Nigerian police deny siege of Awujale palace
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
Ogun State police say their deployment at the Awujale palace in Ijebu-Ode was aimed at preventing unrest, not besieging it. They also say they questioned and released Chief Adebisi Adaran as part of an investigation, while the government defends the succession process, according to Punch.
Police in Ogun State, Nigeria, have denied that the Awujale palace in Ijebu-Ode was besieged by armed individuals and said the deployment of their officers was aimed at preventing public disorder. Ogun police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babasiyi made the statement on Wednesday in a communiqué.
Police also said they summoned the traditional ruler of Ijebu Chief Adebisi Adaran, known as Gbenden, for questioning following a written complaint containing allegations against him. He responded to the summons, was questioned and then released on personal recognisance, while the investigation continues, according to the command. A deputy commissioner of police was assigned to oversee the security arrangements at the palace.
The Awujale palace has been vacant since July 2025, following the death at the age of 91 of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who had reigned for 65 years. The Ogun State government is meanwhile defending its handling of the succession process and says it intervened in the internal crisis of the Fusengbuwa royal house to ensure that the selection of the next monarch follows the prescribed procedure.
The police clarification comes as the Ijebu Forum accused the Ogun governor of interfering in the Awujale succession on 30 October. The Ijebu Forum had then criticised the handling of the succession process.
