The Ogun State Police Command has for the second time summoned nine Ijebu-Ode kingmakers to appear at its headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, over allegations of bribery and financial inducement in connection with the selection of a new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.

A top police source who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, confirmed the development on Friday, saying, “The nine kingmakers have been told to come to the police command headquarters at Eleweran on Monday and Tuesday. The invite is still on the allegations of financial inducement, that much I can say.”

Four of the kingmakers were directed to appear on Monday, April 21, while the remaining five were invited for Tuesday, April 22.

One of the kingmakers, Chief Abimbola Okenla, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, also confirmed the invite.

Okenla stated, “It is true that the Ogun State police command has invited the kingmakers to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta. Four of us are to be there on Monday, while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday.”

Expressing displeasure over the summons, Okenla said, “None of us is happy with this frequent invitation by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebu land are not equally happy about it because it is more of a distraction.”

He appealed directly to Governor Dapo Abiodun, saying, “We are only pleading with Gov Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebu land without any further delay.”

The family head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said he had heard of the latest summons but was yet to verify it.

“I have equally heard about this latest police summons, but I can’t confirm if it is a rumour or true. I am only begging Governor Dapo Abiodun, as the father of all, to allow reasons to prevail and let us have the new Awujale on time,” he said.

Owoyemi also paid tribute to the late monarch, saying, “What the Ijebu people want is a new Awujale that will consolidate on the enviable and the enduring legacies of selfless service of our highly revered father and late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. May the Almighty Allah rest his soul.”

A copy of the latest police invitation dated April 17, 2026, signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Gbenga Adeoye, and addressed to kingmaker Chief Adebisi Adaran, also known as Gbeden, read in part, “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.

“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.”

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona at the age of 91, after 65 years on the throne.

A total of 95 aspirants, 94 princes and one princess, from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the ruling house entitled to produce the next Awujale, had emerged at a nomination meeting held in Ijebu-Ode.

The selection process has, however, been repeatedly disrupted. In December 2025, the state government halted proceedings, citing procedural errors.

In January 2026, it again suspended the process following a flood of petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.

The police had also, in February 2026, invited the same kingmakers over allegations of financial inducement, but that investigation was subsequently discontinued following the intervention of state authorities. (The PUNCH)

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