The Ogun State Government has reconstituted the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, AIAC, declaring that the purported Adele Oba Awujale group has no legal or customary recognition.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the government said the reconstitution became necessary following the reported withdrawal of some members of the council earlier established in August 2025.
Hamzat said the withdrawal did not invalidate the AIAC, which remains the only legally recognised body empowered to manage the administrative and traditional affairs of Ijebuland pending the appointment and coronation of a new Awujale.
He disclosed that Chief Chris Okunowo and Alhaji Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, had publicly dissociated themselves from the reported mass withdrawal.
Addressing the emergence of the Adele Oba Awujale group, the commissioner said neither the Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration nor the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 makes provision for such a body or assigns it any role in managing the stool.
He added that the Chiefs Law of 1957 being relied upon by some former members was a pre-independence legislation that no longer applies to Ogun State, which has operated under its own laws since 1976.
The government cited a consent judgment delivered by the Ogun State High Court in suit number HCJ/180/2025 – Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya (Olisa of Ijebu-Ode) vs Executive Council of Ogun State & 16 others as affirming the legality and authority of the AIAC.
It noted that all members consented to the judgment, which also held that where there is conflict between the responsibilities of the AIAC and traditional functions of the Olisa, the authority of the AIAC takes precedence.
The judgment, it said, has not been appealed and remains binding.
While acknowledging the right of members to withdraw, the government warned the public against transacting official business with those who withdrew while parading themselves as members of an alternative body.
It also urged former members to refrain from actions capable of undermining law and peace in Ijebuland.
The reconstituted council has Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Olisa of Ijebu-Ode as Chairman, Chief Chris Okunowo, Bobasuwa as Secretary, while Prof. Jide Ajayi, Jagun Aso; Chief Stephen O. Bakare, Babalaje; and Chief Alade Shote, Otun Balogun are members.
The government said the council will continue to discharge its responsibilities until a new Awujale is appointed and crowned, reaffirming commitment to the rule of law and a peaceful succession process.
