Nigeria, Nov. 12 -- The Ogun State Government has defended its intervention in the succession process for the vacant Awujale stool, saying it stepped in after discovering leadership divisions within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and alleged irregularities in the nomination process.

Its defence comes amid an escalating dispute over the administration of Ijebuland during the interregnum, with traditional chiefs challenging the state government's authority to constitute an interim administrative council and taking Governor Dapo Abiodun and other officials to court.

In a statement on Wednesday, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, said the government had acted in accordance with the Awujale Chieftaincy...