ABEOKUTA – The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, has made a passionate appeal to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to urgently resolve the delay in selecting a new Awujale, stressing the importance of having a monarch in place before the Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festival.
Speaking during a send-forth ceremony for the first Hajj pilgrim departing from Gateway International Airport, Iperu, the cleric described the situation as critical to both the cultural and religious life of Ijebuland.
He reminded the governor of his close relationship with the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, urging him to demonstrate the same commitment by ensuring a smooth and timely installation of a successor.
Ayanbadejo emphasized that the Ileya festival holds deep historical significance in Ijebu-Ode, dating back to 1875, when a Christian Awujale supported Muslim worshippers by providing land and a ram for sacrifice—a tradition upheld by successive monarchs.
He warned that the absence of a reigning Awujale could disrupt this long-standing custom, particularly the symbolic provision of the ram for Eid prayers.
“Your Excellency, you were like a son to the late Awujale,” he said, recalling how the governor returned from London to participate in the monarch’s funeral prayers. We urge you to continue to show that same love even after his demise by ensuring that a new Awujale is installed before Ileya.”
He noted that the kingmakers had completed their assignment and pleaded for forgiveness if any party had offended the government in the process.
“In the name of God, I appeal to Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff and all commissioners to kindly intervene so that Ijebuland can have a new Awujale before the Ileya festival,” he said.
Describing his message as a plea rather than a demand, the cleric also called on sons and daughters of Ijebuland to join in appealing to the governor.
Similarly on Sunday, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Sunday called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to immediately lift the suspension placed on the selection process for the next Awujale, describing the action as unjustified and based on unproven allegations.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdul Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, who urged the governor to allow the traditional kingmakers to resume and conclude the process of selecting the 60th Awujale of Ijebuland without further delay.
