Members of the Osugbo Society in Ijebu-Ode have called on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to reconstitute the Council of Afobajes (kingmakers) to restore transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness in the ongoing process to select a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

The call was made on Tuesday during the society’s first meeting of 2026 in Ijebu-Ode, where members raised concerns over alleged irregularities and the involvement of individuals without proper background checks in the selection process.

Speaking at the meeting, the Oluwo Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode, Oluwo Omobolanle Bakare, faulted the exclusion of the Osugbo Society from the process, despite its constitutional recognition as the third-ranked traditional institution under the 1957 Ijebu constitution.

Bakare argued that allegations of financial inducement among kingmakers would not have surfaced if individuals of proven integrity had been appointed.

“I want the government to investigate and verify the conduct of those who will serve as kingmakers. They should not appoint just anybody, but people with integrity. Those currently selected are not faithful at all,” he said.

The Oluwo also appealed to Governor Abiodun to formally recognise the Osugbo Society as part of the Council of Afobajes, noting that the 1957 constitution clearly lists the Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode as a statutory member of the council.

“In the 1957 constitution, the Osugbo was placed in the third class. The Oluwo of Ijebu-Ode is recognised as part of the Afobajes, but some people do not like it. That is why we protested,” he explained.

He commended the Ogun State Government for suspending the selection process, describing the decision as timely and necessary to prevent a breakdown of peace in the town amid growing agitation.

“I see the governor’s action as a good one because without it, everything would have turned upside down,” Bakare said.

The Oluwo also questioned reports that as many as 95 individuals were shortlisted for the Awujale stool, describing the figure as excessive and inconsistent with traditional practice.

“They should have presented two, three, or four candidates to Ifa. Once the Osugbo is not involved, the process is incomplete. Without the Osugbo, there is no Council of Afobajes,” he added.

Also speaking, the Otu-Erelu Osugbo of Ijebu-Ode and Iyalorisa General of Akile Ijebu, Chief (Mrs.) Osoteku Alawiye, praised Governor Abiodun for dissolving the earlier committee responsible for the selection, describing it as unfit for such a sensitive assignment.

She urged the governor to constitute a new and inclusive council of kingmakers that accommodates all recognised traditional institutions, including the Osugbo Society, to ensure a credible and crisis-free process.

Chief Alawiye stressed that Ijebu-Ode’s historical importance demands strict adherence to tradition and due process in the selection of its paramount ruler, warning that any deviation could threaten peace and unity in the land.