An Ogun State High Court has delivered a significant ruling in the ongoing royal succession dispute in Ijebuland, dismissing an application by famed Fuji musician Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to halt the process of selecting a new Awujale.
Court Denies Injunction, Orders Accelerated Hearing
Presiding Justice A. A. Omoniyi of the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode ruled on Monday, December 23, 2025, that the application filed by KWAM 1 lacked merit. The court declined to grant the interim injunction which sought to stop the selection process for the next paramount ruler of Ijebuland pending the determination of the substantive suit.
While dismissing the injunction request, Justice Omoniyi issued a fresh order for an accelerated hearing of the main case. The suit has now been scheduled for hearing on January 14, 2026.
Background of the Legal Challenge
KWAM 1, who hails from the Fidipote ruling house, had filed the suit marked HC3/238/2025 against Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house), the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and other officials.
His central grievance challenged the composition of the committee set up for the installation process, arguing that it was skewed to favor only the Fusengbuwa ruling house for producing the next Awujale. The musician contended that this approach violated the state's chieftaincy law and infringed upon his constitutional rights.
Government Halts Process Amidst Litigation
In a related development shortly after the suit was filed, the Ogun State government took the decision to cancel the ongoing selection process. This move was confirmed by Prof. Fassy Yusuf, the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
Yusuf stated that the cancellation was to restart the process due to identified 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," part of his statement read.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House had previously, on December 11, issued a statement rejecting KWAM 1's claim to the throne, a position later shared on social media by President Bola Tinubu's spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, sparking reactions from the public.
With the court's latest ruling, the path appears cleared for the selection process to continue, albeit under the shadow of the pending January court hearing where KWAM 1's substantive arguments will be fully addressed.
