Awujale Stool Succession Crisis: Ruling Family Appeals to President Tinubu for Resolution

Introduction

A significant cultural and political impasse has emerged in Ijebuland, southwestern Nigeria, following the suspension of the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland. The Keregbetu family, one of the ruling houses, has formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu to intervene and resolve the ongoing deadlock that threatens the traditional leadership structure of the Ijebu people.

Key Points

Background

The Awujale of Ijebuland represents one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional stools, with Oba Sikiru Adetona having reigned for an unprecedented 65 years before his passing at age 91 in July 2025. His death created a succession vacuum that triggered an extensive selection process within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

The selection procedure initially proceeded with 95 aspirants emerging from a nomination meeting in Ijebu-Ode. However, the Ogun State government intervened, citing a flood of petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders expressing concerns about the process. This led to an indefinite suspension that has now stretched for several months.

Analysis

The current impasse represents more than just a traditional leadership dispute; it embodies the complex intersection of traditional authority, modern governance, and political interests in Nigeria. The suspension has created a leadership vacuum that affects not only cultural matters but also the socio-economic stability of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large.

The Keregbetu family’s petition to President Tinubu highlights several critical issues. First, it underscores the importance of traditional institutions in maintaining social cohesion and cultural identity. Second, it reveals the delicate balance between state authority and traditional succession processes. Third, it demonstrates how leadership transitions in traditional settings can become politically charged affairs with broader implications.

The concern about aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as “Awujale-elect” without completing the proper selection process is particularly troubling. Such actions could potentially create parallel power structures and undermine the legitimacy of the eventual selection, leading to long-term instability in the kingdom.

Practical Advice

For stakeholders involved in this situation, several practical steps could help resolve the impasse:

1. **Establish a Mediation Committee**: Create a neutral body comprising respected traditional leaders, government representatives, and community elders to facilitate dialogue between all parties.

2. **Review Selection Guidelines**: Conduct a transparent review of the selection process to address legitimate concerns while preserving traditional protocols.

3. **Engage Security Agencies**: Work collaboratively with security agencies to address their concerns while ensuring the process can proceed safely.

4. **Set Clear Timelines**: Establish and communicate clear timelines for the selection process to reduce uncertainty and speculation.

5. **Community Consultation**: Organize town hall meetings to gather input from Ijebu indigenes and build consensus around the selection process.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Awujale succession crisis represents a critical moment for Ijebuland, where traditional authority, modern governance, and community interests intersect. The Keregbetu family’s petition to President Tinubu underscores the urgency of resolving this impasse before it escalates into deeper divisions within the kingdom. The approaching cultural festivals, particularly the Ojude Oba celebration, add time pressure to find a resolution that respects both traditional protocols and contemporary governance requirements.

The successful resolution of this crisis will require careful navigation of competing interests, transparent processes, and respect for Ijebu cultural traditions. It also presents an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate how traditional institutions can be preserved while adapting to modern governance frameworks. The outcome will have lasting implications not only for Ijebuland but also for how traditional succession processes are managed across Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscape.