In a dramatic turn of events, veteran Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has initiated a legal battle to stop the process of installing a new Awujale of Ijebuland. The musician filed a suit at the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode, seeking an injunction to halt all proceedings.
Legal Action to Halt Royal Selection
The suit was filed on December 16, 2025, and names key state authorities as respondents. These include the Ogun State Governor, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Attorney General of Ogun State. Also listed are the Secretary of the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, and the Chairman of the Funsengbuwa Ruling House.
KWAM 1's primary request to the court is for an order to suspend all activities related to the nomination and installation of a new Awujale until the substantive issues in his case are fully determined. This legal move effectively seeks to put the entire royal succession process on hold.
Allegations of a Flawed Process
At the core of the musician's argument is a strong allegation that the established chieftaincy laws are being violated. KWAM 1 contends that an "unrecognised body" known as the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council is improperly influencing the succession process. He asserts that the involvement of this council goes against the laid-down procedures under Ogun State's chieftaincy regulations.
Furthermore, he argues that a crucial mandatory step was skipped. According to him, the Ijebu-Ode Local Government was required to formally publish the names of the 13 recognised kingmakers before any nomination exercise could legally begin. His suit claims this was not done, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the ongoing selection process.
Defending His Royal Lineage and Government's Cancellation
Since publicly expressing interest in the revered throne, KWAM 1 has faced online debates questioning his roots and eligibility as a true indigene of Ijebuland. In response, the Fuji star has consistently pointed to his existing chieftaincy title as proof of his royal pedigree. He maintains that the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, would not have bestowed upon him the prestigious title of Olori Omo-Oba (head of the royal children) if he were not of genuine royal descent.
In a related development, the Ogun State Government has already cancelled the ongoing selection process. This cancellation was communicated in a letter dated December 2, 2025, signed by the Secretary to the Ijebu Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo. The letter had initially directed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to produce the next Awujale within 14 days, a directive now suspended amidst the growing controversy and legal challenge.
The court case sets the stage for a significant showdown between a beloved cultural figure and the state's traditional institution, with the future of one of Yorubaland's most prominent thrones hanging in the balance.
