Awujale stool: “Governor will not choose our king” — Prince Adenuga

Michael Olumide

As uncertainty continues to trail the delayed selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun State, Prince Adekunle Adenuga has reassured the public that the process remains firmly in the hands of traditional authorities, insisting that the state governor will not impose a monarch on the people.

Speaking during an interview on a current affairs programme on Eagle FM 102.5, the prince, who is a grandson of the late Oba Theophilus Adenuga Tuwase Folagbade, explained that while the government plays a supervisory and legal role, the ultimate decision lies with the Kingmakers.

“The governor will most likely advise us, but he’s not going to choose a king for us. The king to be appointed by the governor will have been nominated by the Kingmakers,” he said, emphasizing the autonomy of the traditional selection process.

The Awujale stool, one of the most revered traditional institutions in southwestern Nigeria, has remained vacant following the suspension of the selection process by the Ogun State Government in December after nominations were submitted. The government cited multiple petitions and allegations of irregularities as reasons for halting the exercise.

Prince Adenuga clarified that the current delay is largely due to legal and procedural complexities rather than political interference. According to him, the suspension was a preventive measure aimed at avoiding prolonged litigations that could arise from disputes among contestants and ruling houses.

The nomination process had reportedly produced over 90 candidates from various ruling houses, an unusually high number attributed to broader eligibility criteria under the current succession declaration. This development has added layers of complexity to the selection process.

Providing insight into the legal framework, Adenuga explained that the declaration guiding the selection outlines strict eligibility requirements, including lineage considerations that prioritize candidates from the male line, while allowing limited provisions for the female line under specific conditions.

“Eligibility can be broad and narrow at the same time. It’s not just about being from a ruling house; there are additional legal requirements that must be satisfied,” he noted.

He further revealed that while his own family, the Folagbade descendants, had earlier raised concerns before the nomination stage, they did not submit any petition after the process commenced.

According to him, petitions currently being considered by the government were filed by other stakeholders after nominations were completed.

The role of petitions has become central to the controversy, with allegations ranging from procedural breaches to claims of financial inducements.

However, Adenuga cautioned against concluding, stressing that the mere existence of petitions does not automatically imply wrongdoing.

He also addressed concerns over alleged government interference, maintaining that the intervention falls within the legal authority of the state. He explained that the law provides timelines within which the Kingmakers and the governor must act, including a seven-day window for the Kingmakers to make a selection and 21-days for the governor to approve or reject the nominee.

Observers note that the repeated suspension of the process has heightened public anxiety, marking what many describe as the second or third disruption in recent times. Nonetheless, Adenuga appealed for patience, expressing optimism that the government would soon conclude its review and allow the process to resume.

“We believe the government acted in good faith. Once they are done with their assessment, the suspension will likely be lifted,” he said.

On the issue of alleged financial demands during the nomination process, Adenuga dismissed reports that aspirants paid exorbitant fees, clarifying that his faction did not participate in any ₦10 million payment arrangement.

He noted that only a modest, non-refundable fee was collected to cover administrative costs.

Despite internal disagreements among ruling houses and family lineages, Adenuga said the process has also fostered a renewed sense of unity, with stakeholders increasingly engaging in dialogue to resolve contentious issues.

He emphasized that the Kingmakers, described as experienced and knowledgeable custodians of tradition, remain under intense pressure to make a decision that reflects fairness, legality, and the will of the people.

Looking ahead, Adenuga acknowledged that legal challenges may still arise, noting that aggrieved parties reserve the right to seek redress in court. However, he expressed hope that adherence to due process would minimize disputes.

The selection of a new Awujale is not only a cultural matter but also a symbol of identity and unity for the Ijebu people. As such, stakeholders continue to call for transparency and strict adherence to tradition and law.

As the people of Ijebuland await the next steps, expectations remain high that the eventual outcome will strengthen confidence in both the traditional institution and the legal framework guiding it.

“We should remain patient and hopeful,” Adenuga concluded, “that very soon, clarity will emerge and the process will continue in the interest of all.”