Ogun Govt Says Ifa Has Not Picked Kuye Or Any Other As New Awujale,  Insists Process Suspended 

The Ogun State Government has firmly denied claims circulating in some quarters that it has endorsed any candidate for the vacant stool of the Awujale, insisting that the selection process remains suspended pending further review.

In an official statement issued through the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, authorities described as “false and misleading” rumours suggesting that the Ifa oracle had selected Prince Ademorin Aliu Kuye and that the government had approved or supported such an outcome.

“The Government wishes to categorically state that it is not involved in, nor has it endorsed, any such claim,” the statement declared, emphasising that “the process for the selection and installation of the next Awujale is guided strictly by the applicable laws, established procedures, and recognised traditional customs.”

Officials stressed that any narrative portraying the government as having adopted a candidate through informal means should be dismissed outright.

“Any suggestion that the Government has adopted or approved a candidate through an oracle or any informal process is false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the public,” the statement read.

The clarification comes amid heightened interest surrounding the succession process in Ijebuland, where the revered traditional institution commands wide cultural and historical significance across Ogun State and beyond.

Beyond rejecting the endorsement rumours, the government confirmed that the selection process itself has been halted. According to the authorities, the decision followed a wave of complaints and petitions challenging aspects of the procedure.

“The process for filling the vacant stool has presently been halted,” officials said, explaining that the pause became necessary “in view of the various complaints and petitions received concerning the selection procedure.”

The suspension, they added, is intended to safeguard legitimacy and public confidence in the eventual outcome. “The temporary suspension is to allow for due review and to ensure that the process remains transparent, lawful, and acceptable to all concerned parties,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its position, the government underscored its broader responsibility to preserve stability and uphold established norms governing traditional institutions. “The Government remains committed to maintaining peace, order, and respect for due process and traditional institutions across the State,” it stated.

Authorities also issued a caution to residents and stakeholders, urging restraint in the circulation of unverified information.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to rely only on official communications from the Government and to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing tension or misunderstanding,” the statement concluded.

The development signals a continued period of uncertainty around the royal succession, even as officials insist that due process — rather than speculation — will ultimately determine the emergence of the next occupant of the historic throne.