Awujale stool: Police summon nine kingmakers over bribery allegations

The Ogun State Police Command has once again summoned nine prominent kingmakers of Ijebu-Ode, this time to its headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, to answer allegations of bribery and financial inducement related to the selection of a new Awujale, the paramount ruler of Ijebu land. This marks the second such summons, indicating the seriousness with which the police are treating the matter.

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The nine kingmakers have been told to come to the police command headquarters at Eleweran on Monday and Tuesday. The invite is still on the allegations of financial inducement, that much I can say.

Four of the kingmakers are expected to report on Monday, April 21, with the remaining five invited for Tuesday, April 22. A top police source confirmed the summons, stating that the allegations of financial inducement remain the focus of the investigation. The police are determined to get to the bottom of these claims, which have cast a shadow over the traditional succession process.

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It is true that the Ogun State police command has invited the kingmakers to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta. Four of us are to be there on Monday, while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday.

Chief Abimbola Okenla, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land and one of the summoned kingmakers, confirmed the invitation and voiced his frustration. He described the frequent summons by security agencies over what he termed "unfounded allegations" as a significant distraction and expressed the unhappiness of the Ijebu people with the ongoing situation. Okenla made a direct appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun, urging him to intervene and allow the kingmakers to complete their crucial task of selecting the next Awujale without further impediment.

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None of us is happy with this frequent invitation by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebu land are not equally happy about it because it is more of a distraction.

Abdulateef Owoyemi, the family head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, also acknowledged hearing about the latest summons. While he could not immediately confirm its veracity, he echoed Okenla's plea to Governor Abiodun, asking for reason to prevail and for the selection of the new Awujale to be expedited. Owoyemi paid tribute to the late monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, emphasizing the desire for a successor who will build upon his enduring legacy of selfless service. The community's desire for a swift and peaceful resolution to this matter is palpable.

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We are only pleading with Gov Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebu land without any further delay.