In a move blending high culture with popular acclaim, Nigeria's Fuji music maestro, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for one of the nation's most revered traditional stools. Popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, the legendary artist has formally expressed his desire to be considered for the position of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Formal Declaration to the Ruling House
The historic declaration was made in a letter dated 3 December 2025 and addressed to the leadership of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode's Agunsebi Quarters. This action comes as the ruling house begins the sacred process of presenting candidates to fill the throne left vacant by the passing of the highly respected Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, who reigned for over six decades.
In his submission, the musician, who holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), stated that his interest is strictly guided by Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws. He established his royal pedigree by noting he was born on 3 March 1957 and is a bonafide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, tracing his lineage directly to the Oba Jadiara ancestry.
The Call for Nominations and Tight Deadline
Ayinde's declaration coincides with a formal request from the Awujale Interregnum Administration Council to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. In a separate letter, the council, through the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo, confirmed it is officially the turn of the Fusengbuwa house to present candidates, adhering to the established rotational arrangement.
The council has given the ruling house a strict 14-day deadline from the date of its letter to submit nominated candidates' names. It specifically urged the house leaders—Chairman Otunba Abdul-Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, Deputy Chairman Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman Prof. Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf—to commence the nomination of qualified princes without delay.
An important ceremonial step is already scheduled: the Ogbeni Odi will officially carry the Awujale's Staff of Office on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, marking a pivotal phase in the succession rites. The council has appealed for a peaceful and transparent process, emphasizing unity and respect for tradition.
A Cultural Icon's Claim to the Throne
Beyond his royal bloodline, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde leveraged his letter to highlight his lifelong service to Ijebuland. The Fuji icon pointed to his decades-long career and public influence as platforms he has used to promote Ijebu culture and values across Yorubaland and Nigeria.
He also reminded the house of the chieftaincy titles bestowed upon him by the late Awujale himself in 2023: Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu. These honours underscore his deep integration into the traditional structure of Ijebu society.
The entry of such a prominent national figure into the race is expected to generate significant public interest. While other princes from the Fusengbuwa lineage are also anticipated to show interest, the final selection will rest with the traditional process involving the ruling house, kingmakers, and customary protocols.
As the two-week nomination window unfolds, all attention is fixed on the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. The nation watches to see which candidates will be presented and how the succession for this historic stool, a pillar of Nigeria's traditional institution, will proceed in the coming weeks.
