Awujale: Ijebu chiefs sue Abiodun over interregnum council
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council has initiated legal action against Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to contest the reconstitution of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC). The dispute centers on whether the traditional Adele system or the government-appointed AIAC holds the rightful authority to manage Ijebu-Ode during the vacancy of the Awujale stool.
Context & Background
- ✦The Awujale stool has been vacant since the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July 2025, leading to a power struggle between traditional council structures and state government-appointed bodies.
- ✦The Ogun State Government has previously halted the selection process for a new monarch, citing security and procedural concerns, which has further complicated the administrative transition.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Dr. Sonny Kuku, the Adele and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, leads the plaintiffs challenging the government's administrative council.•The reconstituted AIAC includes High Chief Rasheed Adesanya (Olisa), Chief Chris Okunowo (Bobasuwa), Prof. Jide Ajayi (Jagun Aso), Chief Stephen Bakare (Babalaje), and Chief Alade Shote (Otun Balogun).
Outlook & Next Steps
The case is currently before the state High Court in Ijebu-Ode, where the plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction to prevent the AIAC from exercising authority while the court determines the legality of the council's reconstitution.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- The Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council has filed a lawsuit against Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to challenge the legality of the reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC).
- Plaintiffs argue that the Adele system is the only legitimate traditional authority recognized by Ijebu native law and custom for managing affairs during an interregnum.
- The Ogun State Government maintains that the AIAC is the only body with legal recognition under the state's Obas and Chiefs Law, asserting that the Adele group lacks statutory standing.
Key Facts:July 2025: The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.November 5, 2026: The Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council filed the lawsuit marked HCJ/201/2026 against the Governor and other defendants.
Editorial Excerpt
Ijebu chiefs have sued Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, challenging the reconstitution of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council after the monarch
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the primary objective of the lawsuit filed by the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council?
The council seeks a court declaration that the Adele system is the sole legitimate authority during an interregnum and requests an injunction to stop the government-reconstituted AIAC from exercising administrative or traditional powers.
Why does the Ogun State Government reject the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council?
The government states that neither the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration nor the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 provides for or recognizes the Adele Oba Awujale group.
