An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode on Monday dismissed an application filed by Fuji music icon Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1 (K1 De Ultimate), seeking to stop the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Ayinde, who belongs to the Fidipote ruling house, had approached the court to challenge the decision that only the Fusengbuwa ruling house should produce the next Awujale. He questioned the composition and actions of the committee overseeing the installation process.
In the suit marked HC3/238/2025, the musician sued Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, asking the court to restrain them from continuing with the process pending the determination of his case.
Other defendants listed in the suit include the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Secretary to Ijebu-Ode Local Government, and the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council.
Ruling on the application, Justice A. A. Omoniyi held that the request lacked merit and declined to grant an interim injunction to halt the selection process for the next Awujale.
Despite refusing the injunction, the court ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit and fixed January 14, 2026, for the commencement of proceedings.
Ayinde’s lawsuit alleges that the Awujale succession process violates the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and infringes on his constitutional rights.
However, shortly after the court action, the Ogun State Government suspended the ongoing selection process. The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that the process would be restarted, citing procedural flaws that could lead to further legal disputes.
According to Yusuf, the government decided to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law governing the installation of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
