Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has assured the people of Ijebuland that a new Awujale will emerge before May 29, 2027, while projecting significant economic transformation for Ogun East Senatorial District through oil exploration activities and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, Abiodun gave the assurances on Tuesday at the Ogun East Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where he engaged representatives of various interest groups on traditional affairs, governance and the district’s economic prospects.

The statement said the governor was committed to facilitating a smooth, peaceful and widely acceptable process for selecting the next Awujale.

It quoted him as saying, “On the succession process for the revered Awujale stool, Abiodun assured the people that his administration was committed to facilitating a smooth, peaceful and widely acceptable process leading to the emergence of a new monarch.

“He acknowledged the importance of the Awujale institution to the cultural heritage, identity and unity of Ijebuland, appealing to the people to remain calm and patient as the necessary processes were being concluded.

“The governor said his administration was giving the matter the attention it deserved, with a view to ensuring that the process was concluded peacefully and that the emergence of a new Awujale enjoyed the acceptance and support of the people.”

The Fusengbuwa ruling house had about two months ago dragged Abiodun, the Awujale kingmakers and five others before the High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode, seeking orders compelling the completion of the process for selecting the next Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

The suit, numbered HCJ/149/2026 and dated August 21, 2026, was filed by Owoyemi, Ajidagba and Yusuf.

Also joined as defendants were the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN); the Ogun State Executive Council; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat; and the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government.

Other defendants were members of the Awujale Afobaje/Kingmakers Council, including Olorogun Sonny Kuku, Chief Rasheed Adesanya, Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, Chief Jimi Lawal, Chief Abimbola Okenla, Chief Kunle Ogunade, Chief Agboola Alausa, Chief Adebisi Adaran and Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja.

The claimants are asking the court to determine whether the government had the legal authority to order or facilitate the alleged entry into and locking of the Awujale Palace on January 20, 2026, “to physically prevent” the kingmakers from convening and concluding their statutory selection process for the new Awujale.

The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91, after 65 years on the throne.

The Ogun State Government halted the selection process in January 2026, citing petitions from security agencies and stakeholders, following an earlier suspension in December 2025 over procedural concerns.

A total of 95 aspirants—94 princes and one princess—emerged from the ruling house’s nomination process held in Ijebu-Ode in December before the government halted the selection.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Abiodun thanked the people of Ijebuland for their continued support and cooperation with his administration, assuring them of his commitment to addressing issues affecting the district and preserving peace and harmony across the state.

He explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was organised to strengthen engagement between the government and the people, provide an opportunity for various groups to express their views, and showcase his administration’s achievements over the past seven years.

Turning to the economic prospects of Ogun East, the governor said the district was on the threshold of significant economic expansion, driven by emerging oil exploration activities and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

He identified the discovery of crude oil around Eba Island and the deep-sea port project as strategic developments capable of transforming the district’s economic landscape, attracting new investments and creating employment opportunities.

Abiodun said the projects, alongside the proposed Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, would strengthen Ogun State’s position as a destination for industrial investment, international trade and maritime business.

The Gateway Deep-Sea Port is expected to create opportunities in shipping, logistics, manufacturing and related industries, while associated industrial development is projected to stimulate economic activity across Ogun East and other parts of the state.

The governor expressed optimism that the investments would enhance the district’s commercial importance, expand opportunities for local businesses and create jobs for young people, while strengthening Ogun State’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, investment promotion and policies aimed at improving residents’ living conditions.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation among government institutions, traditional rulers, communities and the private sector in achieving the state’s development goals.

Abiodun acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for critical infrastructure and development initiatives in Ogun State, expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his cooperation with the state administration.

He called for continued collaboration between the state and federal governments, noting that such partnerships were important for advancing major projects and unlocking Ogun State’s economic potential.

Representatives of various groups at the meeting, including market men and women, hunters, and members of the Council of Baales and Olorituns, commended the governor for engaging grassroots stakeholders and providing a platform for discussions on issues affecting their communities.

They described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen communication between the government and the people, noting that direct engagement was important for understanding local concerns and advancing grassroots development.

The representatives also expressed support for the administration’s development initiatives and pledged to mobilise their members and supporters for the All Progressives Congress and its candidates in the forthcoming general elections.