Ogun State Government has denied reports that it endorsed Prince Ademorin Kuye as the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hazmat Ganiyu, the government said it has neither adopted nor supported any aspirant for the stool.
The statement addressed claims that an Ifa oracle had selected Prince Kuye and that the administration of Dapo Abiodun had endorsed the outcome.
“Attention has been drawn to rumours circulating in certain quarters alleging that the Ifa oracle has chosen Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye as the next Awujale of Ijebuland and that the State Government has endorsed or supported this purported outcome,” the statement said.
“Any suggestion that the government has adopted or approved a candidate through an oracle or any informal process is false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the public.”
The government stated that the selection and installation of the Awujale are guided by applicable laws, established procedures and recognised traditional customs.
It added that the state does not interfere in the process beyond its statutory role.
It also announced that the process for filling the vacant stool has been suspended following complaints and petitions concerning the procedure adopted so far.
“Furthermore, the Ogun State Government wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public that the process for filling the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland has presently been halted,” the statement said.
“This decision was taken in view of the various complaints and petitions received concerning the selection procedure. The temporary suspension is to allow for due review and to ensure that the process remains transparent, lawful, and acceptable to all concerned parties.”
The government urged the public to rely on official communication and avoid spreading unverified information.
