Fresh controversy has emerged over the succession process for the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool, with the Awujale Afobaje Council distancing itself from a letter sent by the Olisa of Ijebu Ode, Chief Rasheed Adesanya, to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The council described the correspondence as unauthorised and inconsistent with the established procedures governing the selection of a new Awujale, insisting that the succession process remains suspended by the Ogun State government.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Friday, the Secretary of the Afobaje Council, Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, said the kingmakers had not convened since the state government halted the selection exercise in January.
According to him, the council received a directive on January 20, 2026, through the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Oke Adebanjo, suspending the selection process shortly after nominees had been submitted for consideration.
Odulaja stated that the council had complied fully with the government’s directive and had not held any meeting or taken any further steps regarding the succession since the suspension took effect.
He maintained that any document circulating in the public domain and purportedly originating from the Afobaje Council did not have the council’s endorsement.
“To the best of my knowledge, the suspension has not been lifted, and as law-abiding citizens, we have not sat in council since January 20, 2026,” he said, adding that members were unaware of any letter allegedly emanating from the palace or the residence of the Olisa.
The council secretary also challenged the authority under which Chief Adesanya reportedly acted, stressing that the Olisa is not the chairman of the Afobaje Council.
He explained that the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu Ode, Dr. Sonny Kuku, serves as chairman of the council, while he occupies the position of secretary.
According to Odulaja, the Afobaje Council consists of nine members, with the Olisa being only one of them.
He further argued that any official communication concerning the succession process should ordinarily be directed to the council chairman rather than the Olisa.
Odulaja dismissed claims that the Olisa acted on behalf of the kingmakers, describing the names allegedly forwarded for consideration as lacking the council’s approval.
He said the Olisa’s assertion that he is chairman of the kingmakers’ council was incorrect, noting that while he heads the Ilamuren Council, that body is distinct from the Afobaje Council responsible for selecting an Awujale.
The secretary explained that the Ilamuren are palace administrative chiefs and should not be confused with the Afobaje kingmakers, whose responsibilities are defined under existing laws governing the selection of the Awujale.
He recalled that when the Afobaje Council was constituted, members unanimously selected Chief Kuku as chairman following a nomination by the Olisa himself, while he was chosen as secretary.
Odulaja also clarified that the interim arrangement established after the death of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, was separate from the Afobaje Council and should not be mistaken for the kingmakers’ structure.
Addressing reports that Governor Abiodun requested the controversial letter, he noted that the Ogun State government had publicly denied such claims.
He pointed out that the letter in question was reportedly dated April 14, despite the selection process remaining under suspension.
The Afobaje secretary said council members had not met collectively or interacted with the Olisa since the suspension took effect.
He also rejected the use of the title “Alaiyeluwa” in reference to the Olisa, insisting that only the Awujale occupies the position of monarch and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.
According to him, traditional chiefs, including the Olisa, do not hold the status of Oba within the Ijebu traditional hierarchy.
Odulaja linked the latest controversy to longstanding disagreements between the late Awujale and the Olisa, alleging that disputes over status and authority had existed for years.
He claimed that recent developments reflected renewed attempts by the Olisa to assert influence following the passing of the revered monarch.
Despite the controversy, the Afobaje Council reiterated that it remains bound by the government’s suspension order and has not resumed any aspect of the succession process.
With the Awujale stool still vacant, stakeholders continue to await further directives from the Ogun State government on when the traditional selection exercise will resume.
