Awujale stool: Again, police summon kingmakers over bribery allegations
Ijebu Ode Kingmakers Summoned by Ogun State Police Over Bribery Allegations
Abeokuta, Nigeria — Nine kingmakers from Ijebu Ode have been summoned to appear before the Ogun State Police Command on April 21 and 22 regarding allegations of bribery and financial inducement during the selection process for the new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.
This invitation follows a previous suspension of the selection process by the Ogun State government in January, attributed to petitions received from various stakeholders, including security agencies. The announcement was made by Ganiyu Hamzat, the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The kingmakers were first invited to the police command in February over similar allegations. However, the inquiry was reportedly closed after intervention from higher authorities.
The kingmakers have now been re-invited via a letter dated April 17, 2026, signed by Gbenga Adeoye, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department.
Chief Abimbola Okenla, known as the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, confirmed the recent police summons and stated that four of the kingmakers are scheduled to appear on Monday, while the remaining five are to report on Tuesday. He characterized the repeated invitations as a distraction from their responsibilities and insisted that the allegations lack merit.
“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,” Okenla said.
“None of us is happy with this frequent invitation by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebu land are also displeased, as it serves as a distraction,” he added.
Okenla urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to fulfill their duty of selecting the next Awujale without further delays.
In the letter from the police, officials stated: “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, April 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police.”
The letter emphasized the necessity of the kingmakers’ presence to assist in advancing the course of criminal justice. It also allowed for the option to bring legal counsel to the interview.
As the investigation unfolds, the Ijebu community is keenly observing the implications for the selection of their next traditional leader.
