A fierce succession battle has erupted over the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool, as the Council of Kingmakers (Afobaje) has openly revolted against its own high chief, completely disowning a list of five princely nominees sent to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The council vehemently dismissed the list forwarded by the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, declaring that the kingmakers never met, deliberated, or authorised the candidates.
In an escalating crisis that threatens to tear the ancient kingdom’s traditional leadership apart, mainstream council members labelled Olisa’s unilateral actions as “dishonest, fraudulent, and totally irresponsible,” revealing that the selection process had actually been officially suspended by the state government since January.
The crisis erupted after Chief Adesanya forwarded a letter to Governor Abiodun claiming that the council, under his personal leadership, had selected five princes for the exalted throne. The candidates named were Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga. Adesanya argued that under the Chiefs Law of 1957, the kingmakers were permitted to send a pool of preferred candidates to the state government for a final choice to forestall delays and protect the interests of Ijebuland.
However, the Afobaje Council, led by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu, Sunny Kuku, swiftly carpeted Olisa’s actions. The council revealed that Adesanya himself had nominated Kuku to serve as the council’s chairman during their inaugural meeting on December 2, 2025. They further condemned Olisa for referring to himself as “Alaiyeluwa” a sacred title legally and traditionally reserved exclusively for crowned monarchs, making its unauthorised use a potentially criminal offense under state law.
According to a joint statement signed by Kuku, council secretary Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, and four other kingmakers, the selection process was officially halted during their fourth meeting on January 20, 2026. This came after the Chairman of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government issued a directive suspending the exercise.
The council maintains it has not reconvened since that directive and has received no communication from the governor requesting a list. Urging the sons and daughters of Ijebuland to remain calm, the Afobaje Council has petitioned the Ogun State Government to completely disregard Olisa’s letter to safeguard the integrity of the ancient stool.
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