Awujale bid: Ruling house rejects KWAM1’s application

File Photo: Fuji artiste, Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM1

Kindly share this story:

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has formally rejected the lineage claim of Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, declaring the linkage form he submitted for the Awujale selection process “null, void, and of no consequence.”

In a letter dated December 11, 2025, and addressed to the musician, the ruling house said its investigation did not establish any proof that Ayinde belongs to the Jadiara Royal House or the broader Fusengbuwa lineage, whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale of Ijebu land.

The statement, signed by the Chairman of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, faulted the certification of Ayinde’s form, noting that it was endorsed by “a purported family unit head,” Adetayo Abayomi Oduneye, who the ruling house said is not a recognised member of the Jadiara Royal House.

The ruling house also queried the timeline of the endorsement, saying the form was certified on December 8, two days before Ayinde himself signed it on December 10, describing it as “presigned.”

“ur extensive investigation has not revealed any proof of your membership of the Jadiara Royal House or indeed that of Fusengbuwa Ruling House,” the statement read.

It added that Oduneye lacked the authority to sign for the family, stressing that he has “no locus standi” to certify any lineage documents.

“Consequently, the completed linkage lineage form is hereby declared null, void and of no consequence. For the avoidance of doubt, your claim to the membership of Fusengbuwa Ruling House is rejected and the completed form is of no consequence,” the statement added.

The fresh statement comes amid heightened interest in the selection of a new Awujale following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July after a 65-year reign.

Earlier on Thursday, members of the ruling house publicly disowned the musician, insisting he was neither known to the family nor entitled to join the contest.

KWAM1 had submitted his lineage form after he was granted an extra five days beyond the official December 5 deadline.

His move surprised many, given his long-known association with the Fidipote ruling house, through which he holds the title of Olori Omooba of Ijebuland.

The form he submitted claimed descent from the Setejoye family unit of the Jadiara Royal House through his father, Adisa Adesanya Anifowoshe, and was countersigned by Oduneye.

But multiple family heads, including those of the Jadiara and Bubiade units, had already publicly denied any genealogical connection to the musician, insisting neither he nor his father belongs to their lineages.

Fusengbuwa Ruling House convened an emergency meeting on Thursday to address Ayinde’s submission and the controversies surrounding his claim.

Okiki is a journalist with over seven years experience covering politics, foreign news, society, entertainment and the film industry.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.