Police Summon Nine Ijebu Kingmakers Over Bribery Allegations in Awujale Selection Process
The Ogun State Police Command has issued summons to nine Ijebu-Ode kingmakers, requiring their appearance at the police headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. This development comes amid ongoing investigations into allegations of bribery and financial inducement related to the selection of a new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.
Details of the Police Invitation
According to police sources who spoke anonymously to The Punch newspaper, the nine kingmakers have been instructed to report to the police command headquarters on Monday, April 21, and Tuesday, April 22, 2026. Four of the kingmakers are scheduled to appear on Monday, while the remaining five have been summoned for Tuesday.
This marks the second time these particular kingmakers have been called in for questioning by law enforcement authorities regarding the same allegations. The police source confirmed that the invitation specifically concerns accusations of financial inducement in the traditional ruler selection process.
Kingmaker Expresses Frustration Over Frequent Summons
Chief Abimbola Okenla, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land and one of the summoned kingmakers, has publicly confirmed receiving the police invitation while expressing significant displeasure with the situation.
"None of us is happy with this frequent invitation by the security agencies over unfounded allegations," Okenla stated. "The people of Ijebu land are not equally happy about it because it is more of a distraction."
The kingmaker has called upon Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene and allow the kingmakers to complete their assignment of selecting the next Awujale of Ijebu land without further interruptions or delays.
Background: The Passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona
The current selection process follows the passing of the previous Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died at age 91 on July 13, 2025. Oba Adetona was one of Nigeria's longest-serving traditional rulers, having occupied the throne for an impressive 62 years before his demise.
Previous Developments in the Awujale Succession Process
The selection process for the new Awujale has been marked by several notable developments:
- The Awujale Kingmakers Council previously cancelled a planned meet-and-greet event, directing nominees instead to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office by January 21, 2026
- The council apologized for any inconvenience caused by this change in arrangements
- An Ogun State High Court recently dismissed an application by musician KWAM 1 seeking to halt the selection process
- Justice A. A. Omoniyi ruled that the application lacked merit and issued a fresh order regarding the matter
The ongoing police investigation and summons to kingmakers represent the latest chapter in what has become a complex and closely watched traditional succession process in one of Nigeria's prominent cultural regions.
