Urgent Call for New Awujale Before Ileya Festival

Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, has made an urgent appeal to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to install a new Awujale before the Ileya Eid el-Kabir festival. Speaking during a send-off ceremony for the first hajj pilgrims at the Gatewai International Airport in Iperu, Ayanbadejo highlighted the critical delay in selecting a new monarch, which he described as a matter of cultural and religious importance for the people of Ijebuland.

He invoked the Almighty Allah and emphasized the need for the governor to address the ongoing delay, which he noted could disrupt longstanding traditions. The Chief Imam recalled the historical significance of the festival, dating back to 1875, when the Awujale provided land for Muslim worship and the tradition of ram sacrifice began.

He urged the governor to lift the suspension on the selection process for the new Awujale, which was halted on January 20, 2025, due to security concerns. Ayanbadejo's appeal reflects the community's desire to maintain their cultural heritage and ensure the continuity of traditional leadership.