Awujale Stool: Ijebu Elders Query Olisa’s Appointment As Chairman Awujale Interregnum Council

ABEOKUTA -The Ijebu Progressive Elders Forum (IPEF) has questioned the decision of the Ogun State Government to appoint the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, as Chairman of the reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC), describing the development as one that raises serious concerns about the integrity of the traditional institution and the ongoing succession process.

The group, reacting to the reconstitution of the council by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the appointment was particularly troubling given reports that Adesanya had previously been suspended by the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, over alleged misconduct.

In a statement signed by its National President, High Chief Adebanjo Adeboluro, the forum said the appointment had introduced fresh controversy into an already sensitive succession process, particularly at a time when the people of Ijebu-Ode expected decisions concerning the vacant stool to strengthen confidence in the traditional institution.

The forum stated: “Just when many thought the controversies surrounding the Awujale succession were beginning to settle, Governor Dapo Abiodun has stirred fresh questions with the reconstitution of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC).”

It identified Adesanya’s appointment as the central issue in the latest development, arguing that his reported history with the late monarch deserved serious consideration before he was entrusted with the leadership of an administrative structure responsible for managing affairs during the interregnum.

According to the group: “At the centre of the latest development is Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, who has been named Chairman of the reconstituted council. Interestingly, Chief Adesanya was reportedly suspended by the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, over alleged misconduct.”

The elders maintained that if the circumstances surrounding the reported suspension and subsequent reinstatement were as being reported, the decision to elevate Adesanya to the chairmanship of the AIAC required clarification from the state government.

They questioned whether the late monarch’s disciplinary action had been formally reviewed and overturned or whether the government had simply disregarded it in arriving at its decision.

The forum said: “If the circumstances surrounding his suspension and subsequent reinstatement are as reported, the Governor’s decision to place him at the head of such an important administrative structure raises questions that deserve answers.”

It further drew attention to reports that Adesanya’s outstanding salary arrears had been settled, suggesting that the payment, alongside his appointment, had made the circumstances surrounding his return to a prominent position in the traditional administrative structure even more deserving of public scrutiny.

“Reports that his outstanding salary arrears have also been settled make the development even more deserving of public scrutiny,” the group added.

The IPEF consequently demanded an explanation from Governor Abiodun on the considerations that informed the appointment, insisting that the government needed to address the questions surrounding Adesanya’s reported suspension, reinstatement and subsequent elevation.

Specifically, the group asked: “What informed this reversal? Was the late Awujale’s disciplinary action reviewed and formally overturned, or has it simply been disregarded?”

It also questioned the wider implications of the appointment for the traditional institution, particularly the message it could send to other traditional chiefs and the people of Ijebuland about the recognition and enforcement of disciplinary decisions taken by a reigning monarch.

The forum’s concerns come against the backdrop of the Ogun State Government’s recent decision to reconstitute the AIAC following reports that some members of the council established in August 2025 had withdrawn their membership.

Announcing the reconstitution, the state government, through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, maintained that the withdrawal of some members did not invalidate the council, which it described as the only legally recognised body empowered to manage the administrative and traditional affairs of Ijebuland pending the appointment and coronation of a new Awujale.

The government also declared that the purported Adele Oba Awujale group had no legal or customary recognition under the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration or the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

It further cited a consent judgment delivered by the Ogun State High Court in suit number HCJ/180/2025, involving Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya (Olisa of Ijebu-Ode) versus the Executive Council of Ogun State and 16 others, as affirming the legality and authority of the AIAC.

According to the government, the judgment, to which all parties consented, established that where the responsibilities of the AIAC conflict with the traditional functions of the Olisa, the authority of the council takes precedence.

The state government also noted that the judgment had not been appealed and remained binding.

Under the reconstituted arrangement, Adesanya was named chairman, Chief Chris Okunowo, Bobasuwa, secretary, while Prof. Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso; Chief Stephen O. Bakare, Babalaje; and Chief Alade Shote, Otun Balogun, were appointed members.

The elders warned that the government must be mindful of the sentiments of the people of Ijebuland, particularly because the interregnum is a delicate period that requires transparency, fairness and decisions capable of commanding broad public confidence.

They questioned whether the appointment would strengthen confidence in the succession process or reinforce perceptions that the concerns of the people were being overlooked in decisions concerning their traditional affairs.

The forum concluded with a direct demand for accountability from the governor, declaring: “At a time when the people of Ijebu-Ode expect the government to protect the integrity of their traditional institution and ensure a credible succession process, is this the kind of decision that inspires public confidence?”

It added: “Or does it further deepen the perception that the concerns and sentiments of Ijebuland are being sidelined in decisions concerning its traditional affairs?”

The elders were unequivocal in their final position: “Governor Abiodun owes the people an explanation.”