Ogun State Forms New Awujale Council, Names Adesanya Chairman and Okunowo Secretary

The Ogun State Government has set up a new Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC). This council will manage the administrative and traditional matters of Ijebuland until a new Awujale is appointed and crowned.

This move comes after some members of the previous council reportedly withdrew. The council was first formed by the state government in August 2025. The withdrawal happened due to disagreements over a group called Adele Oba Awujale.

On Tuesday, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, released a statement. He said the withdrawal of some members does not affect the council's status. The AIAC remains the only legally recognized body to handle Ijebuland's affairs during this period.

The government also mentioned that Chief Chris Okunowo and Alhaji Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, have distanced themselves from the mass withdrawal. They made it clear that they are still part of the AIAC.

The emergence of the Adele Oba Awujale group was addressed in the statement. The government stated that this group does not have any legal or traditional recognition according to the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration or the state’s chieftaincy laws.

The statement explained that neither the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration nor the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 recognizes the Adele Oba Awujale group. These laws do not give this group any role in managing the Awujale stool.

It was also noted that a 1957 Chiefs Law, used by former members to justify the group's formation, is outdated. Ogun State has used its own laws since it was created in 1976.

The government pointed to a court judgment from the Ogun State High Court in suit number HCJ/180/2025. This case involved Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya against the Executive Council of Ogun State and 16 others. The court confirmed the legality and authority of the AIAC.

The judgment stated that all council members were part of the suit and agreed to the outcome. This judgment recognized the AIAC's legal role to manage Ijebu-Ode's administrative and traditional matters until a new Awujale is crowned.

The court also ruled that when there is a conflict between the AIAC's duties and the Olisa's traditional functions, the AIAC's authority comes first. This judgment has not been appealed and is binding.

While members can choose to leave the council, the government said this does not give another body the power to take over the AIAC's responsibilities. The government warned the public against dealing with anyone who has withdrawn from the council as if they are still members of an alternative body.

The government also advised the former members to avoid actions that could break the law or disturb the peace in Ijebuland.

To keep things running smoothly in Ijebuland during this period, the government has reformed the council with these members:

1. Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chairman.
2. Chief Chris Okunowo, Bobasuwa, Secretary.
3. Professor Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso, Member.
4. Chief Stephen O Bakare, Babalaje, Member.
5. Chief Alade Shote, Otun Balogun, Member.

The government confirmed that this new council will continue to perform the legally recognized duties of the AIAC until a new Awujale is appointed and crowned. It remains committed to upholding the law, respecting traditional institutions, and ensuring a peaceful and clear process for filling the vacant Awujale position.