Ijebu Chiefs Form New Council to Manage Awujale Affairs After Interim Body Dissolved

Traditional chiefs in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have dissolved the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council. They have created a new group called the Adele Oba Awujale in Council to manage the town’s affairs until a new Awujale is appointed.

This decision was made during a meeting attended by various chiefs, including members of the Ilamuren, Pampa, and Odi. The chiefs agreed that the current members of the interim council should step down and join the newly formed council.

The interim council was set up about a month after the death of the former monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona, last July. The Ogun State government established this body to handle administrative tasks during the transition period until a new Awujale is chosen.

The statement announcing the new council was signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat. The new council will be led by Folorunso Kuku, who is also known as the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland.

The chiefs explained that their decision to form the new council was based on traditional customs and laws that govern the Awujale chieftaincy. They noted that the Ogun State Chiefs Law of 2021 does not specifically mention a regency council or how to appoint a regent during a transition.

The new council consists of 14 members, including Sonny Kuku as the chairman and other notable chiefs. They emphasized that this arrangement is meant to ensure stability and continuity in Ijebu-Ode while waiting for a new Awujale to be appointed.

The chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the traditions and customs of the Ijebu people during this period of transition.