The Ijebu Youth Solidarity Forum (IYSF) has raised the alarm over the continued vacancy of the Awujale stool, warning that Ijebuland risks being systematically sidelined politically and developmentally if the throne remains empty ahead of the upcoming election season.
In a strongly worded statement released on behalf of the group, IYSF Spokesperson, Olabanjo Shobiye, said the Forum is deeply concerned that public attention within the Ijebu community appears more focused on preparations for the annual Ojude Oba festival than on the urgent matter of filling the vacant throne, a situation the group describes as a dangerous misplacement of priorities.
“E weso oo, Omo Ijebu. We need to talk,” the statement opened. “Our Baba, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, passed away in July 2025 after a reign of 65 years. He died in July 2025. It is now 2026. We do not have a king. And somehow, the biggest conversation among us right now is Ojude Oba.” “Ojude Oba is a celebration of our power, not the source of it,” Shobiye said.
“The source of it is that throne. We are preparing to celebrate a house whose foundation is currently cracking. Ojude Oba is held in honour of the Awujale. If there is no Awujale, we must ask ourselves honestly, what exactly are we gathering for?”
Since his passing, the selection process for his successor has been suspended twice by the Ogun State Government, mired in court cases, bribery allegations, and a list of 95 aspirants from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. The stalemate has now stretched to nearly a year with no clear resolution in sight. The IYSF says this is not merely a ceremonial gap; it is a strategic and political crisis.
“In this country, your traditional institution is part of your political infrastructure. An Awujale does not just appear at festivals; he fights, negotiates, and makes it uncomfortable for anyone to sideline Ijebu. Right now, anyone who wants to ignore us can do so freely.
There is no central voice,” Shobiye stated The group drew attention to the approaching election cycle, warning that Ijebu stands to lose significant political leverage without a monarch to anchor its collective demands.
“Elections are coming, and politicians are currently sitting with communities that have kings. Those kings are in those rooms extracting commitments before their people give a single vote. Who is doing that for Ijebu? Who is sitting in that room on our behalf? Nobody. Because we have nobody to send,” the statement read.
