IJEBU-ODE — A storm of controversy has erupted over the succession process to the revered Awujale throne following the unprecedented decision of the Ilamuren Council of Kingmakers (Afobajes) to forward the names of five princes to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for consideration, rather than presenting a single candidate as dictated by long-standing tradition.

The move, described by many stakeholders as a sharp departure from centuries-old customs governing the selection of the Awujale of Ijebuland, has sparked widespread criticism and raised fears that the process could become vulnerable to political interference, favouritism and protracted legal disputes.
In a letter addressed to Governor Abiodun and signed by the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode and head of the kingmakers, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, the council announced the nomination of five contenders for the coveted stool.

The nominees are Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga and Prince Olabode Onanuga.
The kingmakers said their action was taken pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and the customary laws regulating succession to the Awujale throne.
However, the decision has generated intense debate across Ijebuland, with many questioning whether the traditional Ifa consultation process was followed in arriving at the shortlist.

Traditionally, the spiritual selection process is believed to produce a single candidate deemed most suitable by the Ifa oracle for the throne. Critics argue that the submission of five names suggests uncertainty in a process that has historically been regarded as definitive and sacrosanct.
“The Ifa oracle does not stutter, nor is it known to be indecisive,” a concerned stakeholder told our correspondent. “The duty of the kingmakers is to identify and present the chosen candidate, not to transfer that responsibility to the governor.”

Many residents and opinion leaders view the development as an abdication of the kingmakers’ traditional responsibility, arguing that it effectively places the burden of choosing the next Awujale on the state government.
Observers warn that the decision could undermine public confidence in the selection process and expose the revered institution to allegations of political influence.

“This is not just about who becomes Awujale,” another stakeholder said. “It is about preserving the integrity of a sacred institution. Once the process is perceived as manipulated or politically driven, the consequences could be far-reaching.”
Concerns have also been raised that the unprecedented move could trigger legal challenges from aggrieved parties and create a dangerous precedent for future succession exercises in Ijebuland.

In the letter, Chief Adesanya explained that several meetings were convened by the kingmakers to deliberate on the succession and that the five nominees were considered qualified based on their antecedents and experience.
“The Declaration provides that all the kingmakers must unanimously pick one candidate or send preferred candidates of the kingmakers to the State Government for final choice. It is in pursuance of that we forward the five names for the choice of the State Government,” the letter stated.
The Olisa added that the decision was taken after considering the interests of Ijebu-Ode and the provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government on Thursday dismissed the purported letter from the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Adesanya, nominating five princes for the Awujale of Ijebuland stool, insisting the selection process remains suspended.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy Kayode Akinmade said the letter lacks standing and does not supersede the government’s six-month-old suspension order. He noted that any legitimate communication from kingmakers on the matter would be channelled through the local government authority.

Nevertheless, the development has continued to generate heated discussions within the kingdom, with many insisting that the revered Awujale stool should not become the subject of a selection process perceived to be influenced by factors outside established tradition.
As reactions continue to pour in, attention is now focused on Governor Abiodun, whose eventual decision could determine not only the next occupant of the throne but also shape public perception of one of Yorubaland’s most respected traditional institutions.