Awujale Succession Dispute Heads to Court as KWAM 1 Sues Ogun Government, Others
The succession process for the Awujale of Ijebuland has taken a legal turn as Fuji music icon, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has dragged the Ogun State Government and other key stakeholders before the Ogun State High Court, Ijebu-Ode, over alleged violations of chieftaincy laws.
Court documents show that Ayinde filed the suit on December 16, 2025, seeking an interlocutory injunction to halt all steps toward the nomination and installation of a new Awujale, pending the determination of substantive issues raised in his action.
The respondents include the Ogun State Governor, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
In his application, Ayinde claimed he is a bona fide member of both the Fusengbuwa and Fidipote ruling houses, insisting that his rights as a potential aspirant to the revered stool were being threatened by what he described as a flawed and unlawful succession process.
He specifically faulted the role of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, describing it as an “unrecognised body” allegedly interfering in the nomination process contrary to provisions of Ogun State chieftaincy laws.
A major plank of his argument is that due process was not followed, particularly the statutory requirement for the Ijebu-Ode Local Government to formally publish the names of the 13 recognised kingmakers before commencing any selection exercise.
According to him, the omission of this step invalidates the process and exposes it to legal challenge.
The legal battle follows the vacancy created by the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July 2025, at the age of 91, after a historic reign spanning more than 60 years.
Earlier in December, Ayinde formally declared interest in the Awujale stool, a move that sparked public debate over his ancestry and eligibility.
He has maintained that the late monarch would not have conferred on him the title of Olori Omo-Oba if he were not of recognised royal lineage.
Amid the unfolding court action, the Ogun State Government announced the cancellation of the ongoing selection process.
The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that the Government ordered a restart after identifying procedural lapses that could trigger litigation.
“The Government wants us to strictly comply with the Obas and Chiefs Law regarding the installation of the Awujale,” Yusuf said, adding that the earlier directive giving the ruling house 14 days to submit candidates had been withdrawn.
Meanwhile, the Fidipote Ruling House, historically linked to KWAM 1, has written to both the Local and State Governments, asserting its right to present candidates.
The family argued that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House failed to submit nominees within the statutory 14-day period, thereby transferring the right of nomination to the next ruling house in line, in accordance with Section 16(1)(c) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021.
