Daud Olatunji
Fresh details have emerged on why Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, abruptly suspended the process for selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland, barely 24 hours before the kingmakers were expected to announce their choice.
PLATFORM TIMES’ investigation revealed that the stoppage followed the failure of the governor to secure acceptance for an alleged preferred candidate, Hon. Ademorin Aliu Kuye, among the kingmakers.
The Awujale stool became vacant after the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July 2025, ending a historic 65-year reign. Since then, the succession process has attracted intense public interest, petitions and security attention.
However, sources familiar with the selection process told PLATFORM TIMES that behind the government’s official explanation of petitions and security concerns lay deep disagreements over the candidate favoured by the state government.
According to the sources, Kuye, a member of the Fusegbuwa ruling house and a serving member of the House of Representatives representing Shomolu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, was being promoted by political interests for the throne, but failed to gain the support of the kingmakers.
One of the sources said, “The kingmakers were under serious pressure to announce Ademorin as the next Awujale. In the last 48 hours before the suspension, the governor allegedly contacted them individually, but none of them agreed.”
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that the kingmakers insisted that the Awujale stool must not be occupied by a serving politician or moneybag and resolved to adhere strictly to Ijebu tradition and customary laws.
“They had completed screening and were ready to forward the name of their chosen candidate to the chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government when the government suddenly announced the stoppage,” another source said.
Some of the sources dismissed the official explanation of petitions and security reports, claiming instead that the suspension came after it became clear that the governor’s alleged choice did not emerge.
“The kingmakers are determined that no politician will become Awujale, even if the process takes years to complete. The stool is too sensitive to be subjected to political influence or financial inducement,” a source added.
PLATFORM TIMES also learned that the names of high-ranking political figures, including that of the President, were allegedly mentioned in attempts to persuade the kingmakers, but they reportedly remained unmoved and committed to the traditional process.
However, this newspaper could not independently verify claims of inducement or political pressure.
Kuye is a lawyer and former chairman and executive secretary of Shomolu Local Government in Lagos State.
He also served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and currently chairs the House Committee on Public Assets in the House of Representatives.
Efforts to get official reactions from the Ogun State Government were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communications, Kayode Akinmade, had yet to respond to enquiries sent to his mobile phone.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders and community stakeholders in Ijebuland have urged calm, calling on all parties to respect established customs and ensure transparency in the process to protect the integrity and sanctity of the revered Awujale stool.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment