DSS Probes Alleged Sale Of Awujale Nomination Forms, Ruling House Officials Respond

The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited three leaders of the Fusengbuwa ruling house in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, for questioning over the alleged sale of nomination forms to princes interested in becoming the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

However, two of the officials have indicated that they would not honour the invitation, citing ongoing court proceedings over the selection process.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the DSS invited the ruling house Chairman, Abdulateef Owoyemi; Deputy Chairman, Oladokun Ajidagba; and Vice Chairman, Professor Fassy Yusuf, to its office in Abeokuta on Thursday.

An invitation letter reportedly signed by Yemi Oloto directed the officials to meet the State Director of Security at the agency’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, at 4 p.m. The meeting was said to be connected to an investigation into the alleged sale of expression-of-interest forms to princes seeking to occupy the vacant Awujale throne.

Ajidagba disclosed that he received the invitation at about 2:30 p.m., barely two hours before the scheduled meeting. However, he said he would not attend because the matter was already before the courts.

He maintained that the legal proceedings should be allowed to run their course, insisting that the existing situation should remain unchanged pending the court’s determination.

Professor Fassy Yusuf also reportedly said he was in Abuja to attend to a Supreme Court case and would therefore be unable to honour the invitation.

The three Fusengbuwa leaders had earlier approached the court to challenge the Ogun State Government’s decision in January to suspend the Awujale selection process. They are seeking an order compelling the authorities to allow the process to continue.

The latest development adds another layer of tension to the succession dispute following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July 2025, after 65 years on the throne. The Awujale stool has remained vacant since his passing.