Awujale Stool: Again, Police summon kingmakers over alleged bribery

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Ogun State Police Command has again summoned nine kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode over allegations of bribery and financial inducement linked to the selection of a new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.

The kingmakers are to appear at the State Command headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Monday and Tuesday next week.

A senior police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development on Friday.

The source disclosed that “the nine kingmakers have been asked to report at the command headquarters at Eleweran on Monday and Tuesday. The invitation is still in connection with allegations of financial inducement”.

One of the kingmakers, the Kakanfo of Ijebuland, Chief Abimbola Okenla, also confirmed the invitation.

“It is true that the Ogun State Police Command has invited the kingmakers to the headquarters in Abeokuta. Four of us are to appear on Monday, while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday,” he said.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the repeated summons, Okenla described the allegations as baseless and distracting.

“None of us is happy with these frequent invitations by security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebuland are equally not pleased, as it is becoming a distraction,” he said.

He appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers conclude the selection process without further interference.

“We are pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of selecting the next Awujale without further delay,” he added.

Similarly, the head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, said he had yet to confirm the authenticity of the latest police invitation.

“I have heard about the reported police summon, but I cannot confirm whether it is true or mere rumour. I appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun, as the father of all, to allow reason to prevail so that we can have a new Awujale in good time,” he said.

Owoyemi stressed the desire of the Ijebu people for a worthy successor.

“What the Ijebu people desire is a new Awujale who will consolidate on the enduring legacies of our revered late monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest,” he added.

A copy of the invitation letter dated April 17, 2026, and addressed to one of the kingmakers, Chief Adebisi Adaran (Gbeden), was signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Gbenga Adeoye.

Part of the letter reads: “In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10:00hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID.

“This is a fact-finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act, 2020.

“Your presence is required to assist in advancing the course of justice and fairness. You may come along with your lawyer if you so wish.”

It would be recalled that the police had earlier invited the same kingmakers in February over similar allegations, although the investigation was reportedly halted following intervention by authorities.

Recall that the Ogun State government had, in January, suspended the selection process for a new Awujale, citing multiple petitions from security agencies and stakeholders. The suspension was conveyed in a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.

Earlier, in December 2025, the government had also halted the process over alleged procedural irregularities.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona at the age of 91 after 65 years on the throne.

Before the suspension, no fewer than 95 aspirants; comprising 94 princes and one princess from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had emerged during a nomination exercise held in Ijebu-Ode.

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