By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, has called on Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to urgently intervene in the stalled process of selecting a new Awujale, stressing the need for a monarch to be installed before the forthcomingEid al-Adhaa (Eid al-Kabir) festival.

The cleric appealed during a send-forth ceremony for the first Hajj pilgrim departing from Gateway International Airport, Iperu, to Saudi Arabia.

Describing the delay as a matter of cultural and religious urgency, Ayanbadejo urged the governor to resolve the issues hindering the emergence of a new traditional ruler in Ijebuland. He emphasized that the absence of an Awujale could disrupt long-standing traditions tied to the Ileya celebration.

Recalling the governor’s close relationship with the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Chief Imam appealed for continued support, noting that Abiodun had returned from London to attend the monarch’s funeral rites.

“We urge Your Excellency to extend the same commitment by ensuring that a new Awujale is installed before Ileya,” he said.

Ayanbadejo noted that the kingmakers had already completed their assignment and appealed for forgiveness if any stakeholders had erred during the process. He also called on key government officials, including the deputy governor and members of the state executive council, to intervene.

Framing his message as a sincere appeal, the cleric urged all sons and daughters of Ijebuland to join in calling for swift action.

Highlighting the historical significance of the Eid al-Adha festival, he explained that Eid al-Adha prayers have been observed in Ijebu Ode since 1875, when a Christian Awujale allocated land for Muslim worshippers and donated a ram for sacrifice. He noted that it has since become a tradition for the reigning Awujale to provide the ram used during the festival.

“If there is no monarch this year, who will provide the ram?” he asked.
The appeal echoed a similar call by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which urged the governor to lift the suspension placed on the selection process.

The Ogun State Government had, in January 2025, halted the process following petitions, security reports, and concerns raised by stakeholders. The suspension was communicated in a letter dated January 20, 2025, by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.

This marks the second time the government has intervened in the selection process for a successor to the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died last year after a 65-year reign.

The race for the vacant stool has been marked by controversy, with the Fusengbuwa Ruling House submitting a list of 95 eligible candidates, 94 princes and one princess,s before handing over the selection responsibility to the kingmakers.