Awujale crisis: Ijebu elders question Adesanya’s appointment as interregnum council chairman

The Ijebu Progressive Elders Forum, IPEF, has faulted the appointment of the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, as chairman of the reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, AIAC.

The elders said the decision raises serious questions about the integrity of the traditional institution and the ongoing succession process to the vacant Awujale stool.

In a statement signed by its National President, High Chief Adebanjo Adeboluro, the forum said the appointment was troubling given reports that Adesanya was previously suspended by the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, over alleged misconduct.

“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,” the group said.

It noted that Adesanya’s appointment is at the centre of the latest controversy.

“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 forum stated.

According to IPEF, if the reported suspension and reinstatement are true, the government should have clarified the circumstances before elevating Adesanya to head such a sensitive administrative structure.

“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 said.

The group also queried reports that Adesanya’s outstanding salary arrears were settled alongside his appointment.

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

The forum demanded to know what informed the reversal.

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

They warned that the decision could send wrong signals to other traditional chiefs and undermine disciplinary decisions taken by a reigning monarch.

The reaction follows the Ogun State Government’s reconstitution of the AIAC after some members of the council established in August 2025 reportedly withdrew.

Announcing the reconstitution, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the withdrawal did not invalidate the council, which remains the only legally recognised body empowered to manage Ijebuland’s affairs pending the appointment of a new Awujale.

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

It cited a consent judgment in suit number HCJ/180/2025 – Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya vs Executive Council of Ogun State & 16 others – affirming the legality of the AIAC and holding that where its responsibilities conflict with traditional functions of the Olisa, the council’s authority takes precedence.

Under the new arrangement, Adesanya is Chairman, Chief Chris Okunowo, Bobasuwa, is Secretary, while Prof. Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso; Chief Stephen O. Bakare, Babalaje; and Chief Alade Shote, Otun Balogun, are members.

The elders said the interregnum period requires transparency and decisions capable of commanding public confidence.

“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? Or does it further deepen the perception that the concerns and sentiments of Ijebuland are being sidelined?” the forum queried.

“Governor Abiodun owes the people an explanation,” it added.