DSS steps into Awujale succession battle, summons kingmakers, cancels palace meeting

The Department of State Services (DSS) has intervened in the ongoing tussle over the Awujale of Ijebuland stool, summoning key kingmakers and contenders and halting a palace meeting earlier scheduled to hold in Ijebu-Ode.

In a formal notice dated January 21, 2026, and addressed to the Olórí Ẹbí of Fusengbuwa, the DSS announced the cancellation of a planned meet-and-greet that was to take place at the Aafin Awujale on Wednesday morning.

The letter was directed at three prominent figures involved in the succession process-Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, Otunba Dokun Ajidagba and Chief Prof. Fassy Yusuf.

According to the notice, all nominees for the Awujale stool are now required to report to the DSS office in Ijebu-Ode for an undisclosed engagement, effectively shifting proceedings away from the palace.

The venue of the summons was listed as the State Security Service (SSS) office along NTA Road, beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode.

Although the DSS did not state the reason for the summons, the move has further heightened tension around the succession process, which has been characterised by intense rivalry and growing public attention in recent weeks.