halt further steps in the selection process. The directive asked them to suspend consideration of the 95 nominees submitted earlier by leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, the Olori Ebi; Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, the Deputy Olori Ebi; and Professor Fassy Yusuf, the Vice Chairman.
The circular, issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, triggered accusations that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun was interfering in the process, allegedly to impose a preferred candidate on the kingmakers.
Leading the peaceful protest, Mrs Adenugba Obileye said the demonstrators went to the local government headquarters to express their opposition to what they described as growing attempts to undermine the traditional selection process and force the emergence of an Awujale who did not come through due process.
She said the protesters remain determined to resist any interference in the duties of the kingmakers and to protect the integrity of the Ijebu traditional institution.
