Ogun State government on Wednesday halted the selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebu land, the second suspension in less than a month, with a heavy deployment of security forces at the palace.

Our correspondent at Ijebu Ode observed heavy  presence of  policemen and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, following the government’s directive.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years.

In a statement signed by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, the government said the decision to halt the process was to protect public order, safeguard the integrity of the selection, and maintain the prestige of the stool.

He said,“Given the reports at its disposal, the government has elected to act proactively without further delay in the interest of peace, order and good government by halting the process in its entirety. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House should await further directives regarding the selection process.”

Earlier, on December 18, 2025, the state government suspended the process over procedural errors that could trigger litigation.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House had shortlisted 95 contestants—including 94 princes and one princess—during a nomination meeting held at Bisrod Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode.