Members of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC) are set to relinquish their current positions and transition into the Adele Oba Awujale in Council, following a resolution by senior chiefs of Ijebu-Ode.
The decision was reached at a meeting involving the Ilamurem, Pampa, Odi and other chiefs of Ijebu-Ode, according to a resolution contained in a letter signed by Olorogun Dr Sonny Kuku, Chairman of the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.
The resolution seeks to establish a traditional administrative structure for Ijebu-Ode during the ongoing interregnum following the death of the immediate past Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON.
According to the resolution, the chiefs considered the legal and customary basis for administering the affairs of Ijebu-Ode in the absence of a substantive Awujale.
They noted that the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 2021 does not expressly establish an Awujale Regency Council or prescribe a general procedure for appointing a Regent.
The chiefs further observed that the Chiefs Law and Declaration of 1957 provide an existing framework for customary declarations and recognition, including the traditional institution of the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.
Consequently, a motion was moved and unanimously adopted for members of the AIAC to step down from their existing positions and assume their roles under the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.
Under the proposed arrangement, the council will administer the affairs of Ijebu-Ode throughout the interregnum and exercise, on an interim basis, administrative powers and functions considered necessary in the absence of the Awujale.
Such responsibilities, however, will remain subject to applicable laws as well as the customs and traditions of Ijebuland.
The 14-member council is chaired by Olorogun Dr Sonny Kuku, Ogbeni Oja, and includes Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olisa; Chief O. B. Okuboyejo, Obasewa; Chief Chris Funmilola Okunowo, Bobasuwa; and Chief Professor Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso.
Other members are Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, Olootu Olowa; Chief Jimi Lawal, Olotu Ifore; Chief Kunle Ogunade, Apebi; Chief Mrs B. O. Osibogun, Iyalode; Chief Adegoke Balogun, Jaginrin; Chief Agboola Alausa, Balogun; Chief Abimbola Okenla, Kakanfo; Chief Adebisi Adaran, Ogbeni Odi Awujale; and Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, Lapoekun.
The resolution said the council would function as the traditional administrative body responsible for managing the affairs of Ijebu-Ode in accordance with applicable laws, customary practices and established traditions.
It added that the arrangement was designed to provide continuity, stability and an orderly traditional administrative system while the process of selecting and installing a substantive Awujale continues.
The development comes against the backdrop of a prolonged and closely watched succession process for the vacant Awujale stool.
The stool became vacant following the death of Oba Adetona in July 2025 after a 65-year reign.
The succession process has faced interruptions, including government-directed suspensions over procedural concerns, petitions and reports from security agencies and other stakeholders.
The Ogun State Government had previously directed that the selection process be restarted to ensure compliance with the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021.
In their latest resolution, the chiefs maintained that the proposed administrative arrangement conforms with the tradition, culture and customs of the Ijebu people, over whom the Awujale is the paramount ruler.
