The controversies sorrounding the choice of Awujela of Ijebuland took another dimension with Ogun State rejecting the candidate allegedly chosen by Ifa Oracle.
Ogun State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, in a statement on Saturday, denied the claim that the Ifa oracle has chosen Prince Ademorin Kuye as the next Awujale of Ijebuland and that the state government has endorsed the purported outcome.
Hamzat described the claims as false, saying the process for the selection and installation of the next Awujale of Ijebuland is guided strictly by the applicable laws, established procedures, and recognised traditional customs.
The commissioner said the selection process for the next Awujale has been halted, noting that this decision was taken over various complaints and petitions received on the selection procedure.
“Any suggestion that the government has adopted or approved a candidate through an oracle or any informal process is false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the public.
“Furthermore, the Ogun State Government wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public that the process for filling the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland has presently been halted.
“This decision was taken in view of the various complaints and petitions received concerning the selection procedure.
“The temporary suspension is to allow for due review and to ensure that the process remains transparent, lawful, and acceptable to all concerned parties,” he said.
Hamzat also reiterated the Ogun State Government’s commitment to maintaining peace, order, and respect for due process and traditional institutions across the state.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to rely only on official communications from the government and to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing tension or misunderstanding,” he added.
