… Ijebu State, Revival of Olokola Free Trade Zone tied To controversial choice
…N1bn Allegedly Dangled To Sway Decision
…Claims Of Interference In Awujale Selection Mischievous — Ogun Govt
Daud Olatunji
The long-awaited succession to the Awujale throne of Ijebuland nearly plunged into political crisis last week after Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, reportedly attempted to influence the council of nine kingmakers to endorse a preferred candidate — only to be firmly rebuffed.
Investigations by PLATFORM TIMES indicate that Hon. Ademorin Kuye, a House of Representatives member from Shomolu Federal constituency, Lagos, was allegedly Governor Abiodun’s choice, a move said to have received tacit backing from the Presidency.
The Awujale stool became vacant following 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 scrutiny, petitions, and heightened security presence.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that no fewer than 95 princes and princesses from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House have formally declared interest in the throne.
Sources say the emergence of the governor’s preferred candidate was reported to be from the presidency, and has been reportedly linked to plans for creating Ijebu State and reviving the long-stalled Olokola Free Trade Zone, a strategic project that has remained dormant for over a decade.
“The kingmakers were allegedly told to accept this candidate or risk losing the dream of Ijebu State and the Olokola project,” a palace insider revealed.
The Clash
The first confrontation reportedly occurred on Thursday, January 15, 2026, shortly after Governor Abiodun returned from France. He summoned Olorogun Kuku, Chairman of the Awujale-in-Interregnum, and Chief Osifeso, council secretary, to a private meeting, where he allegedly conveyed that the President had endorsed Hon. Kuye.
“The governor reportedly said that supporting this candidate would fast-track the creation of Ijebu State and the Olokola Free Trade Zone,” the source said.
However, the chiefs reportedly stood their ground. “They reminded the governor that the Awujale throne is a sacred institution, and all nine kingmakers must decide unanimously,” the insider added.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered tom the impeccable source that Abiodun later summoned Chief Agboola Alausa to his Iperu residence.
Despite objections citing age, health, and transport challenges, Alausa was reportedly escorted in a security vehicle and reiterated that the selection must remain traditional and collective.
The governor subsequently convened a meeting in Lagos with the remaining six kingmakers and a former governor known as a political mentor. Scheduled for 7pm, the meeting reportedly began at 10pm and extended into the early hours of Monday, ending around 1am.
An insider told PLATFORM TIMES that,.during the meeting, the former governor allegedly warned that the Presidency was displeased with Abiodun’s inability to secure endorsement for its candidate. Yet, the kingmakers refused to yield, citing eligibility concerns particularly that only princes born during the reign of the late Oba Jadiara could be considered, a criterion Hon. Kuye reportedly did not meet.
Palace sources said, “The Fusegbuwa ruling house, entitled to present candidates, had already shortlisted eligible princes. After extensive screening, the council had chosen one candidate and was ready to submit their recommendation.”
On Tuesday, the governor reportedly escalated the pressure, with sources claiming that as much as N1 billion was allegedly dangled to sway the council in favor of Hon. Kuye.
The Ogun State Government, however, has described the claims of interference as mischievous. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communications, said the suspension of the selection process was strictly based on procedural recommendations and petitions.
“The council clearly stated the reasons why the process was halted, and that is the basis for the government’s decision.
The Ogun State Government is committed to an open, transparent, and credible process.
“ Anyone insinuating otherwise is being mischievous and should be completely disregarded,” he said.
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