By James Ogunnaike
Members of the Osugbo Society in Ijebu-Ode have faulted its exclusion from the selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The Council also expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged inclusion of individuals in the selection process without adequate background checks.
The Council stated these on Tuesday during its first meeting of 2026, held in Ijebu-Ode, calling on Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to reconstitute the Council of Afobajes (kingmakers) to ensure transparency and credibility in the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
Speaking at the meeting, the Oluwo Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode, Oluwo Omobolanle Bakare, faulted the exclusion of the Osugbo Society from the selection process, despite its position as the third-ranked institution in the traditional hierarchy, as provided for in the 1957 Ijebu constitution.
Bakare argued that allegations of financial inducement among kingmakers would not have surfaced if persons of proven integrity had been appointed.
“I want the government to investigate and verify the conduct of those who will serve as kingmakers. They should not appoint just anybody; they should appoint people of integrity. Those currently selected are not faithful at all,” he said.
The Oluwo appealed to Governor Abiodun to formally recognise the Osugbo Society as part of the Council of Afobajes, stressing that the 1957 constitution expressly recognises the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as a member of the council.
“In the 1957 constitution, Osugbo was placed in the third class. We have written to the governor this morning to consider us as part of the Afobajes. The constitution already recognises the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as a member, but some people do not like it. That was why we protested,” he explained.
He commended the state government for suspending the Awujale selection process, noting that growing agitations from various quarters could have threatened peace in the town.
“I see the governor’s action as a good one because without it, everything would have turned upside down,” Bakare said.
The Oluwo also expressed concern over reports that as many as 95 individuals were shortlisted for the Awujale stool, describing the development as abnormal.
“I cannot understand how 95 people were presented for the Awujale selection. They should have picked two, three or four candidates and presented them to Ifa. Once Osugbo is not involved, the process is incomplete. Without Osugbo, there is no Council of Afobajes,” he added.
Also speaking, the Otu-Erelu Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode and Iyalorisa General of Akile Ijebu, Chief (Mrs.) Osoteku Alawiye commended Governor Abiodun for dissolving the committee earlier tasked with selecting the new Awujale, describing its members as unfit for such a sensitive responsibility.
She urged the governor to constitute a new set of kingmakers that would include all relevant traditional institutions, including the Osugbo Society, to ensure an inclusive, credible and crisis-free selection process.
Chief Alawiye described Ijebu-Ode as a town of immense historical significance, stressing that the selection of its monarch must strictly adhere to due process and established traditional rites to guarantee lasting peace and development.
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