A determined bid to force Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo out of the ongoing Awujale succession process has stalled in Ogun State, as the prince has refused all pressure to step down despite tactics that insiders describe as intimidation, institutional threats, and cultural blackmail.

Palace and civic sources disclosed that the pressure campaign began after kingmakers from the Fusengbuwa ruling house refused to nominate an aspirant believed to be the preferred choice of powerful political figures in the state. The refusal reportedly disrupted the political plans and triggered a coordinated attempt to push Onabanjo out of the race.

Selection Process Suspended after Kingmakers Reject Unworthy Candidate

The selection process was later suspended, a move insiders say was connected to the failed attempt to impose the preferred aspirant. According to those familiar with the matter, the kingmakers insisted that they would not nominate strangers, unworthy persons, or candidates who do not possess the cultural legitimacy required for the ancient throne.

Kingmakers Face Threats Over Ijebu Development Projects

In a dramatic twist, palace sources alleged that the kingmakers were told that if they failed to nominate the candidate preferred by the political class, there would be no Ijebu State and the long-awaited Ijebu Dry Port project would be suspended. Both projects have been major aspirations of the Ijebu people for decades.

A palace source described the development as shocking and disgraceful, noting that weaponizing development against a cultural institution is an insult to the community.

Attempt to Use Institutions Backfires

After failing to bend the kingmakers, attention shifted toward eliminating Onabanjo from the contest. Petitions were reportedly taken to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services in an attempt to intimidate him. However, sources claimed that both institutions indicated that they found nothing against him and would not be used as instruments in the succession struggle.
With that avenue blocked, analysts say conversations began about formulating fresh accusations and smear attacks to weaken the prince’s public standing before the process resumes.

Public Outrage as Communities Push Back

The revelations have generated outrage across Ijebu land, with civic voices demanding that politicians withdraw from the succession process before further damage is done.

“This is oppression disguised as politics,” said Kazeem Shobande, a civic advocate in Ijebu Ode. “Threatening to suspend Ijebu State or the dry port project simply because you want to install your own candidate is an insult to the entire community.”

“This is favouritism mixed with entitlement,” added Mrs Funmilola Adekunle of Ijebu Imushin. “Tradition cannot be rigged. The kingmakers have said they will not nominate unworthy candidates. Politicians must not trivialize their own legacies or ridicule the throne.”

Retired civil servant and cultural historian Oladipo Onifade warned that the interference risks reducing the Awujale stool to a tool for political bargaining. According to him, even colonial administrators avoided meddling in the Awujale succession, and modern leaders should avoid disgracing themselves.

Onabanjo Stands His Ground

Despite private emissaries and attempts at negotiation, sources close to Onabanjo confirmed that he has refused to step down. The prince reportedly told associates that the throne belongs to Ijebu sons and that the succession must follow tradition, not political preferences.

A Struggle Between Tradition and Power

Observers warn that continued interference risks triggering a legitimacy crisis and setting a dangerous precedent in Yoruba land. With the selection process still suspended, civic groups are calling for its immediate resumption, free from political influence.

For now, political actors have failed to push Onabanjo out and have attracted condemnation for attempting to manipulate one of the most ancient royal institutions in the region.

Whether they escalate further or withdraw from the arena remains to be seen.

Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, has accused the Department of State Services of denying him access to his family members and legal team.

Malami, who is standing trial alongside his son and wife over allegations bordering on money laundering, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

On January 7, a federal high court in Abuja granted him bail in the sum of N500 million.

However, shortly after his release from the facility on Monday, DSS operatives arrested Malami at the front of Kuje prison.

The former minister was reportedly re-arrested following the alleged discovery of arms at his residence.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mohammed Doka, the media aide to the former AGF, said the reports that DSS found arms at Malami’s residence are “false, unsubstantiated and unsupported by any official record”.

Doka said no such discovery has been formally communicated to Malami’s family or legal representatives.

He said the “prolonged isolation” of Malami by the DSS raises legitimate concerns regarding his safety, welfare, and constitutionally guaranteed rights. ”

“We categorically reject claims that any cache of arms or ammunition was discovered in any residence linked to Abubakar Malami, SAN,” the statement reads.

“These claims are false, unsubstantiated, and unsupported by any official record, judicial document, or lawful disclosure. No such discovery has been formally communicated to his family or legal representatives.

“We also firmly deny allegations or insinuations linking Abubakar Malami, SAN, to terrorism, terrorism financing, or related activities.

“Such claims have been advanced without naming a single individual, organisation, transaction, date, or piece of verifiable evidence, rendering them speculative and irresponsible.

“Since his arrest on Monday by the DSS, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has been denied access to his family, legal team, and associates.

“This prolonged isolation raises legitimate concerns regarding his safety, welfare, and constitutionally guaranteed rights, including access to legal counsel and family contact.

“We further express concern over the undue hardship and emotional strain placed on his family and staff as a result of sensational reporting and unverified narratives.

“It is important to note that Abubakar Malami, SAN, is a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has publicly declared his intention to contest the Kebbi State governorship election in 2027.

“Against this background, the political undertones now surrounding this matter cannot be ignored. Legal processes must remain insulated from political considerations.”

The arraignment of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome for alleged felony and forgery is to hold on Monday.

Ozekhome is implicated in the forgery controversy over a property in the UK traced to a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, late Gen. Jeremiah Useni.

The High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory yesterday notified the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that the trial is fixed for Court 4.

Ozekhome may either be taken into custody preparatory to the trial or asked to report as early as possible on Monday.

But the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) yesterday presented more evidence of the forgery of its passport to ICPC, which may increase the charges against Ozekhome from three to eight.

The ICPC said it is empowered to put Ozekhome on trial by virtue of Section 13 of the commission’s Act.

According to the notice from the court, FRN v. Chief Mike Ozekhome, parties are to be heard on Monday “if the business of the court permits or otherwise on some adjournment day of which you will receive no further notice.

“The parties are warned that at the hearing, they are required to bring forward all the evidence by witnesses or by documents which each of them desires to rely on in support of his own case or in contradiction of that of his opponent…”

Meanwhile, ICPC yesterday insisted that it can put Ozekhome on trial

A top source in the commission, who spoke with our correspondent, said that although Ozekhome is not a public officer, he has a case to answer by virtue of Section 13 of the ICPC Act 2000.

The source said: “We have been getting representations that allegations against Ozekhome are within the mandate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) because he is not a public officer. In fact, Ozekhome, in his statement to us, said he had interacted with EFCC on the same subject matter.

“This assumption is based on the ignorance of the law. We have full legal backing to prosecute the man by virtue of Section 13 of the ICPC Act.

“Section 13 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 (ICPC Act) in Nigeria addresses the offence of Fraudulent Receipt of Property.

“Section 13 criminalizes receiving property obtained through a felony or misdemeanor, either within or outside Nigeria, while knowing it was acquired illegally.

“Forgery is a Fundamental peg of this case. It is a criminal matter, and it has nothing to do with whether you are a public officer or not. We will meet in court to defend our action.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “We have just received more evidence on passport forgery from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). We may amend the charges against Ozekhome from three to about eight.

“It is an interesting case drawing international attention. “