Kingmakers for the stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland on Wednesday rejected Ogun State’s Governor Dapo Abiodun’s imposed candidate to succeed Oba Sikiru Adetona, as the selection process continues.

Speaking in a video seen by Peoples Gazette, an old man who described himself as the Olori Ebi (family head), said the Fusengbuwa Ruling House would not accept the imposition of any candidate on the people of Ijebu-Ode or the ruling house, insisting that the selection process must be free and transparent.

“There was a meeting in Lagos between the kingmakers and the governor; and though the governor used his power, but we’re unperturbed as we insisted that no one can elect a king for the Ijebu people; unanimously, the Ijebu people are one.

“Whatever they (government) can’t do elsewhere, they should try it here; we don’t care what they’re holding on to,” he said, while speaking mainly in the Ijebu dialect.

Responding to journalists concerning the delay in the process, he added, “That is the government’s directive; they will rewrite us: the kingmakers; and we’re waiting for their letter. Once the local government serves us the letter, we shall reply appropriately.”

Mr Abiodun had on January 20 ordered the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to halt their selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Specifically, the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in a letter dated January 20, 2026, from the commissioner, Ganiyu Hamzat, addressed to the chairman of Ijebu-Ode LGA, Dare Alebiosu, stated that the decision was based on a security report.

When contacted, Kayode Akinmade, a spokesperson for Mr Abiodun, said that the Olori Ebi could not have been present at a meeting between the kingmakers and the governor.

“Olori Ebi isn’t a kingmaker and cannot be invited to any meeting. I am working on a statement, I will revert. Kuku is the leader of the kingmakers,” Mr Akinmade said.

He further noted that he would issue a statement on behalf of the government, in response to the allegation. However, the statement wasn’t sent to The Gazette as of press time.