Police summon nine Ijebu kingmakers over Awujale bribery allegations

The Ogun state police command has again summoned nine Ijebu-Ode kingmakers over allegations of bribery and financial inducement linked to the selection of a new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.

A competent source on Friday said the kingmakers were directed to appear at the police headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Monday and Tuesday for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation.

Four are expected on April 21, while the remaining five will appear on April 22.

Abimbola Okenla, one of the kingmakers confirmed the invitation and criticised the repeated summons.

He said the exercise had become a distraction and was causing concern across Ijebuland.

“We are only pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebu land without any further delay,” he said.

Also reacting, Abdulateef Owoyemi, who is head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, appealed for the process to proceed without further setbacks. He said the people wanted a successor who would preserve the legacy of the late monarch.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona at the age of 91 after 65 years on the throne.

A total of 95 aspirants from the Fusengbuwa ruling house later emerged for consideration, but the process has faced repeated interruptions.

The state government suspended proceedings in December 2025 over procedural concerns and again in January 2026 after petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.

The same kingmakers were previously invited by police in February 2026 over similar allegations, although that investigation was later discontinued.