Awujale stool: Adele-in-Council sues Abiodun, challenges reconstituted interregnum committee
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council has initiated legal action against Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration to contest the legitimacy of the reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC). The plaintiffs argue that the government's intervention violates traditional Ijebu customary law, while the state maintains that its actions are consistent with the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State.
Context & Background
- ✦The dispute follows the death of the long-reigning Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in July 2025, which left the paramount stool vacant.
- ✦The selection process for a successor has faced multiple delays, including a government-ordered halt in January 2026 following security and procedural concerns.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Olorogun Dr. Sonny Kuku, Chairman of the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council, leads the challenge against the state government.•The reconstituted AIAC includes Chief Rasheed Adesanya (Chairman), Chief Chris Okunowo (Secretary), Prof. Jide Ajayi, Chief Stephen Bakare, and Chief Alade Shote.
Outlook & Next Steps
The matter is currently before the Ogun State High Court, Ijebu-Ode, where the court will determine the validity of the AIAC and the extent of the government's power to intervene in traditional administrative structures during an interregnum.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- The Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council has filed a lawsuit against the Ogun State Governor and state officials to challenge the legality of the reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC).
- Plaintiffs argue that the Adele system is the sole, historically recognized authority for managing Ijebu-Ode during an interregnum, claiming the state-backed AIAC is alien to Ijebu customary law.
- The legal dispute centers on whether the state government has the authority to bypass traditional administrative structures by creating and appointing members to an interregnum council.
Key Facts:July 2025: The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at age 91.January 2026: The Ogun State government halted the selection process for the next Awujale after previously suspending it in December 2025.November 5, 2026: The Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council filed suit HCJ/201/2026 at the High Court in Ijebu-Ode.
Editorial Excerpt
The Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council has dragged the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and members of the reconstituted Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council before the state High Court, Ijebu-Ode, challenging what it described as an unlawful attempt to displace the traditional administrative...
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the primary objective of the lawsuit filed by the Adele Oba Awujale-in-Council?
The plaintiffs seek a court declaration that the Adele system is the only legitimate traditional authority during an interregnum and want the court to set aside the government's reconstituted AIAC.
What is the Ogun State government's stance on the Adele Oba Awujale group?
The government maintains that the Adele group has no legal or customary recognition under the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration or the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.
