Kingmakers for the Awujale of Ijebuland have declared they will not accept the imposition of any candidate on them or on the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, insisting that the next Awujale must emerge through a free and transparent process. The Regent and Ogbeni Oja, Chief Sunny Kuku, stated this while addressing reporters at his residence in Igbeba GRA, Ijebu Ode.
Kuku, who chairs the Awujale interregnum council, said the kingmakers had spent sleepless nights carefully scrutinising the documents of nominees before Ogun State Government halted the exercise. He explained that consultations with authorities are ongoing to ensure the process resumes soon, noting that both Ijebu people and the wider public are eagerly awaiting a new Awujale.
He described the task before the kingmakers as delicate and far reaching, stressing that their decision will affect Ijebuland for generations. According to him, the families submitted between 86 and 95 names, but only about 86 applications are currently valid.
Kuku confirmed that the government sent a message announcing a temporary suspension of the process, without explaining the reasons. He said the kingmakers are engaging the state to understand the issues and to avoid unnecessary tension or anxiety among the people.
On rumours of political interference, he said the government does not sit with kingmakers during deliberations and that much of what is circulating is speculation. He pledged that if any form of imposition occurs, the council will inform the public, making it clear that such a move will not be tolerated.
Kuku also addressed concerns over the barricade mounted around the Awujale palace by security operatives, saying it was simply to signal that the process had been paused. He emphasised that there is no physical or emotional conflict and that the goal remains to maintain peace while discussions continue.
He advised that if there are petitions or security concerns behind the government’s decision, they should be formally sent to the kingmakers. He added that once consultations are concluded, a public statement will be issued promptly.
The regent dismissed claims that the kingmakers had been compromised or were favouring any candidate, saying they have been working through about 95 applications and over 1,200 documents. He said their long hours and sleepless nights show their commitment to selecting the best person for the throne.
According to Kuku, the criteria developed by the council are designed to produce a leader who truly represents the people and will drive progress in Ijebuland. He assured that the kingmakers will remain extremely careful and will prioritise peace and the collective interest above any individual agenda.
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