Popular Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, widely known as K1 De Ultimate or KWAM1, has formally petitioned the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, over what he describes as a deliberate move to exclude him from the contest for the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland throne.
Legal Petition Alleges Violation of Tradition and Law
In a strongly-worded letter dated January 8, 2026, and signed by his legal counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), the music icon accused the leadership of the Fusengbuwa ruling house of issuing directives that contravene both traditional customs and the established laws of Ogun State. The letter was addressed directly to Governor Abiodun, seeking his intervention.
Ayinde's petition specifically challenges a notice issued by the family's Public Relations Officer, Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa. The notice directed interested candidates to collect nomination cards and appear before a screening committee chaired by Prince Alhaji Mitiu Adenuga. The process, scheduled for January 12, 2026, was to be conducted by delegates selected at a meeting on January 10.
"It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members desirous of participating in the nomination of candidates for the Awujale stool," the letter stated. Ayinde argued that the introduction of a "delegate system" and a "screening committee" is illegal, as it prevents qualified family members from directly participating in the nomination meeting.
Ruling House Rebuttal and Court History
The Fusengbuwa ruling house, which is next in line to produce the new Awujale, has consistently maintained that Wasiu Ayinde is not a bonafide member of their lineage and is therefore ineligible to contest. This position was reiterated in a sharp rebuttal by the Vice Chairman of the ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, who dismissed K1's claims.
This legal tussle follows an earlier attempt by the musician to seek judicial intervention. Ayinde had approached the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu Ode seeking an interim order to halt the selection process. However, the court dismissed the request, stating it lacked merit. Subsequently, KWAM1 withdrew the suit without providing a detailed public explanation.
A Stool of Immense Prestige and Interest
The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the passing of the highly revered Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for an impressive 65 years. The race to succeed him has attracted massive interest, with reports indicating that over 60 individuals have signaled their intention to contest.
Among them, the interest of Wasiu Ayinde, a cultural icon with a massive following, has generated significant public attention and debate. The nomination meeting, which is at the center of the current controversy, was scheduled to hold on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The musician's legal team contends that the process being adopted by the ruling house contradicts the Ogun State Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law. They insist that every qualified member of the family should have the right to attend the nomination meeting and that any form of pre-screening by a select group is unlawful and unfair.
