Police in Ogun State have once again summoned nine Ijebu Ode kingmakers to appear at the Ogun State Police Command headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Monday and Tuesday next week over allegations of bribery and financial inducement during the selection process of the new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land.
In January, the Ogun State Government had through a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, suspended the selection process of the new Awujale following petitions received from security agencies and other stakeholders.
Police earlier in February invited the kingmakers over accusations of cash inducement in the selection of the new Awujale.
It was learnt that after some superior authorities intervened, the probe was eventually dropped.
But the kingmakers have been re-invited via a letter dated April 17th, 2026, signed by Gbenga Adeoye, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department.
One of the kingmakers, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, Chief Abimbola Okenla, confirmed the police invite.
He said four of them are to appear on Monday while the other five are scheduled for Tuesday.
He described the frequent invitations as a distraction, noting that the allegations were unfounded.
The kingmaker said, “It’s true that the Ogun State Police Command has invited the kingmakers to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta. Four of us are to be there on Monday while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday.
“None of us is happy with this frequent invite by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebu land are equally not happy about it because it is more of distraction.”
Okenla appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers do their job in picking the next Awujale of Ijebu land without any further delay.
“We are only pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebu land without any further delay,” he said.
The police invitation letter read: “In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are kindly requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday 21 April, 2026 at 1000hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department.
“This is a fact finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by the combined provisions of Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020.
“Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of Criminal Justice delivery and fairness. Should you require any clarification kindly contact 08038455857. Please take note that you are at liberty to come along with your lawyer”.
