Residents of Ijebu-Ode on Monday staged a peaceful protest in support of the Ogun State Government’s suspension of the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland, calling for strict adherence to due process and severe sanctions for anyone involved in bribery.

The protesters, under the banners of Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, marched through major roads in the town, displaying placards with inscriptions such as: “Awujale stool is not for sale,” “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from crisis,” “We want the best prince as Awujale,” and “Let there be a free and fair selection process.”

The procession later converged at the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat, where the council chairman, Hon. Dare Adebiosu, addressed the crowd.

Adebiosu assured the protesters that the Ogun State Government has no preferred candidate for the revered stool, explaining that the suspension was solely to ensure transparency and strict compliance with due process.

“The government is not interested in who eventually emerges as Awujale,” he said. “The decision was taken to guarantee fairness and transparency in the selection process.”

He commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and assured them that the process would resume in due course, leading to the emergence of an Awujale who truly reflects the will of the people.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Alhaji Babatunde Salami said the demonstration was meant to caution the kingmakers against any action that could undermine the integrity of the process.

“The Awujale stool is highly respected in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and even beyond,” he said.

“It must not be trivialised. We want the kingmakers to choose the most suitable prince for Ijebuland.”

Another protester, Mr. Yusuf Adetilewa, expressed concern over what he described as widespread rumours of bribery and corruption surrounding the selection process.

“We are here to insist that due process must be followed,” he said. “We do not want moneybags to hijack the process and render it meaningless.”

Mrs. Morolayo Oyesefo also called for equal treatment of all contestants, stressing that the possession of a traditional title should not be used as grounds for disqualification.

“There are allegations of bribery involving both contestants and those conducting the process,” she said. “Anyone found culpable must be punished. We do not want a compromised process that could lead to avoidable litigation.”
Meanwhile, the Alagemos in Ijebuland have also thrown their weight behind the Ogun State Government’s intervention.

Speaking after a meeting at the palace of the Ija-Oloko of Imosan, the Alapini Awopa General of Ogun State, High Chief Tajudeen Adekunle Muili, expressed confidence in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s handling of the matter.

“I do not believe the suspension was intended to impose any candidate,” Chief Muili said.

“Rather, it was to ensure that due process is followed. We commend the steps taken so far and urge that the process be expedited.”

Also speaking, the Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Samsideen Adebayo, said the suspension would allow the kingmakers to conclude the process properly and fairly.

“The Funsengbuwa Ruling House has submitted the list of candidates,” he said. “The kingmakers should now sit and complete the process transparently.”

“All we want is an Awujale who will promote peace and progress in Ijebuland, not one who will oppress the people,” he added.