Bribery Scandal Erupts: Police Call In Kingmakers for Awujale Throne Investigation
Nine Ijebu Ode kingmakers have once more been summoned to appear at the Ogun State Police Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta, on the coming Monday and Tuesday concerning claims of bribery and financial incentives during the choice process of the new Awujale and supreme leader of Ijebu land.
Recall that the Ogun State administration in January issued a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, suspending the selection process of the new Awujale due to complaints received from security agencies and various stakeholders.
The kingmakers had previously been called by the Ogun State Police Command in February over allegations of monetary inducement in the selection of the new Awujale.
It was reported that after intervention by some higher authorities, the investigation was ultimately dropped.
However, the kingmakers have been re-summoned through a letter dated April 17th, 2026, signed by Gbenga Adeoye, Deputy Commissioner of Police responsible for the Criminal Investigation Department.
One of the kingmakers, the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, Chief Abimbola Okenla, verified the police summons, stating that four of them are to present themselves on Monday while the remaining five are set for Tuesday.
The kingmaker characterized the repeated summons as a nuisance, asserting that the accusations were baseless.
“It’s accurate that the Ogun State Police Command has summoned the kingmakers to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta. Four of us are to attend on Monday while the other five will be there on Tuesday.
“None of us is pleased with this constant summons from the security agencies over baseless accusations. The people of Ijebu land are also displeased because it serves as a distraction,” the monarch stated.
He urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to permit the kingmakers to fulfill their task of selecting the next Awujale of Ijebu land without any additional delays.
“We merely ask Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to perform their duties and finalize the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebu land promptly,” he remarked.
Part of the most recent police invitation letter states: “In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are respectfully requested to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday 21 April, 2026, at 1000hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, facilitated through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department.
“This is a fact-finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers granted to the Nigeria Police by the collective 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 necessary to help in promoting the cause of Criminal Justice delivery and equity. Should you need any clarification, please contact 08038455857. Please be reminded that you are welcome to bring your lawyer along.”
