The Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has summoned the Awujale kingmakers of Ijebu-Ode to the Command Headquarters in Eleweran for questioning, beginning from Monday.
There are nine Awujale kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode, including the Regent of Ijebuland; the Ogbeni Oja, Chief Sunny Kuku; Chief Adebisi Adaran; Chief Abimbola Okenla and Balogun Agboola Alausa. Kuku, a physician and co-founder of the renowned Eko Hospital, Ikeja, is both the head of the Awujale kingmakers and Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Committee.
Three of the kingmakers are currently out of the country, it was learnt, while the remaining six are in Nigeria. Of these, four have been served letters of invitation by the police command in the state, Ayemafuge gathered on Friday evening.
One of the letters sighted by our correspondent, addressed to one of the kingmakers, was dated April 17, 2026, but delivered a day earlier, on Thursday, April 16, through the Igbeba Area Command of the NPF.
The affected kingmakers were invited for an “interview with the Commissioner of Police through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran.” The letter, which referenced a February 2026 case of “bribery and financial inducement,” indicated that the invitation was for fact-finding as part of ongoing investigations into the allegations. The latest police action has reportedly heightened tension in Ijebuland, with many wondering about the motive behind the renewed summons.
The letter partly reads: “In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are kindly requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday … at 1000hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department. “This is a fact finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by the combined provisions of Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020.
“Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of Criminal Justice delivery and fairness. “Should you require any clarification, kindly contact 08038455857. Please take note that you are at liberty to come along with your Lawyer.”
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the demise of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed on at the age of 91 after 65 years on the throne. A total of 95 aspirants – 94 princes and one princess – from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had emerged at a nomination meeting held in Ijebu-Ode shortly before the government placed embargo on the selection process.
Some sources believe the latest summons for investigation may be connected to the nomination and selection process of the next Awujale of Ijebuland. The Awujale stool became vacant on July 13, 2025, following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, who passed on at 91 after 65 years on the throne.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is next in line to produce the Awujale. However, efforts to fill the vacant stool—including the nomination of 94 princes and one princess—have faced setbacks, as the Dapo Abiodun-led state government twice suspended the process, citing procedural errors and a flood of petitions from interested parties.
Acting on these petitions, the police had earlier invited the kingmakers for questioning over issues surrounding the selection process. The invitation was later suspended midway, reportedly at the instance of the state government, before the process resumed in mid-April.
A source who confirmed the latest summons accused the governor of orchestrating what he described as the “persecution” of the kingmakers and frustrating the selection process. “They have invited the kingmakers to Eleweran again. “The problem is that we don’t know why. They did it before and stopped, then started again.
“The letters were sent yesterday (Thursday). Some of us have received ours through the Igbeba Area Command, Ijebu-Ode.
“It is still about the Oba selection issue. I don’t know precisely. He had taken us to the DSS before, and we were cleared. Nothing was found against us.
“Now, he is using the police again after previously halting the process midway. This time, it has resumed again,” the source said.
When Ayemafuge contacted, the family head of Fusengbuwa ruling house and former National President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, said he had heard about the reported police summon but could not confirm the veracity. Owoyemi, who is also the Otunba Jadiara of Ijebuland, however, appealed to the Governor to allow reason to prevail, even as he urged him to lift the suspension order placed on the selection process of the next Awujale.
Owoyemi said: “I have equally heard about this latest police summon but I can’t confirm if it is rumour or true. I am only begging Governor Dapo Abiodun as the father of all to allow reasons to prevail and let us have the new Awujale on time.
“What the Ijebu people want is a new Awujale that will consolidate on the enviable and the enduring legacies of selfless service of our highly revered father and late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. May the Almighty Allah rest his soul.”
About the author
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
Twins, two others jailed 14 years for armed robbery Ikeja Special Offences Court
An Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court yesterday sentenced four men to 14 years imprisonment for armed robbery. The convicts included a set of twins, Taiwo and Kehinde Ojomo, both 34 years old, and a security guard.Other defendants included a 34-year-old rewire Emmanuel Bamidele a.k.a. DPO) and a 27-year-old cobbler, Peter Samuel a.k.a. Mogaji. Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe convicted and sentenced the defendants after they pleaded guilty to a two- count charge plea bargain agreement bordering on conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery contrary to Section 298(1) of the Criminal Law, Ch .c17, vol 3, laws of Lagos State 2015.The prosecution, J.A. Ogunode told the court that the defendants on June 5, 2020, entered into a blue-coloured 2005 Siena vehicle with registration number LSR 771 GG, owned and driven by one Sadiq Abiodun Ezekiel under the pretence that […]
Awujale: Police summon Ijebu-Ode kingmakers over alleged bribery police
The Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has summoned the Awujale kingmakers of Ijebu-Ode to the Command Headquarters in Eleweran for questioning, beginning from Monday.There are nine Awujale kingmakers in Ijebu-Ode, including the Regent of Ijebuland; the Ogbeni Oja, Chief Sunny Kuku; Chief Adebisi Adaran; Chief Abimbola Okenla and Balogun Agboola Alausa. Kuku, a physician and co-founder of the renowned Eko Hospital, Ikeja, is both the head of the Awujale kingmakers and Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Committee.Three of the kingmakers are currently out of the country, it was learnt, while the remaining six are in Nigeria. Of these, four have been served letters of invitation by the police command in the state, Ayemafuge gathered on Friday evening.One of the letters sighted by our correspondent, addressed to one of the kingmakers, was dated April 17, 2026, but […]
2027 Election: ADC presidential ticket tears Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso apart
The struggle for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket is tearing supporters of major aspirants apart ahead of the primary.This is notwithstanding the multiple leadership challenges facing the opposition party. At the moment, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not recognise any of the three camps laying claim to the party’s leadership.This followed a Court of Appeal order in a suit challenging the recognition of David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and others as officials of the National Working Committee (NWC).Many state chapters remain polarised and unable to hold congresses. Yet, the party on Tuesday held its convention in Abuja without INEC monitoring, a move widely considered risky. Our correspondent understands that there is a widening gulf among the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Kwankwasiyya Movement leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, all […]
Nine killed in Benue community attack
At least nine people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries following an attack by armed bandits on Sunday in Edikwu-Ankpali, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State. The Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ogwola, confirmed the incident to our correspondent yesterday.According to Ogwola, one person was killed at Ikobi, while another died at Adija.However, a source added that the attacks occurred on Friday and Sunday, resulting in 13 fatalities. The source further indicated that three people were killed on Friday, and 10 more on Sunday. It was gathered that youths were in the bush retrieving more bodies, and that a police officer was among those killed in Upu Otukpo Local Government Area on Saturday. Meanwhile, Pastor Ojotu Ojema, the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has condemned the attack, of the describing […]
Don’t throw Ibadan into chaos, CCII cautions Fayose over ‘plot to oust Olubadan’ claim Makinde
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has come down hard on former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose over his recent comments alleging a plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.Fayose had in a post on his X handle claimed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was planning to depose the Olubadan, a statement that has triggered reactions from stakeholders in Oyo State.Reacting to the allegation, the CCII described the former governor’s remarks as unfounded, provocative and capable of inciting unrest in Ibadanland. In a statement issued yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, the council said Fayose’s comments were not only misleading, but also a dangerous attempt to politicise traditional institutions.The statement quoted the CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, as expressing concern about what he termed reckless interference in Ibadan affairs.Ajewole warned that Fayose’s remarks could […]
U.S. hails Nigeria over 386 terrorism convictions
Nigeria got a pat on the back yesterday from the United States for accelerating the prosecution of terrorism-related cases. The commendation followed the conviction of 386 suspects in recent mass trials.In a statement published via X on Sunday, Massad Boulos, the US senior advisor for Arab and African Affairs, said Washington welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening accountability and justice. The post reads: “The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes. We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts,” the statement reads.“We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions. Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, […]
Related
Gunmen kill 13, injure scores in fresh Plateau attack
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of yesterday, threw the community into panic, leaving many residents with varying degrees of injuries. A resident, Mr Philip Alanga, told journalists in Jos that the attackers invaded the community at about midnight, opening fire indiscriminately before attacking residents with machetes guns and other dangerous weapons. According to him, the assailants moved from house to house, targeting innocent residents and leaving in their trail death and destruction.“They came into the community around midnight and started shooting and hacking people to death. They moved from one house to another, attacking innocent people,” Alanga said. He explained that many residents fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence, while several others were left injured and in urgent need of medical attention. Confirming the incident, Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Mr Danjuma […]
Twins, two others jailed 14 years for armed robbery Ikeja Special Offences Court
An Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court yesterday sentenced four men to 14 years imprisonment for armed robbery. The convicts included a set of twins, Taiwo and Kehinde Ojomo, both 34 years old, and a security guard.Other defendants included a 34-year-old rewire Emmanuel Bamidele a.k.a. DPO) and a 27-year-old cobbler, Peter Samuel a.k.a. Mogaji. Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe convicted and sentenced the defendants after they pleaded guilty to a two- count charge plea bargain agreement bordering on conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery contrary to Section 298(1) of the Criminal Law, Ch .c17, vol 3, laws of Lagos State 2015.The prosecution, J.A. Ogunode told the court that the defendants on June 5, 2020, entered into a blue-coloured 2005 Siena vehicle with registration number LSR 771 GG, owned and driven by one Sadiq Abiodun Ezekiel under the pretence that […]
2027 Election: ADC presidential ticket tears Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso apart
The struggle for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket is tearing supporters of major aspirants apart ahead of the primary.This is notwithstanding the multiple leadership challenges facing the opposition party. At the moment, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not recognise any of the three camps laying claim to the party’s leadership.This followed a Court of Appeal order in a suit challenging the recognition of David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and others as officials of the National Working Committee (NWC).Many state chapters remain polarised and unable to hold congresses. Yet, the party on Tuesday held its convention in Abuja without INEC monitoring, a move widely considered risky. Our correspondent understands that there is a widening gulf among the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Kwankwasiyya Movement leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, all […]
Nine killed in Benue community attack
At least nine people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries following an attack by armed bandits on Sunday in Edikwu-Ankpali, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State. The Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ogwola, confirmed the incident to our correspondent yesterday.According to Ogwola, one person was killed at Ikobi, while another died at Adija.However, a source added that the attacks occurred on Friday and Sunday, resulting in 13 fatalities. The source further indicated that three people were killed on Friday, and 10 more on Sunday. It was gathered that youths were in the bush retrieving more bodies, and that a police officer was among those killed in Upu Otukpo Local Government Area on Saturday. Meanwhile, Pastor Ojotu Ojema, the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has condemned the attack, of the describing […]
Don’t throw Ibadan into chaos, CCII cautions Fayose over ‘plot to oust Olubadan’ claim Makinde
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has come down hard on former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose over his recent comments alleging a plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.Fayose had in a post on his X handle claimed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was planning to depose the Olubadan, a statement that has triggered reactions from stakeholders in Oyo State.Reacting to the allegation, the CCII described the former governor’s remarks as unfounded, provocative and capable of inciting unrest in Ibadanland. In a statement issued yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, the council said Fayose’s comments were not only misleading, but also a dangerous attempt to politicise traditional institutions.The statement quoted the CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, as expressing concern about what he termed reckless interference in Ibadan affairs.Ajewole warned that Fayose’s remarks could […]
U.S. hails Nigeria over 386 terrorism convictions
Nigeria got a pat on the back yesterday from the United States for accelerating the prosecution of terrorism-related cases. The commendation followed the conviction of 386 suspects in recent mass trials.In a statement published via X on Sunday, Massad Boulos, the US senior advisor for Arab and African Affairs, said Washington welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening accountability and justice. The post reads: “The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes. We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts,” the statement reads.“We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions. Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, […]
Be the first to leave a comment