Awujale Stool: Police Summon Ijebu Monarch Over Bribery, Inducement Claims

The Ogun State command of the Nigeria Police Force, through its Criminal Investigation Department, has invited the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Oba Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya, in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged bribery and financial inducement.

The monarch is expected to report at the State CID office, Eleweran, Abeokuta, by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, according to an official police letter.

The invitation, dated February 3, 2026, was contained in a letter signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Gbenga Adeoye.

According to the letter, the invitation is part of a fact-finding process, which the police said they are empowered to conduct under the Nigerian Constitution and the Police Act.

The letter read in part, “The State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta is investigating a case of Bribery and Financial Inducement, in which there is a need to obtain some clarifications from you.”

It added, “You are therefore kindly requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran Abeokuta, Ogun State on Thursday 5th February, 2026 by 1000hrs for an interview with the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department.”

The police stressed that the invitation was lawful and aimed at ensuring fairness in criminal justice delivery.

“This is a fact-finding invitation, pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by the combined 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,” the letter stated.

The letter further informed the monarch that he was free to attend the interview with his legal counsel.

“Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of Criminal Justice delivery and fairness. Please be punctual and note that you are at liberty to come along with your lawyer,” the police added.

Aside from the allegations of bribery and financial inducement, the invitation is also connected to claims of imposing a candidate for the revered Awujale of Ijebuland stool on the ruling house and kingmakers.

The development comes amid rising tension over the succession process to the Awujale throne.

Naija News reports that the Fusengbuwa ruling house had earlier raised concerns over the selection process, warning that no form of political interference, financial inducement or intimidation should be allowed to influence the emergence of the next Awujale.

The ruling house insisted that the occupation of the revered stool must strictly follow age-long customs and traditions of Ijebuland.

As investigations continue, the police said the invitation does not imply guilt but is part of efforts to establish facts surrounding the allegations and ensure transparency in the succession process.