I’m in the race for Awujale throne, says KWAM 1

I’m in the race for Awujale throne, says KWAM 1

• Ruling House gets 14-day ultimatum

Fuji maestro, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland, setting the stage for what may become the most closely watched traditional succession contest in recent years.

K1, a prominent son of Ijebuland and one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians, declared his interest in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the family currently empowered to produce the next Awujale following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON.

In the letter, the Fuji icon emphasized that his aspiration was in strict compliance with Ijebu customs and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.
He traced his lineage to the Oba Jadiara branch of the Fusengbuwa dynasty, stressing that his pedigree and age—born on March 3, 1957—firmly qualify him for the revered stool.
Ayinde also highlighted decades of cultural advocacy, philanthropy, and promotion of Ijebuland through his music and public engagements.
He noted that the late Awujale honoured him in 2023 with the titles Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu, describing the gesture as a seal of his commitment to the kingdom.

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Ruling House Gets 14-Day Ultimatum

His declaration comes as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House begins formal preparations to present candidates for the succession.

In a separate letter issued by the Awujale Interregnum Administration Council through the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo, the ruling house was directed to commence the nomination process immediately.
The council reaffirmed that it is the turn of the Fusengbuwa lineage to produce the next Awujale in keeping with rotational and customary arrangements.
The leaders of the ruling house—including Chairman Otunba Abdul-Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, Deputy Chairman Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman Prof. Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf—were given 14 days to submit a shortlist of qualified princes to the Executive Chairman.
The council also announced that the Ogbeni Odi will formally carry the Awujale’s Staff of Office on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, marking a crucial step in the transition rites.

Tension as race opens

The stool of the Awujale—one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional positions—became vacant following the death of Oba Adetona, who ruled for 64 years and was revered nationwide for his courage, intellect, and moral authority.

K1’s entry into the race is expected to galvanize public attention, given his national prominence. However, insiders say several princes from the Fusengbuwa lineage are also preparing to file their declarations, raising the prospects of intense internal lobbying.

Traditional selectors, including kingmakers and the ruling house leadership, will ultimately determine the next monarch.

With the nomination window already ticking, all eyes are now on the Fusengbuwa Ruling House as Ijebuland begins one of its most consequential succession processes in decades.

I’m in the race for Awujale throne, says KWAM 1