The Ogun state government has halted the current process of selecting a new Awujale of Ijebuland, citing petitions, security reports, and the need to maintain public order and the integrity of the royal stool.

Earlier this month, Wasiu Ayinde, a renowned Fuji singer popularly known as KWAM 1, petitioned the Ogun state executive council to cancel the January 12, 2026, nomination process for the Awujale of Ijebuland.

KWAM 1’s appeal came after the state received a rising number of complaints from various stakeholders and security organisations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ganiyu Hamzat, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, stated that the decision to suspend the process was made proactively to ensure peace, order, and good governance.

He cited the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which allows the executive council to postpone an appointment if it believes it is essential in the public interest.

Hamzat stated that the 65-year reign of Sikiru Adetona, the direct predecessor of Awujale, had substantially enhanced its modern status, putting the next occupant and the selection process under intense national scrutiny.

The commissioner advised the chairman of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area to notify the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of the suspension forthwith.

He recommended the governing house to wait for additional orders from the state administration before taking any action.

However, the statement did not specify when the procedure will continue or the substance of the petitions and security reports that triggered the intervention.