By Muhammad Mamman
Nominees in the race to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland have been directed to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Ijebu-Ode, following the abrupt cancellation of a scheduled meet-and-greet with the kingmakers at the Aafin Awujale.
Sources familiar with the development said the meeting, which was expected to allow the nominees to formally interact with the kingmakers and outline their visions for the revered stool, was called off without prior notice. The decision has fuelled speculation within Ijebu-Ode and its environs over heightened security and procedural concerns surrounding the selection process.
Although no official reason was given for the cancellation, it was gathered that the DSS invitation is part of routine security screening aimed at ensuring the integrity and peaceful conduct of the succession process. Security agencies are said to be keen on preventing undue influence, misinformation and possible breaches of peace as interest in the royal stool intensifies.
Community leaders urged calm, stressing that the involvement of security agencies should not be misconstrued as a setback but rather as a safeguard to protect the age-long traditions of Ijebuland. They emphasised that the kingmakers remain committed to a transparent and orderly process in line with customary laws.
As of press time, neither the kingmakers nor the DSS had issued an official statement on when a new date would be fixed for the Aafin Awujale engagement. However, insiders maintained that the succession process remains on course and that further directives would be communicated to the nominees in due course.
The Awujale of Ijebuland occupies one of the most respected traditional institutions in Yorubaland, making the ongoing succession exercise a matter of keen public interest across Ogun State and beyond.
