By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Tension heightened in Ijebu-Ode on Yesterday as the Ogun State Government ordered the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, to suspend the Awujale selection process due to security concerns.
The Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, copied the Executive Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Hon Dare Alebiosu to effect the order to withhold the Awujale' Succession process as the gate of the Awujale Palace was locked and heavily guarded by security operatives, preventing a proposed Meet-and-Greet session between Awujale candidates and the Council of Kingmakers (Afobajes) led by the Ogbeni Oja, High Chief Dr. Olorogun Sunny Kuku and The Olisa, Rasheed Adesanya.
According to source the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, reportedly convened an overnight emergency meeting at the Ogbeni Ojas residence, Ijebu-Ode, during which he allegedly declared his preferred candidate and directed the kingmakers to present him as the next Awujale.
The Afobajes, led by High Chief Dr. Olorogun Sunny Kuku, unanimously rejected the directive, insisting that Ijebu tradition must follow due process and remain free from imposition and intimidation.
Tensions reportedly escalated further as a result of the inconclusive meeting when the kingmakers strongly opposed, stating they would rather leave the throne vacant than compromise tradition.
Meanwhile, the unfolding overnight tussle appeared to be unknown to the Awujale candidates and their entourages some arriving from within Nigeria and the diaspora were denied access to the palace but maintained decorum around the area.
The palace environment remained peaceful as some candidates proceeded to the DSS office on NTA Road, Ijebu-Ode, to complete security requirements. All candidates appeared visibly distressed, with none granting interviews as of press time.
