Police Probe Deepens as Nine Ijebu Kingmakers Face Interrogation Over Alleged Bribery in Awujale Succession Crisis
A major crisis has engulfed the revered Awujale stool of Ijebuland as the Nigeria Police Force intensifies its investigation into allegations of bribery and financial inducement, summoning multiple kingmakers at the centre of the monarch selection process in Ogun State.
The development marks a significant escalation in a controversy that has stalled the succession process following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July 2025. The late monarch, who ruled for over six decades, left behind a powerful traditional institution whose succession has since been overshadowed by disputes, petitions, and allegations of corruption.
According to official correspondence obtained by multiple media outlets, the police issued formal invitations dated February 3, 2026, directing selected kingmakers to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abeokuta for questioning. The letter, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Gbenga Adeoye, described the summons as a “fact-finding invitation” aimed at advancing justice and fairness.
At the heart of the investigation are claims that certain kingmakers—custodians of tradition responsible for selecting the next Awujale—accepted monetary inducements to influence the outcome of the process. Allegations suggest that the prestigious stool may have been effectively “auctioned” to the highest bidder among aspirants, a claim that has triggered outrage across Ijebuland and beyond.
While authorities have not officially disclosed the identities of all those invited, it has been confirmed that senior traditional figures are among those under scrutiny. One prominent figure, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, a high-ranking chief, was specifically summoned to provide clarification in connection with the alleged bribery case.
Police spokespersons have maintained that the process remains strictly investigative, emphasizing that no conclusions have been drawn and no charges have been filed. The Ogun State Police Command has also declined to provide detailed updates on the number of individuals questioned or the progress of the probe, citing the need to preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations.
The controversy is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened tension surrounding the succession process. Following the death of the late monarch, the responsibility to produce a new Awujale fell to the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which reportedly presented dozens of candidates for consideration. However, the process quickly became contentious, with allegations of exclusion, favoritism, and procedural irregularities emerging from various quarters.
Compounding the crisis, the Ogun State Government intervened by suspending the selection process altogether, citing security concerns, multiple petitions, and the need to preserve public order. The directive effectively halted meetings between kingmakers and candidates, with security operatives reportedly enforcing the suspension by restricting access to key venues, including the palace in Ijebu-Ode.
The government’s decision reflects the sensitivity of the Awujale institution, widely regarded as one of the most influential traditional stools in Yoruba land. The late Oba Adetona’s long and impactful reign elevated the stature of the throne, making the choice of his successor a matter of significant cultural, political, and social importance.
Public reaction to the allegations has been intense. Civil society groups, youth organisations, and community leaders have called for full transparency in the selection process, warning that any attempt to commercialize the stool could undermine the legitimacy of traditional authority. In Ijebu-Ode, protests have been staged by residents demanding fairness and accountability, with demonstrators urging authorities to punish anyone found guilty of bribery or manipulation.
The situation has also drawn attention to the broader intersection between traditional institutions and modern governance in Nigeria. Although the selection of monarchs is rooted in customary law, it increasingly operates within a framework influenced by statutory regulations, political interests, and public scrutiny. This dual structure has, in some cases, exposed traditional processes to disputes that require intervention by state authorities and law enforcement agencies.
Adding another layer of complexity are allegations that some individuals attempted to impose a preferred candidate on the ruling house and kingmakers, raising concerns about external interference in what is traditionally a community-driven process. Stakeholders within the Fusengbuwa ruling house have publicly insisted that the selection must adhere strictly to established customs, rejecting any form of coercion or inducement.
The controversy has also triggered legal and political maneuvering, with petitions filed by aggrieved parties challenging aspects of the nomination process. In one notable case, a prominent cultural figure and aspirant publicly contested his exclusion from the list of candidates, further intensifying debate over eligibility and fairness.
Analysts say the unfolding crisis highlights systemic challenges in Nigeria’s traditional governance structures, where the influence of money, politics, and modern expectations can clash with long-standing customs. They note that while traditional institutions remain vital to community identity and cohesion, maintaining their integrity requires robust safeguards against corruption and undue influence.
For now, the police investigation remains a critical focal point. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial probe, warning that anyone found culpable could face legal consequences under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws. At the same time, they have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow due process to take its course.
As the investigation continues, the future of the Awujale succession process hangs in the balance. The outcome of the probe is expected to determine whether the process will resume, be restructured, or face prolonged delays due to potential litigation and administrative reviews.
What is clear is that the crisis has already reshaped public discourse around traditional leadership in Nigeria, raising fundamental questions about transparency, accountability, and the preservation of cultural institutions in a rapidly changing society.
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