The controversy surrounding the succession to the vacant throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland has taken another legal turn, following a lawsuit instituted by the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council against Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and members of the reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC).
The suit, marked HCJ/201/2026, was filed at the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode by the traditional council led by the Adele and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Olo’rgun Dr Sonny Kuku.
The plaintiffs are challenging what they describe as the unilateral establishment and reconstitution of the AIAC by the state government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
They are asking the court to determine the legitimate traditional administrative authority responsible for managing Ijebu-Ode during the interregnum following the death of the late Awujale, Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona, in July 2025.
Among the reliefs sought is a declaration that the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council is the sole and historically recognised traditional authority empowered under Ijebu customary law to oversee traditional and local administrative affairs during the interregnum.
The plaintiffs also want the court to declare that the creation and reconstitution of the AIAC are inconsistent with the native laws, customs and traditions of Ijebu-Ode, as well as the applicable provisions of the Ogun State Chiefs Law.
They are further seeking an order setting aside the appointments of five members of the reconstituted council, identified as the fourth to eighth defendants, describing the appointments as irregular, unlawful and invalid.
The suit also seeks permanent injunctions restraining the governor, relevant government officials and ministries from interfering with the customary functions of the Adele Awujale-in-Council.
Similarly, the plaintiffs want the court to stop the five appointed members of the AIAC from holding meetings or exercising traditional, civil or financial administrative authority over Ijebu-Ode under the disputed arrangement.
Application for interim injunction
Alongside the substantive case, the Adele Awujale-in-Council has filed a motion on notice seeking interlocutory injunctions pending the determination of the suit.
The application asks the court to restrain the five AIAC members from conducting official activities or exercising administrative authority over Ijebu-Ode.
It also seeks an order preventing the governor, the ministry and other relevant government authorities from recognising, dealing with or providing funding to the disputed council until the substantive case is determined.
Kuku: Suit is about cultural preservation
Explaining the reason for the legal action, Dr Sonny Kuku said the lawsuit was not intended to interfere with the selection of a new Awujale but to protect the traditional administrative structure of Ijebuland.
He disclosed that the succession process had reached the stage where the kingmakers, known as Afobajes, were deliberating on a candidate from the 95 names submitted to them.
According to him, the case is strictly concerned with preserving the Adele Awujale institution and its historical responsibilities during an interregnum.
“This new suit has nothing to do with the succession process, which is already at the stage of deliberation on a candidate out of the 95 names sent to the Afobajes. This suit is strictly to preserve the cultural norms, practices, and ancestral heritage of Ijebu-Ode on the Adele Awujale concept,” Kuku said.
He maintained that the council had earlier advised the governor about the traditional arrangement before the initial AIAC was reportedly established.
Kuku described the court action as an effort to preserve Ijebu customs rather than a confrontation with the state government.
He also cited the historical transition that preceded the installation of the late Oba Adetona in 1960, arguing that no similar administrative council was established by the then Western Region government.
According to him, the Adele institution, historically led by the Ogbeni Oja, has existed for as long as the Awujale stool itself.
A succession process marked by disputes
The latest lawsuit is another development in the succession crisis that followed the death of Oba Adetona, who occupied the Awujale throne for several decades before his transition in July 2025.
The disagreement over the interim administration reportedly began in August 2025, when the Ogun State Government established an administrative body to oversee affairs during the interregnum.
Traditional chiefs and kingmakers subsequently opposed the arrangement and reportedly resolved to replace it with the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council.
The government later announced a reconstituted AIAC under a different leadership structure, a decision the traditional council is now challenging in court.
The succession process has also been affected by other legal disputes. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House reportedly instituted Suit No. HCJ/149/2026 against Governor Abiodun and the kingmakers over the suspension of the selection exercise.
Another case, HCJ/167/2026, reportedly arose from internal leadership disagreements within the ruling house and involves a ₦1 billion defamation claim.
Popular Fuji musician Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde Adesanya, popularly known as K1, has also approached the court over alleged procedural irregularities and concerns about fair hearing during the screening process.
Furthermore, the selection exercise has reportedly been suspended twice by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs following petitions, financial allegations and security-related concerns.
Despite the disagreements, Governor Abiodun has reportedly assured stakeholders that a new Awujale would emerge peacefully before May 29, 2027.
The Adele Awujale-in-Council, however, insists that the traditional heritage and customary institutions of Ijebuland must be respected throughout the interregnum.
The council has appealed to sons and daughters of Ijebuland, as well as other stakeholders, to remain calm and law-abiding while the matter is before the judiciary.
It maintains that the dispute should be resolved through respect for the rule of law, ancestral customs and the established traditional institutions of the kingdom.
