‎Awujale Succession: KWAM1 Writes Ogun Governor Over Alleged Exclusion From Selection Process

Popular Fuji maestro and Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1), has written to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, alleging deliberate attempts to exclude him from the ongoing process to select the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

‎In a petition dated January 8, 2026, and authored by his legal counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, Ayinde accused the Fusengbuwa Ruling House—constitutionally mandated to produce the next Awujale—of issuing directives that allegedly violate the provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021.

‎According to the letter, the measures being adopted by the leadership of the ruling house are aimed at disenfranchising him and other qualified family members who are desirous of contesting for the revered traditional throne.

‎The Awujale succession process has reportedly attracted over 60 aspirants, with KWAM1 among those who have formally indicated interest. However, the Fusengbuwa family had earlier declared that Ayinde is not a recognised member of the ruling house and is therefore ineligible to participate in the selection process.

‎Ayinde had previously approached the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu Ode, seeking an interim injunction to restrain Governor Abiodun and six others from proceeding with the selection exercise. The court, however, dismissed the application, describing it as lacking merit. The suit was subsequently withdrawn by the musician without stating a reason.

‎In his latest petition, Ayinde disclosed that the Ijebu Ode Local Government, through a letter dated January 6, 2026, signed by its Secretary, Mr. Oke Adebanjo, authorised the ruling house to commence the selection process.

‎He expressed concern that while family members were preparing for the meeting, a directive was issued by the family’s Public Relations Officer, Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa, instructing candidates to obtain nomination forms and appear before a screening committee headed by Prince Alhaji Mitiu Adenuga.

‎The directive reportedly fixed the nomination exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026, while also providing that the process would be conducted by selected delegates to be chosen at a meeting scheduled for January 10, 2026.

‎In the letter, Ayinde’s counsel maintained that the arrangement was inconsistent with established laws governing traditional rulership in the state.

‎“It is evident that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members who are desirous of participating in the nomination of candidates for the Awujale stool. All members of the ruling house are entitled to attend the meeting and nominate candidates of their choice. A group of persons cannot usurp these rights,” the letter stated.

‎The petition further urged the state government to intervene promptly to ensure adherence to due process, safeguard the integrity of the selection exercise and protect Ayinde’s rights.

‎Reacting to the development, the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed receipt of the letter but dismissed its contents as baseless.

‎Describing the petition as “misguided and illogical,” Yusuf said, “Either Wahab Shittu is being misled, or Wasiu Ayinde is being misled. The issue of screening is illogical. We have over 20,000 members in the ruling house—how do you expect us to manage such a crowd?”

‎He added that the ruling house has scheduled its nomination meeting for Monday, January 12, 2026, to consider aspirants for the vacant stool.

‎The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed on at the age of 91 after a remarkable 65-year reign.

‎Efforts to obtain official reaction from the Ogun State Government proved abortive, as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, had not responded to enquiries as of the time of filing this report.