Awujale Stool: Pressure Mounts On Omooba Onabanjo To Step Down But Refuses As Political Plot Falters

A determined bid to force Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo out of the ongoing Awujale succession process has stalled in Ogun State, as the Prince has refused all pressure to step down despite tactics that insiders describe as intimidation, institutional threats and cultural blackmail.

Palace and civic sources disclosed that the pressure campaign began after kingmakers from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House refused to nominate an aspirant believed to be the preferred choice of powerful political figures in the state.

The refusal reportedly disrupted the political plans and triggered a coordinated attempt to push Onabanjo out of the race.

Meanwhile, the selection process was later suspended, a move insiders say was connected to the failed attempt to impose the preferred aspirant.

According to those familiar with the matter, the kingmakers insisted that they would not nominate strangers, unworthy persons or candidates who do not possess the cultural legitimacy required for the ancient throne.

Kingmakers Face Threats Over Ijebu Development Projects

In a dramatic twist, palace sources alleged that the kingmakers were told that if they failed to nominate the candidate preferred by the political class, there would be no Ijebu State and the long awaited Ijebu Dry Port project would be suspended.

Both projects have been major aspirations of the Ijebu people for decades.

A palace source described the development as shocking and disgraceful, noting that weaponizing development against a cultural institution is an insult to the community.

After failing to bend the kingmakers, attention shifted toward eliminating Onabanjo from the contest.

Petitions were reportedly taken to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services in an attempt to intimidate him. However, sources claimed that both institutions indicated that they found nothing against him and would not be used as instruments in the succession struggle.

With that avenue blocked, analysts say conversations began about formulating fresh accusations and smear attacks to weaken the prince’s public standing before the process resumes.

The revelations have generated outrage across Ijebu land, with civic voices demanding that politicians withdraw from the succession process before further damage is done.

“This is oppression disguised as politics,” said Kazeem Shobande, a civic advocate in Ijebu Ode. “Threatening to suspend Ijebu State or the dry port project simply because you want to install your own candidate is an insult to the entire community.”

“This is favouritism mixed with entitlement,” added Mrs Funmilola Adekunle of Ijebu Imushin. “Tradition cannot be rigged. The kingmakers have said they will not nominate unworthy candidates. Politicians must not trivialize their own legacies or ridicule the throne.”

Retired civil servant and cultural historian Oladipo Onifade warned that the interference risks reducing the Awujale stool to a tool for political bargaining.

According to him, even colonial administrators avoided meddling in the Awujale succession and modern leaders should avoid disgracing themselves.

Despite private emissaries and attempts at negotiation, sources close to Onabanjo confirmed that he has refused to step down.

The Prince reportedly told associates that the throne belongs to Ijebu sons and that the succession must follow tradition, not political preferences.

Observers warn that continued interference risks triggering a legitimacy crisis and setting a dangerous precedent in Yoruba land. With the selection process still suspended, civic groups are calling for its immediate resumption free from political influence.

For now, political actors have failed to push Onabanjo out and have attracted condemnation for attempting to manipulate one of the most ancient royal institutions in the region.

Whether they escalate further or withdraw from the arena remains to be seen.