A fresh controversy has erupted over the administration of Ijebuland following a disagreement between the Ogun State Government and traditional chiefs in Ijebu-Ode over the authority to manage the affairs of the ancient town pending the emergence of a new Awujale.

The disagreement followed the decision of traditional chiefs to dissolve the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council (AIAC) and replace it with the Adele Oba Awujale in Council, a move the state government has rejected as lacking legal backing.

In a swift response, the state government reconstituted the AIAC, insisting that it remained the only legally recognised body authorised to oversee the administrative and traditional affairs of Ijebuland during the interregnum.

The government's position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, who maintained that the withdrawal of some members from the AIAC did not invalidate its existence or confer authority on another group to assume its responsibilities.

Hamzat said neither the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration nor the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law 2021 recognised the Adele Oba Awujale in Council as an administrative body empowered to oversee Ijebuland during the vacancy of the Awujale stool.

He also faulted the reliance of the former AIAC members on the Chiefs Law of 1957, arguing that the legislation predated Nigeria's independence and had ceased to apply to Ogun State, which had operated under its own laws since its creation in 1976.

To reinforce its position, the government cited a consent judgment delivered by the Ogun State High Court in suit number HCJ/180/2025, involving the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, against the Ogun State Executive Council and 16 others.

According to the government, the judgment affirmed the legality and authority of the AIAC as the administrative structure established to oversee Ijebu-Ode pending the appointment and coronation of a new Awujale.

It added that the judgment, to which all members of the council were parties, remained binding, having not been appealed.

The government further maintained that although individual members were at liberty to withdraw from the council, such withdrawal could not confer legal authority on another group to take over its functions.

Consequently, it cautioned members of the public against conducting official transactions with individuals who had withdrawn from the AIAC in their purported capacity as members of an alternative administrative body.

The government subsequently announced the reconstitution of the AIAC to ensure continuity in the administration of Ijebuland.

The reconstituted council comprises Chief Rasheed Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, as Chairman; Chief Chris Okunowo, Bobasuwa, as Secretary; Prof. Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso; Chief Stephen O. Bakare, Babalaje; and Chief Alade Shote, Otun Balogun, as members.

However, the traditional chiefs maintained that their decision to replace the AIAC was rooted in the customs, established practices and statutory framework governing the Awujale chieftaincy institution.

The resolution was reached at a meeting involving the Ilamuren, Pampa, the Odi and other traditional chiefs of Ijebu-Ode, who reportedly agreed that members of the existing AIAC should step down and transition into the newly constituted Adele Oba Awujale in Council.

In a resolution signed by the Chairman of the new council, Olo'rgun Dr Sonny Kuku, the chiefs argued that the Ogun State Chiefs Law 2021 did not expressly establish an Awujale Regency Council or prescribe a general procedure for appointing a regent during an interregnum.

They further maintained that the 1957 Chiefs Law and Declaration provided a framework for recognising customary arrangements, including the traditional institution of the Adele Oba Awujale in Council.

Explaining their decision, the chiefs said the new council would assume responsibility for the administration of Ijebu-Ode on an interim basis, subject to applicable laws, customs and traditions, until a substantive Awujale emerged.

The 14-member Adele Oba Awujale in Council comprises Dr Sonny Kuku, Ogbeni Oja; Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olisa; Chief O.B. Okuboyejo, Obasewa; Chief Chris Funmilola Okunowo, Bobasuwa; and Prof. Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso.

Other members are Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, Olootu Olowa; Chief Jimi Lawal, Olotu Ifore; Chief Kunle Ogunade, Apebi; Chief Mrs B.O. Osibogun, Iyalode; Chief Adegoke Balogun, Jaginrin; Chief Agboola Alausa, Balogun; Chief Abimbola Okenla, Kakanfo; Chief Adebisi Adaran, Ogbeni Odi Awujale; and Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, Lapoekun.

The chiefs described the arrangement as a customary administrative structure designed to preserve continuity and stability in Ijebuland while the process of selecting and installing a new Awujale continues.

They insisted that their position was firmly anchored on the ancient customs and longstanding cultural practices of the Ijebu people, particularly those governing the Awujale chieftaincy institution.

The Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council was established by the Ogun State Government in August 2025, about a month after the death of the 91-year-old Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in July 2025, to oversee the affairs of Ijebuland during the transition period.

The initial council was chaired by Chief Folorunso Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland and co-founder of EKO Hospital, Lagos.

The latest disagreement has further complicated the administration of Ijebuland as the traditional institution awaits the emergence and coronation of a new Awujale.