Religious Leaders Urge Governor to Lift Awujale Ban

Religious leaders in Ijebuland, comprising Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Rotimi Oludipe, the Lord Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ijebu; Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, the Chief Imam of Ijebuland; and Chief Bolanle Bakare, a traditionalist and head of Osugbo in Ijebu-Ode, have called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to lift the embargo on the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland, which has been in effect since January 2026. They expressed their concerns during the inauguration of 52 borehole projects in Ijebu-Ode, funded by Abimbola Onabanjo and his wife, Abayomi.

Bishop Oludipe stated that the delay in appointing a successor to the late Oba Sikiru Adetona is troubling for the community and emphasized the integrity of the kingmakers involved in the selection process. He acknowledged the government's potential reasons for the ban but urged for its removal to allow the selection process to conclude.

Sheikh Ayanbadejo expressed hope for a resolution in due time.