Ogun State Government and Olisa Distance Themselves from Circulating Document Listing Five Would-Be Awujale Successors

The Ogun State Government has dismissed a letter allegedly written by Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, to Governor Dapo Abiodun, recommending five princes for consideration as the next Awujale of Ijebuland, and has called on the public to disregard the document.

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The government emphasized that the selection process for a new Awujale remains suspended, and no official communication has been received from the relevant authorities regarding the exercise, which was halted due to petitions and reports of procedural irregularities.

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A letter dated April 14, but acknowledged as received on June 15, claimed that kingmakers had shortlisted five princes, including Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya, Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga, for the governor to choose from as the next Awujale.

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According to the purported letter, the kingmakers acted in accordance with Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and customary laws governing succession to the Awujale stool, but the government maintains that the document lacks legal standing and is inconsequential.

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The Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, stated that the public should disregard the letter entirely, as it does not change the government's position on the suspension of the selection process, which was announced about six months ago.

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Akinmade explained that any valid recommendation concerning the selection of a traditional ruler must be transmitted through official government channels, and not through an individual, emphasizing that the position of the law is clear on this matter.

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He added that as long as the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has not issued any contrary directive or statement, nothing has changed regarding the government's position on the Awujale succession process, which remains suspended.

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Chief Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, has distanced himself from the letter, denying any knowledge of its existence and suggesting that it could have been fabricated by individuals seeking to damage his reputation.

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The Olisa stated that he is not a party to the letter and never authored such a document, and that there are people who may want to tarnish his reputation, but he has absolutely nothing to do with the letter.

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The Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Mr. Dare Alebiosu, also said he was unaware of the purported correspondence and could not confirm its authenticity, further casting doubt on the letter's legitimacy.

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The suspension of the Awujale selection process was initially announced in January, following a wave of petitions, growing tension among stakeholders, and reports of procedural irregularities flagged by security agencies and other interested parties.

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The former Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, passed away in July last year at the age of 91, after an illustrious reign spanning 65 years, prompting the need for a successor.