Ogun State Government Reconstitutes Awujale Interregnum Council, Rejects ‘Adele Oba’ Group

The Ogun State Government has taken decisive action regarding the administration of the Awujale stool, announcing the reconstitution of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC). According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, this move follows the recent withdrawal of several members from the council originally established in August 2025.

Clarifying Legal Authority

The government has explicitly stated that the AIAC remains the sole body with the legal mandate to oversee the administrative and traditional affairs of Ijebuland during the period leading up to the appointment and coronation of a new Awujale. Commissioner Hamzat emphasized that the withdrawal of certain members does not invalidate the council’s authority. Notably, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Alhaji Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, and Chief Chris Okunowo have publicly distanced themselves from the reported mass withdrawal, signaling their continued commitment to the council.

The ‘Adele Oba’ Controversy

A significant portion of the government’s announcement addressed the emergence of a group referring to itself as the ‘Adele Oba Awujale.’ The state government has declared this group illegal, asserting that it possesses no legal or customary recognition. Commissioner Hamzat clarified that neither the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration nor the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State (2021) provides a framework for such a body.

Furthermore, the government addressed arguments made by some former members who reportedly relied on the Chiefs Law of 1957. The Commissioner noted that this pre-independence legislation is no longer applicable to Ogun State, which has functioned under its own legal framework since 1976.

Judicial Precedent and Future Governance

The government’s position is bolstered by a consent judgment from the Ogun State High Court in suit number HCJ/180/2025. This ruling, which involved the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode and the Executive Council of Ogun State, affirmed the legality of the AIAC. The judgment established that in instances of conflicting responsibilities between the AIAC and the traditional functions of the Olisa, the authority of the AIAC takes precedence. The government noted that this judgment has not been appealed and remains binding.

The Reconstituted Council

The newly reconstituted council includes the following members:

• Chairman: Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olisa of Ijebu-Ode
• Secretary: Chief Chris Okunowo, Bobasuwa
• Members: Prof. Jide Ajayi (Jagun Aso), Chief Stephen O. Bakare (Babalaje), and Chief Alade Shote (Otun Balogun)

The state government has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against conducting official business with individuals who have withdrawn from the council but continue to present themselves as members of an alternative body. Former members have been urged to refrain from activities that could threaten the peace and stability of Ijebuland.

The AIAC is expected to continue its duties until a new Awujale is successfully appointed and installed, marking the government’s ongoing commitment to a structured and lawful succession process.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria