Awujale stool: Ruling house sues governor, kingmakers over delayed selection

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode has initiated legal action against Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and other key figures, including Awujale kingmakers and local government officials. The suit, filed at the Ogun State High Court, aims to force the completion of the selection process for the next Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

The claimants are challenging the government's authority to halt the nomination and selection process. They specifically question the legality of actions taken on January 20, 2026, which allegedly involved locking the Awujale Palace to prevent kingmakers from meeting. The ruling house asserts that it has met its legal obligations under the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 by completing its internal nomination process.

The lawsuit also seeks to determine whether the kingmakers are now obligated to select a candidate from the provided list and forward the name to the Ogun State Executive Council. The Awujale stool has been vacant since the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025, after a 65-year reign. The ruling house was notified in December 2025 that it was its turn to nominate a candidate under the established rotational arrangement.