The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu, seeking urgent intervention in the suspended selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun State.

In a statement signed by Adegboyega Olowu, head of the Keregbetu family, the ruling house appealed to the President to prevail on Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the suspension and allow kingmakers to complete their constitutional assignment. The family warned that the delay in appointing a new Awujale has heightened tension and uncertainty across Ijebu-Ode and the wider Ijebuland community.
According to the statement, the suspension has allegedly emboldened one of the contestants to parade himself as Awujale-elect without completing the traditional selection process.

The family also condemned the circulation of a waka music jingle reportedly praising the aspirant as the new monarch, describing the act as illegal and capable of destabilising the kingdom.

The petition followed a stakeholders’ meeting held on February 22, 2026, attended by over 500 members of the Keregbetu family and Fusengbuwa Ruling House. Olowu disclosed that this was the third appeal sent to the President over the lingering Awujale selection impasse.

The ruling house further cautioned that failure to install a new Awujale before the forthcoming Ileya festival could jeopardise the globally recognised Ojude Oba Festival 2026. The annual cultural celebration attracts thousands of visitors, including members of the diaspora, and contributes significantly to tourism revenue in Ogun State.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona after a historic 65-year reign. Meanwhile, one of the aspirants, Ademorin Aliu Kuye, has denied presenting himself as Awujale-elect or commissioning any promotional song, blaming detractors for the controversy.