New Awujale Before May 2027, Abiodun Assures Ijebuland

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has given a firm timeline for the installation of a new Awujale of Ijebuland, assuring residents that the revered stool will be filled before May 29, 2027, while painting a picture of major economic transformation for Ogun East through oil exploration and a multi-billion-dollar deep-sea port.

The governor delivered the assurances on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode attended by representatives of traditional institutions, market associations, hunters, the Council of Baales and Olorituns, and other grassroots groups. The gathering focused on traditional affairs, governance and the district’s economic prospects as Abiodun’s administration enters its final stretch.

On the vacant Awujale throne, Abiodun said his government remains committed to a smooth, peaceful and widely acceptable succession process. He acknowledged the institution’s central place in the cultural heritage, identity and unity of Ijebuland and appealed for calm and patience while necessary steps are concluded.

“We remain committed to ensuring a peaceful, transparent and widely acceptable succession process that preserves the dignity of the revered stool and the unity of Ijebuland,” the governor stated.

The stool has been vacant since July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years and died at 91. Under the rotational system among the four recognised ruling houses—Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote and Gbelegbuwa—it is the turn of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. The family earlier produced a list of 95 aspirants (94 princes and one princess). The process was later suspended by the state government amid petitions, security concerns and procedural issues, prompting legal action by the ruling house seeking completion of the selection. Recent weeks have also seen public disagreements among kingmakers over nomination lists.

Abiodun stressed that the matter is receiving due attention so that the eventual monarch will enjoy broad acceptance and support.

Turning to the economy, the governor declared that Ogun East stands on the threshold of significant expansion. He pointed to ongoing crude oil exploration around Eba Island in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port as game-changers capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and elevating the district’s commercial importance.

Oil exploration and related activities have advanced at Eba Island after the state secured Frontier Exploration Status and necessary regulatory approvals. Geological assessments confirmed hydrocarbon presence, and preparatory works, including environmental impact assessments and civil works, have progressed. The discovery positions Ogun closer to oil-producing status and has been a focus of state-federal collaboration.

The Gateway Deep-Sea Port project, developed in partnership with global operator DP World, is expected to attract more than $7 billion in initial investment alongside the associated Blue Marine Special Economic Zone covering about 10,000 hectares. Memoranda of Understanding were signed in Paris in September 2026 in the presence of President Bola Tinubu. The port is planned with a four-kilometre berth and 18-metre draft, enabling it to handle larger vessels, ease pressure on Lagos ports and support maritime trade, logistics and manufacturing.

Construction is slated to begin after a November groundbreaking, with substantial completion targeted within roughly two and a half years. The projects are projected to generate over 50,000 direct jobs.

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Abiodun said these developments, combined with infrastructure and investment promotion, would strengthen Ogun State’s position as a major destination for industrial and maritime business while expanding opportunities for local enterprises and young people. He thanked President Tinubu for federal support on critical projects and called for continued state-federal partnership.

Representatives of the various groups at the meeting praised the governor for direct engagement with grassroots stakeholders. They described the platform as valuable for airing community concerns and pledged continued support for the administration’s programmes and for the All Progressives Congress ahead of the next general elections.

The stakeholders’ session formed part of broader efforts to consolidate achievements over the past seven years, maintain peace and unlock the full economic potential of Ogun East and the state as a whole.