Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has filed a lawsuit against the Ogun State Government and several officials to halt the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.The renowned musician approached the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode on December 16, 2025, seeking an interim injunction to pause all nomination and installation steps until the court resolves the substantive issues in his suit. He named key respondents, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Attorney General, the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretary, the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.KWAM 1 claims membership in both the Fusengbuwa and Fidipote ruling houses, asserting that his rights as a potential candidate are jeopardized by procedural flaws. He argues that the Interregnum Administrative Council, which he calls an unrecognized entity, has unduly influenced the process in violation of state chieftaincy laws. A key grievance is the failure to formally publish the names of the 13 recognized kingmakers before starting the selection, rendering the exercise legally vulnerable.The suit arises amid controversy following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July 2025 at age 91, after a 65-year reign. KWAM 1 formally expressed interest in the throne earlier in December, defending his eligibility by noting that the late monarch conferred on him the prestigious title of Olori Omo-Oba (head of the royal children) in 2023, which he says confirms his royal descent.In a swift response, the Ogun State Government canceled the initial selection process and directed a restart, citing procedural errors to avoid potential litigation. Prof. Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House the family currently entitled to nominate candidates under rotational tradition confirmed the withdrawal of the 14-day deadline for submissions and the commitment to adhere strictly to the Obas and Chiefs Law.Meanwhile, the Fidipote Ruling House, historically linked to KWAM 1, has staked its own claim. In a letter to authorities, it argued that Fusengbuwa failed to submit candidates by the December 16 deadline, invoking Section 16(1)(c) of the 2021 Chieftaincy Law to assert that the next house in rotation Fidipote should now present nominees.The four recognized ruling houses for the Awujale stool are Anikilaya, Fidipote, Fusengbuwa, and Gbelegbuwa, with rotation determining eligibility. The unfolding legal and traditional disputes have intensified public interest in one of Nigeria's most revered monarchies.
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