The Ogun State Government has defended its intervention in the succession process for the Awujale stool, revealing internal fractures within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and insisting that the emergence of the next monarch must strictly adhere to due process. The state’s position was articulated by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, who stated that the government acted with fairness and restraint in accordance with the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021.
Ogungbade disclosed that the government was compelled to intervene after discovering that the ruling house was operating under three different family heads. He reported that nomination forms for the position were being sold for as much as ₦10 million, a practice that raised concerns about the integrity of the selection process. Following a meeting with the family on November 6, 2025, the government advised the ruling house to resolve its internal leadership disagreements, operate under a single recognized family head, and discontinue the collection of nomination fees.
The Attorney-General stated that the intervention yielded positive results, as the family subsequently agreed to operate as a united ruling house. The family also committed to abolishing candidature fees and refunding payments already made by aspirants, expressing appreciation to the government for its guidance. Ogungbade maintained that these measures were not intended to deprive the Fusengbuwa family of its entitlement but to ensure the succession was conducted in an orderly, transparent, and legally acceptable manner.
While acknowledging the government’s statutory responsibilities in the appointment and installation of traditional rulers, Ogungbade warned against media attacks and disinformation allegedly designed to pressure the state over the succession. He described recent publications accusing the government of interference and bias as misleading, alleging that some were sponsored to create public hostility. The Attorney-General distinguished legitimate criticism from what he termed "media blackmail," warning that the government would not allow such activities to undermine its lawful duties.
Citing Section 61 of the Criminal Law of Ogun State, Ogungbade noted that unlawful acts calculated to interfere with the free exercise of a governor’s official duties could attract a three-year jail term. He cautioned publishers and individuals involved in disseminating misleading reports, stating that the government would pursue appropriate legal remedies if the alleged activities persisted. The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the next Awujale is selected in accordance with the law, the established traditional institutions of Ijebuland, and the principles of fairness.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
