An Ogun State High Court has dismissed an application by renowned Fuji musician, Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, which sought to stop the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Court Rules Against Fuji Star's Injunction
The court, sitting in Ijebu-Ode and presided over by Justice A. A. Omoniyi, delivered the ruling on Monday. It found the application, filed by the musician who hails from the Fidipote ruling house, to be without merit. Consequently, the judge refused to grant an interim injunction that would have halted the ongoing selection process for the paramount ruler.
Justice Omoniyi, however, ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit, setting January 14, 2026, as the commencement date. This means the main case will proceed swiftly, even though the immediate request to stop the selection was denied.
Details of the Legal Challenge
Otunba Wasiu Ayinde had approached the court to challenge the committee overseeing the installation of the new Awujale. His core grievance centered on the decision that only the Fusengbuwa ruling house should produce the next monarch, a move he contested.
In the lawsuit marked HC3/238/2025, Ayinde named several respondents, including:
- Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun
- Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi
- The Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government
- The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
- The Secretary to Ijebu-Ode Local Government
- The Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council
The Fuji legend's suit argues that the succession process for the Awujale throne breaches the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and infringes upon his constitutional rights.
Government Halts and Restarts Selection Process
In a significant development following the court challenge, the Ogun State Government has cancelled the ongoing selection process. This decision came just days after KWAM 1 filed his lawsuit.
Professor Fassy Yusuf, the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, confirmed the government's action. He stated that the process was stopped due to procedural errors that could potentially lead to further litigation.
"The government wants to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law regarding the installation of the Awujale," Yusuf explained. This move indicates a reset to ensure the selection is conducted in full compliance with existing statutes, potentially addressing some of the concerns raised in the court case.
The situation remains fluid as the state government prepares to restart the process under stricter legal guidance, while the musician's substantive case awaits its accelerated hearing in January 2026. The outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders in Ijebuland and beyond.
