Police Summon Ijebu Kingmakers Over Bribery Claims

The Ogun State Police Command has summoned kingmakers involved in the selection of a new Awujale, the paramount ruler of Ijebu land, due to allegations of bribery. The kingmakers are required to appear at the police headquarters in Abeokuta on April 21, 2026, for interviews as part of an ongoing investigation.

This follows a statement from Ganiyu Hamzat, the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who halted the selection process in January after receiving petitions regarding financial inducement. Previous allegations of cash inducement led to an investigation that was eventually dropped, but the kingmakers have been re-invited for questioning.

Chief Abimbola Okenla, a kingmaker, expressed that the frequent police invitations are distracting and unfounded. The kingmakers have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow them to complete their task of selecting the next Awujale without further delays.