IJEBU-ODE – The selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebu land has taken a contentious turn as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House fired back at Fuji music icon, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM1), over his formal protest to the Ogun State Government.
The ruling house on Sunday dismissed Ayinde’s allegations of disenfranchisement, describing his petition to Governor Dapo Abiodun as a “misguided” attempt to disrupt the traditional succession process.
The friction began when KWAM1, through his counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), submitted a protest letter dated January 8, 2026. The musician alleged that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House—the family next in line to provide the monarch—has introduced “illegal directives” that violate the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State. Specifically, Ayinde challenged the house’s requirement for aspirants to appear before a screening committee and the use of a delegate system for nominations.
“It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members who wish to participate in the nomination of candidates for the Awujale stool,” Shittu stated in the letter. He further argued that the directive is “not only inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the Chieftaincy Declaration but also with the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.”
Responding to the claims on Sunday, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, did not mince words. He characterized the musician’s legal maneuvers as illogical, given the sheer size of the ruling family.
“It is a misguided letter. Either Wahab Shittu is being misled or Wasiu Ayinde is being misled. It is arrant nonsense,” Yusuf told reporters via telephone. Addressing the logistical necessity of the screening process, Yusuf added: “The issue being raised about the screening is illogical. We have over 20,000 members in the ruling house. How does he expect us to manage the crowd? What is being talked about is illogical.”Adding a significant layer to the dispute, the ruling house asserted that Ayinde is not a member of the Fusengbuwa family, rendering him unqualified to contest for the throne in the first place. This development follows a failed attempt by Ayinde to secure an interim injunction at the Ogun State High Court to halt the selection process.
The court declined the application for lack of merit, and the suit was subsequently withdrawn.
The race for the prestigious throne has reportedly attracted over 60 aspirants. The stool became vacant in July 2025 following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years. Despite the protest, the ruling house confirmed that the nomination meeting for aspirants is scheduled to proceed today, Monday, January 12, 2026.
As of press time, the Ogun State Government has yet to issue an official response to the petition. Efforts to reach Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, were unsuccessful.
