The Ogun State Government has defended its management of the transition process for the Awujale throne, explaining that internal leadership disputes within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House made government intervention necessary to guarantee a transparent and orderly selection of the incoming monarch.
The government also warned individuals and groups allegedly sponsoring media attacks and spreading disinformation to influence the succession process, saying those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, insisting that the government had acted fairly and in accordance with the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021.
Ogungbade explained that following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the government had consistently acknowledged the Fusengbuwa Ruling House’s entitlement to produce the next occupant of the revered traditional stool.
He, however, revealed that the government intervened after discovering that the ruling house was operating under three different family heads, while nomination forms were reportedly being sold to aspirants for as much as ₦10 million.
According to him, at a meeting with members of the ruling house on November 6, 2025, the government advised the family to resolve its leadership differences, recognise a single family head and discontinue the collection of nomination fees.
The Attorney-General said the intervention resulted in an agreement by the family to operate as a united ruling house, abolish candidature fees, refund payments already made by aspirants and formally appreciate the government’s efforts.
He stressed that the intervention was not intended to undermine the Fusengbuwa family’s traditional entitlement but to ensure that the succession process followed established laws and procedures.
Ogungbade further explained that although the government respected traditional succession arrangements, it also had statutory responsibilities in the appointment and installation of traditional rulers, including the authority to reject a nominated candidate where the interest of good governance so demands.
He dismissed recent media reports accusing the government of interference and bias, describing them as misleading and alleging that some were sponsored to create public hostility and exert pressure on the government.
The Attorney-General distinguished legitimate criticism and advocacy from what he described as media blackmail and deliberate disinformation, warning that the government would not allow such activities to interfere with its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
Citing Section 61 of the Criminal Law of Ogun State, he noted that unlawful acts intended to interfere with the free exercise of a governor’s official duties could attract a three-year prison sentence.
He consequently cautioned publishers and individuals allegedly involved in circulating misleading reports designed to influence the succession process, warning that the government would consider appropriate legal action if such activities continued.
The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the emergence of the next Awujale is guided by the provisions of the law, the established traditional institutions of Ijebuland and the principles of fairness, transparency and due process.
What You Should Know
The Ogun State Government has stepped into the succession battle for the revered Awujale stool, citing deep divisions and the unauthorized sale of nomination forms among family members as grounds for intervention.
State authorities have warned individuals and media groups against spreading misinformation or mounting pressure campaigns regarding the selection process, noting that legal actions will be taken against violators under the state’s criminal laws.
- Positive Impact: The intervention aims to restore fairness, unity, and proper due process within the ruling house, preventing commercialization of the traditional institution.
- Potential Concerns: Ongoing friction and media battles could cause unnecessary legal delays or tension surrounding the final selection of the monarch.
