The succession process for the Awujale of Ijebuland has moved to the courtroom following a lawsuit filed by Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, seeking to stop the nomination and installation of a new monarch over alleged violations of chieftaincy laws.
Ayinde approached the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode on December 16, asking the court to restrain all parties from taking further steps in the selection process pending the determination of substantive issues raised in his suit.
Joined as respondents are the Ogun State Governor, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
In his application, the musician claimed he is a bona fide member of both the Fusengbuwa and Fidipote ruling houses, arguing that his rights as a potential candidate were under threat due to what he described as a flawed and unlawful succession process.
He alleged that the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, which he described as an “unrecognised body,” was exerting undue influence over the nomination process in contravention of Ogun State chieftaincy laws.
Central to his suit is the claim that due process was not followed, particularly the statutory requirement for the Ijebu-Ode Local Government to formally publish the names of the 13 recognised kingmakers before commencing any selection exercise. Ayinde argued that failure to comply with this requirement rendered the process legally defective.
The legal action comes amid the vacancy created by the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July at the age of 91, after a reign spanning more than six decades. Ayinde had earlier indicated interest in the throne, a move that triggered public debate over his lineage and eligibility.
Defending his claim to royal descent, Ayinde maintained that the late Awujale would not have conferred on him the title of Olori Omo-Oba if he were not of recognised royal lineage.
Days after the court action, the Ogun State Government announced the cancellation of the ongoing selection process. The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that the government directed that the process be restarted after identifying procedural lapses that could lead to litigation.
“The government wants us to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law regarding the installation of the Awujale,” Yusuf said. “The earlier letter which gave the ruling house 14 days to submit candidates has been withdrawn, and the process will now begin afresh.”
A senior state government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the intervention was aimed at correcting how the process was initiated by the local government to avert “unnecessary litigation.”
Meanwhile, the Fidipote Ruling House, historically linked to KWAM 1, has also written to the local and state governments, claiming the right to present candidates for the throne.
In its letter, the family argued that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House failed to submit candidates within the statutory 14-day period, thereby transferring the right of nomination to the next ruling house under the order of rotation, in line with Section 16(1)(c) of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law, 2021.
