Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to act quickly. He wants a new Awujale installed before the Ileya festival arrives.
A new monarch is vital to Ijebuland's cultural and spiritual identity, Ayanbadejo stressed. The festival itself depends on having a reigning king in place.
The state government froze the selection process in January this year. This came three months after the late Oba Sikiru Adetona died in July 2025.
Commissioner Ganiyu Hamzat announced the suspension on January 20. His letter cited petitions and security concerns from various stakeholders.
The race to fill the throne had grown contentious and messy. Intrigue marked nearly every stage of the process.
Fusengbuwa Ruling House submitted 95 candidates for consideration. That included 94 princes and one princess eligible for the stool.
Kingmakers then took charge of narrowing down the field. They were meant to select the 60th Awujale from those names before officials froze everything.
On Sunday, Otunba Abdul Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi made a direct appeal. As ruling house chairman, he asked the governor to let the process resume immediately.
Three months of waiting has hurt the community deeply. Ijebu-Ode indigenes at home and abroad worry about the stalled tradition.
Ayanbadejo spoke during a ceremony for pilgrims at Gateway International Airport in Iperu. They were heading to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 pilgrimage.
He reminded Abiodun of their bond with the late monarch. The governor had returned from London for funeral prayers last year.
"Your Excellency, you were like a son to the late Awujale," Ayanbadejo told him. He urged the same affection continue even after death through swift installation of a successor.
According to the Chief Imam, the kingmakers have finished their work. He asked forgiveness if anyone had displeased officials during the procedure.
"In the name of God, I appeal to Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff and all commissioners to kindly intervene so that Ijebuland can have a new Awujale before the Ileya festival," Ayanbadejo pleaded.
He described his words as a humble request, not a demand. Ijebuland's sons and daughters should join this appeal to leadership, he added.
