Ogun State Government has dismissed a viral letter that claimed five princes had been shortlisted for the next Awujale of Ijebuland, insisting the selection process remains suspended.
The government called the document inconsequential and lacking legal standing. It said no official communication has come from the proper authorities.
Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, told the public to disregard the letter entirely. He said it doesn't change the government's position that the Awujale selection process is still suspended — a decision announced about six months ago.
Akinmade explained the legal procedure for such matters. Any valid recommendation from kingmakers must go through the local government and then to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. It can't come through an individual.
“The public should disregard the letter entirely. It doesn't in any way change the position of the government, which remains that the Awujale selection process is still under suspension.”
He added that as long as the ministry hasn't issued any contrary directive, nothing has changed.
The controversial letter, dated April 14 but reportedly acknowledged as received on June 15, claimed the kingmakers had acted under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957 and customary laws. It listed five princes: Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye, Prince Isiaq Ayodele Adewale Adekoya (Eleruja), Prince Onabanjo Abimbola John, Prince Oluwaseun Waheed Omopenu Onanuga, and Prince Olabode Onanuga. The letter urged Governor Abiodun to pick the next Awujale from among them.
But the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, whose name appeared on the letter, distanced himself completely. In a phone conversation, he said he knew nothing about the document and suggested it might have been fabricated to damage his reputation.
“I don't know anything about the letter you're referring to. I'm not a party to it and I never authored such a document. There are people who may want to tarnish my reputation, but I have absolutely nothing to do with that letter.”
The Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Mr. Dare Alebiosu, also said he was unaware of the correspondence and couldn't confirm its authenticity.
The Ogun State government suspended the Awujale selection process in January. The suspension followed a wave of petitions, growing tension among stakeholders, and reports of procedural irregularities flagged by security agencies and other interested parties.
The former Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, died in July last year at 91 after a 65-year reign. He was one of Nigeria's longest-serving traditional rulers.
With the government and the Olisa both disowning the letter, the succession process remains in limbo. No new timeline has been given for when the suspension might be lifted.