The Ogun State Government has reconstituted the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC), declaring the purported 'Adele Oba Awujale' group illegal. This move follows the reported withdrawal of some members from the council established in August 2025. According to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the reconstitution was necessary to ensure the continued administration of Ijebuland pending the appointment and coronation of a new Awujale.
The withdrawal of some members did not invalidate the AIAC, which remains the only legally recognised body empowered to manage the administrative and traditional affairs of Ijebuland. Chief Chris Okunowo and Alhaji Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, publicly dissociated themselves from the mass withdrawal. The government emphasized that the AIAC will continue to discharge its responsibilities until a new Awujale is appointed and crowned.
The government addressed the emergence of the 'Adele Oba Awujale' group, stating that neither the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration nor the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 makes provision for such a body or assigns it any role in managing the stool. The government cited a consent judgment delivered by the Ogun State High Court in suit number HCJ/180/2025, which affirmed the legality and authority of the AIAC.
The judgment, which has not been appealed and remains binding, held that where there is conflict between the responsibilities of the AIAC and traditional functions of the Olisa, the authority of the AIAC takes precedence. All members consented to the judgment. The government warned the public against transacting official business with those who withdrew while parading themselves as members of an alternative body.
The government urged former members to refrain from actions capable of undermining law and peace in Ijebuland. The reconstituted council has Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, as Chairman, Chief Chris Okunowo, Bobasuwa, as Secretary, and other members, including Prof. Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso; Chief Stephen O. Bakare, Babalaje; and Chief Alade Shote, Otun Balogun.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and a peaceful succession process. The AIAC will continue to manage the administrative and traditional affairs of Ijebuland until a new Awujale is appointed and crowned. The government emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The reconstitution of the AIAC and the declaration of the 'Adele Oba Awujale' group as illegal aim to prevent potential conflicts and ensure a smooth transition of leadership in Ijebuland. The government remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring that the traditional institutions in the state continue to thrive.
Key points
- The Ogun State government has reconstituted the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, declaring the 'Adele Oba Awujale' group illegal.
- The reconstituted council will continue to discharge its responsibilities until a new Awujale is appointed and crowned.
- The government has warned against transacting official business with those parading themselves as members of the alternative 'Adele Oba Awujale' group.
