Awujale Stool: Ogun govt reconstitutes Interregnum Council, declares ‘Adele Oba’ illegal
Ogun State Government Reconstitutes Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council
The Ogun State Government has announced the reconstitution of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC), declaring that the group known as the Adele Oba Awujale lacks legal and customary recognition.
In a statement released Tuesday, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, explained that the reconstitution followed the withdrawal of certain members from the council originally established in August 2025. Hamzat emphasized that these withdrawals do not invalidate the AIAC, which remains the sole legally recognized entity authorized to oversee the administrative and traditional affairs of Ijebuland until a new Awujale is appointed and crowned.
Hamzat also noted that Chief Chris Okunowo and Alhaji Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, have distanced themselves from the reported mass withdrawal of council members.
Regarding the formation of the Adele Oba Awujale group, Hamzat stated that neither the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration nor the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law of 2021 provides for such an organization or grants it any role in the management of the chieftaincy.
He pointed out that the Chiefs Law of 1957, cited by some former members, is outdated and was superseded by laws enacted by Ogun State since 1976.
The government referenced a consent judgment from the Ogun State High Court in case number HCJ/180/2025, which affirmed the legality and authority of the AIAC. The judgment clarified that in cases of conflict between the functions of the AIAC and the traditional responsibilities of the Olisa, the authority of the AIAC takes precedence. This ruling has not been appealed and remains in effect.
While acknowledging the right of members to resign, the government cautioned against engaging in official business with those who withdraw while continuing to present themselves as members of an alternative body.
It urged former members to avoid actions that could disrupt law and order in Ijebuland.
The newly reconstituted council is chaired by Chief Rasheed Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, with Chief Chris Okunowo serving as Secretary. Other members include Prof. Jide Ajayi, Chief Stephen O. Bakare, and Chief Alade Shote.
The government reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a peaceful succession process until a new Awujale is appointed and crowned.
