Court Dismisses KWAM 1’s Bid to Stop Awujale Selection Process in Ogun

Court Dismisses KWAM 1’s Bid to Stop Awujale Selection Process in Ogun

An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode has dismissed an application filed by Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, seeking to halt the selection process of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Justice A. A. Omoniyi, who delivered the ruling on Monday, held that the application lacked merit and therefore refused to grant an interim injunction stopping the process.

KWAM 1, a member of the Fidipote Ruling House, had approached the court to challenge the decision of the committee overseeing the installation of the new Awujale, questioning why the Fusengbuwa Ruling House was singled out to produce the next monarch.

The Fuji icon instituted the suit against Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, urging the court to restrain them from continuing the process pending the determination of the case.

READ ALSO:

• 12 Killed as Market Women’s Bus Collides with Truck in Cross River
• US to Restrict Nigerian Visas from January 2026 Under New Security Proclamation
• Kwankwaso: Direct Funding Will Empower Local Governments, Boost Development

Other respondents in the suit, marked HC3/238/2025, 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.

Although the court declined to halt the process, it ordered an accelerated hearing, fixing January 14, 2026, for the commencement of the substantive case.

In his lawsuit, KWAM 1 alleged that the Awujale succession process contravenes the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and violates his constitutional rights.

However, days after the court action, the Ogun State Government reportedly cancelled the ongoing Awujale selection process.

Confirming the development, the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, said the government decided to restart the process due to procedural errors that could result in further legal disputes.

“The government wants to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law regarding the installation of the Awujale,” Yusuf said.

Court Dismisses KWAM 1’s Bid to Stop Awujale Selection Process in Ogun