The Ogun State Government has threatened legal action against individuals and groups allegedly sponsoring media attacks and spreading disinformation to pressure the government over the succession process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, gave the warning in a statement on Wednesday, insisting that the government had handled the succession process with fairness and restraint in line with the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021.
Ogungbade’s warning followed reports accusing the state government of interference and bias in the selection process. He described the allegations as misleading, claiming that some individuals were sponsoring attacks to create public hostility and exert undue pressure on the government.
The Attorney-General said the government had consistently recognised the Fusengbuwa Ruling House’s entitlement to produce the next occupant of the traditional stool following the death of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
He, however, explained that the government intervened after discovering internal disagreements within the ruling house, which was reportedly operating under three different family heads, while nomination forms were allegedly being sold for as much as ₦10m.
According to him, at a meeting with members of the family on November 6, 2025, the government advised them to resolve their leadership disagreements, operate under one recognised family head and discontinue the collection of nomination fees.
Ogungbade said the intervention yielded positive results, as the family subsequently agreed to operate as one united ruling house, abolish candidature fees, refund payments already made by aspirants and expressed appreciation to the government.
He maintained that the intervention was not intended to deprive the Fusengbuwa family of its traditional entitlement but to ensure that the succession process was conducted in an orderly, transparent and legally acceptable manner.
The Attorney-General also explained that although the government respected the traditional succession process, it had statutory responsibilities in the appointment and installation of traditional rulers, including the authority to reject a nominated candidate where the interest of good governance so demands.
Distinguishing legitimate criticism and advocacy from what he described as media blackmail and deliberate disinformation, Ogungbade warned that the government would not allow such activities to undermine its lawful responsibilities.
Citing Section 61 of the Criminal Law of Ogun State, he said unlawful acts calculated to interfere with the free exercise of a governor’s official duties could attract a three-year jail term.
He consequently cautioned publishers and individuals allegedly involved in disseminating misleading reports designed to interfere with the succession process, warning that the government would pursue appropriate legal remedies if the activities continued.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the emergence of the next Awujale complies with the law, the established traditional institutions of Ijebuland and the principles of fairness and due process.