Again, nine Awujale kingmakers, in response to accusations of bribery and financial enticement during the choosing process of the new Awujale and supreme ruler of Ijebu land, have once again been invited to appear at the Ogun State Police Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Monday and Tuesday of next week.
The state police command suggested, having several allegations, that Awujale kingmakers might have been induced with cash in the selection of the Awujale of Ijebu stool, hence it have been invited kingmakers to the station.
Recall that in response to requests from security agencies and other stakeholders, the Ogun State government paused the selection process for the new Awujale in January through a statement signed by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.
Due to the same allegations of payment inducement in the appointment of the new Awujale, the Ogun State Police Command had already invited the Awujale kingmakers in February also but the investigation was ultimately abandoned with the intervention of certain higher officials.
However, a letter signed by Gbenga Adeoye, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, dated April 17, 2026, reinvites the kingmakers.
“In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are kindly requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday 21 April, 2026 at 1000hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department”, parts of the latest police invitation letter read.
“This is a fact finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by the combined provisions of Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020.
“Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of Criminal Justice delivery and fairness. Should you require any clarification kindly contact 08038455857. Please take note that you are at liberty to come along with your lawyer”.
Chief Abimbola Okenla, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, one of the Awujale kingmakers, acknowledged the police invitation, stating that four of them will show up on Monday and the other five on Tuesday.
He pleaded with Governor Dapo Abiodun to let the kingmakers choose the next Awujale of Ijebu land as soon as possible.
As at today, the Awujale stool has been empty for around nine months since the last monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, died at age 91 on July 13, 2025.
Have Awujale kingmakers chosen Omooba Prince Abimbola Onabanjo?
While it is not official whom Awujule kingmakers have chosen, ENigeria Newspaper observed that the invitation of the Awujale kingmakers happened a week after Omooba Prince Abimbola Onabanjo, who is now highly tipped to be the next Awujale of Ijebuland visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos.
Whether the invitation of the Awujale kingmakers by the Ogun State Police Command is directly related to the possible choice of Omooba Prince Abimbola Onabanjo remains unclear.
