The Awujale Kingmakers’ Council has cancelled a planned meet-and-greet with nominees for the Awujale stool that was scheduled to hold at the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
In place of the palace meeting, the council directed all nominees to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Ijebu-Ode for further engagement.
The directive was contained in a letter dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Olórí Ẹbí of Fusengbuwa, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi; his deputy, Otunba Dokun Ajidagba; and Chief Prof. Fassy Yusuf.
According to the letter, nominees were instructed to present themselves at the DSS office along NTA Road, beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode, by 11:00 a.m.
“We write to formally inform you that the meet-and-greet earlier scheduled for this morning at the Aafin Awujale has been cancelled,” the letter stated.
It added that all nominees should report promptly to the DSS office as directed, while apologising for any inconvenience the change might cause. The letter was signed by the Secretary of the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council, Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, who urged strict compliance.
The development comes amid ongoing traditional and administrative processes surrounding the selection of a new Awujale in Ijebuland.
DSS explains summons
A source familiar with the process later clarified that about 96 individuals from the Fusengbuwa family were initially expected to participate in a screening exercise by the kingmakers at the palace.
The source explained that the individuals had assembled at the palace for screening before the process was suspended, stressing that the DSS did not stop the exercise.
“It is important to clarify that the exercise was not placed on hold by the DSS or any security agency. Rather, the state government, through an official circular already in the public domain, directed that the exercise be suspended,” the source said.
According to the source, the nominees were scheduled to visit the DSS for profiling as part of routine security vetting, which involves filling forms to gather information for comprehensive background checks.
The profiling exercise, expected to last several days, was reportedly suspended following another circular from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs halting all activities related to the Awujale succession.
“Consequently, higher authorities within the DSS directed that the profiling exercise be suspended as well,” the source added.
The source cautioned against the spread of misinformation, emphasising that the DSS should not be linked to any false narrative regarding the suspension of the process.
“The suspension was a government decision, not an action initiated by the DSS,” the source said, adding that there was no intention to restrict press freedom but to ensure accurate reporting.
In summary, all activities surrounding the Awujale stool, including DSS profiling, remain suspended in line with the directive of the Ogun State Government.
