Ogun Suspends Awujale Selection Process After KWAM 1's Petition

Ogun Suspends Awujale Selection Process After KWAM 1's Petition

  • Ogun State Government halted the Awujale selection process for the second time following a fresh petition
  • The directive was issued through a January 20, 2026 letter signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
  • Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM 1, submitted the petition through his legal counsel

Ogun State Government has once again suspended the process for selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland, halting ongoing moves by kingmakers to nominate a candidate for the revered traditional stool. The decision marks the second intervention by the state authorities since the succession process began.

The directive was communicated in a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government.

It was signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, and ordered an immediate pause to all activities connected to the selection.

Fresh petition triggers action

The latest suspension followed a second petition submitted to the state government by Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1. The petition raised fresh issues regarding the conduct of the process and prompted renewed government involvement.

Read also

Gunshot heard as angry protesters block minister from entering finance ministry

The petition was signed on behalf of KWAM 1 by his legal representative, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN). Officials did not disclose the specific claims contained in the document, but the government acknowledged its receipt before issuing the new directive.

Kingmakers told to stand down

In the letter, the state government instructed the Ijebu Ode Local Government chairman to formally notify the kingmakers of the development. They were directed to place all proceedings on hold and await further instructions from the appropriate authorities.

The repeated suspension has heightened tension within Ijebu Ode, where security presence around the Awujale’s palace has been reinforced in recent days. Several interest groups and prominent figures have continued to lobby for their preferred candidates, even as the official process remains stalled.

No timeline has been provided for when the government will lift the suspension or outline the next steps in the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ibrahim Sofiyullaha avatar

Ibrahim Sofiyullaha (Editorial Assistant) Ibrahim Sofiyullaha is a graduate of First Technical University, Ibadan. He was the founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of a fast-rising campus journalism outfit at his university. Ibrahim is a coauthor of the book Julie, or Sylvia, written in collaboration with two prominent Western authors. He was ranked as the 9th best young writer in Africa by the International Sports Press Association. Ibrahim has contributed insightful articles for major platforms, including Sportskeeda in the UK and Motherly in the United States. Email: ibrahim.sofiyullaha@corp.legit.ng