Abiodun Denies Clash Over Awujale Succession

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has dismissed reports alleging a confrontation between him and the Council of Afobajes over the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Reports had claimed that the succession process descended into chaos on Wednesday after the state government halted the exercise following an alleged standoff between the governor and the Afobajes.

According to the reports, tension began late Tuesday night when Governor Abiodun reportedly summoned members of the Afobajes to a meeting that lasted into the early hours of Wednesday.

It was alleged that the governor presented Hon. Ademorin Kuye as his preferred candidate and directed the council to endorse him as the next Awujale, a move the Afobajes were said to have rejected, insisting on due process.

The reports further claimed that the disagreement escalated, with the Afobajes allegedly stating they would rather have Ijebu remain without an Awujale than accept an imposed candidate.

They also alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) later took over the Awujale Palace, restricting access to the Afobajes, around the same time the state government announced the suspension of the selection process.

However, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the Ogun State Government described the claims as false and misleading.

“The governor held a respectful consultative meeting with the Council of Afobajes, consistent with meetings he held in the past with the Olori Ebisthat were hitherto polarized which fostered their harmonization and, through such earlier engagements, he also persuaded one of the kingmakers to withdraw a filed litigation.

“The discussions he had focused on matters of mutual concern in the interest of the progress in traditional affairs within Ijebuland.

“Contrary to the rumors, Governor Abiodun did not issue threats, ultimatums. Statements attributed to him, including ‘No Kuye, No Awujale,’ are entirely fabricated and bear no relation to the Governor or his administration.

“No Afobaje will attest to such an occurrence, as it never happened. This is once again the fabrication of falsehoods by mischief makers.

“The governor remains committed to upholding due process, respecting the autonomy of traditional institutions, and ensuring a fair process in the selection of a new Awujale for Ijebu.

“His administration continues to prioritize dialogue, harmony, and the preservation of cultural values,” the statement read.

“We all know how highly the Governor holds the throne of Awujale which he has consistently demonstrated.

“Members of the public, traditional stakeholders, and the media are urged to disregard these unfounded insinuations and rely solely on verified information from official sources,” the statement read.