The celebrated Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1, has encountered his first significant challenge in his quest to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland. The Fusengbuwa ruling house, to which he claims lineage, has issued a non-negotiable demand that every aspirant, including the music icon, must provide documented proof of royal ancestry spanning seven generations.
The Crucial Demand from the Royal Family
Following KWAM 1's formal declaration of interest in a letter dated December 3, 2025, the ruling family has clarified the foundational step for all contenders. The family's chairman, Abdulateef Owoyemi, emphasized that merely expressing interest is insufficient. Each potential candidate must complete a detailed royal lineage data form, meticulously tracing their ancestry.
Owoyemi explained the critical importance of this verification process to The PUNCH. He stated that the form is the bedrock of the selection and is designed to prevent individuals with no genuine claim from aspiring to the ancient and revered throne. "The first step is to declare your lineage. Your parents, grandparents, and those before them must be traced. Only genuine members of Fusengbuwa will be allowed," he asserted.
The completed form must be submitted to the head of the ruling house unit for authentication before any further steps in the selection process can proceed.
A Tight Timeline and a Special Extension
The process to select a new Awujale is on a strict schedule. The local government has given the Fusengbuwa ruling house a 14-day deadline, ending on December 18, 2025, to present its shortlisted candidates to the kingmakers.
Interestingly, while the initial window for applications closed on December 5, the ruling house revealed that KWAM 1 has been granted a special five-day extension, which expires on December 10. Owoyemi noted that the family is open to men of influence who could strengthen the stool but reiterated that such privilege comes with the responsibility of proving true belonging.
Once the kingmakers receive the names, they have seven days to select a single candidate. This chosen name is then forwarded to the Ogun State governor, triggering a 21-day government review period. This review includes comprehensive background checks, a window for public objections, and necessary security clearances. January 2026 is projected to be the decisive month in this elaborate process.
Public Reaction and Cultural Conversation
KWAM 1's entry into the royal race has sparked widespread discussion online, placing the musician at the center of a significant cultural dialogue. Social media reactions have been mixed, reflecting public fascination with the intersection of contemporary celebrity and traditional institution.
Some users questioned the modern application process, with one comment reading, "So ifa no dey choose again now, na by application. Nawa." Others expressed support, stating, "He’s from the royal family, so he’s on right track." Meanwhile, a section of fans humorously pondered the future of his musical career, with comments like, "So oba will go around singing. Coz I don't get," and "So who go come sing on my wedding day like this?"
The coming days are critical for KWAM 1 as he works to meet the December 10 deadline for submitting his lineage documentation. His ability to satisfy the Fusengbuwa ruling house's stringent genealogical requirements will determine if his royal ambition advances to the next stage or ends at this first major hurdle.
