The Ogun State Government has re-established the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, AIAC, saying the Adele Oba Awujale group has no legal and customary recognition.
“The reconstitution became necessary following the reported withdrawal of some members of the council earlier established in August 2025”, the government stated in a statement on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
Hamzat declared that the departure does not invalidate the AIAC, which is the sole legally acknowledged authority entitled to govern the administrative and traditional affairs of Ijebuland pending the appointment and coronation of a new Awujale.
Chief Chris Okunowo and Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Alhaji Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, have denied any involvement in the mass pullout reported.
On the establishment of the Adele Oba Awujale group, the commissioner said there is no provision for such a body in the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration, and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021, and it is not given any role in the management of the stool.
He noted that the Chiefs Law of 1957, which some former members were banking on, was a pre-independence legislation which no longer applied to Ogun State that has been operating under its own laws since 1976.
The government said that Ogun State High Court in suit number HCJ/180/2025- Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya (Olisa of Ijebu-Ode) versus Executive Council of Ogun State & 16 others entered a consent judgement which affirmed the validity and power of the AIAC.
It said all members agreed with the judgement which also concluded that when there is a disagreement between the obligations of the AIAC and the traditional tasks of the Olisa, the authority of the AIAC will prevail.
It noted the ruling has not been challenged and is still binding.
The government also warned the public against conducting any official business with persons who had withdrawn but presented themselves as members of an alternate entity, while recognising the right of members to withdraw.
It also warned ex-members against any action that could destabilise the law and tranquillity of Ijebuland.
The restored council is chaired by Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Chris Okunowo, Bobasuwa is the Secretary, and Prof. Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso; Chief Stephen O. Bakare, Babalaje; and Chief Alade Shote, Otun Balogun are members.
The government stated council would continue to perform its functions until a new Awujale was nominated and crowned, reaffirming adherence to the rule of law and a peaceful succession process.
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