The Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Ijebu Ode Local Government have dismissed as false reports claiming the suspension of three prominent Ijebu chiefs from the Council of Chiefs.
In a joint statement on Friday, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, and the council chairman, Dare Alebiosu, described the report as “the handiwork of mischief makers bent on causing confusion and disharmony within Ijebu land.”
The report had alleged the suspension of the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, Chief Abimbola Okenla; the Lapoekun, Chief Tunde Odulaja; and the Madasa, Chief Lekan Oshifeso.
The authorities clarified that no such action had been taken or approved by any recognised traditional institution or the state government.
“Chieftaincy matters are governed by established laws, customs, and due process, none of which has been initiated in respect of the named chiefs,” the statement read. The public was urged to disregard the report and rely only on official channels.
The clarification comes amid heightened tensions over the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is expected to produce candidates under the traditional rotational arrangement, but the process has faced delays, controversies, and repeated government interventions.
In December 2025, the state government halted an initial nomination exercise citing procedural errors. A fresh process started on January 12, 2026, but was suspended again on January 20 following petitions.
On Friday, members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House protested, alleging attempts to impose a candidate. The state government has constituted an interim administrative body chaired by Chief Folorunso Kuku to manage traditional duties pending the installation of a new Awujale.
Amid the disputes, the government urged calm and warned against spreading unverified information that could inflame tensions in Ijebuland.
