Abiodun denies clash with Ijebu kingmakers over Awujale selection

O Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has dismissed as “false and misleading” reports claiming he confronted the Council of Afobajes over the ongoing Awujale selection process in Ijebuland.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor clarified that there was no disagreement or threat issued during his engagement with the kingmakers, contrary to what has been circulating in some quarters.

Akinmade said Abiodun only held a “respectful consultative meeting” with the Council of Afobajes as part of efforts to ensure peace and progress in traditional matters, noting that the governor had previously held similar meetings with the Olori Ebis to promote unity.

According to the statement, the governor’s past interventions helped resolve polarization among traditional stakeholders and even led to the withdrawal of a lawsuit filed by one of the kingmakers after dialogue and reconciliation.

The statement also rejected claims that the governor issued ultimatums or threats over the selection process, insisting that such narratives were invented by individuals bent on causing tension.

“Contrary to the rumors, Governor Abiodun did not issue threats, ultimatums. Statements attributed to him, including ‘No Kuye, No Awujale’, are entirely fabricated and bear no relation to the Governor or his administration,” Akinmade said.

He added that no member of the Afobajes council could confirm such an incident because “it never happened,” describing the report as a deliberate fabrication by mischief makers.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and respect for the autonomy of traditional institutions, while stressing that the emergence of a new Awujale must follow fairness and cultural values.

“The governor remains committed to upholding due process, respecting the autonomy of traditional institutions, and ensuring a fair process in the selection of a new Awujale for Ijebu,” the statement added.

Abiodun further urged the public and the media to disregard what the government described as unfounded insinuations and rely on verified information from official sources.