Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM 1, has officially announced his bid for the vacant Awujale throne, aiming to become the paramount ruler of Ijebuland.
The veteran musician identifies himself as a legitimate prince from the Fusengbuwa ruling house.
In a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Agunsebi Quarters, Ayinde emphasized that his aspiration is deeply rooted in lineage, tradition, and decades of dedicated service to Ijebuland and the Yoruba cultural heritage.
“I am a bona fide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing my ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage, which qualifies me to present myself for consideration in accordance with established tradition,” he wrote.
The 67-year-old musician highlighted his lifelong contributions to promoting Ijebu culture through music and philanthropy.
He recalled several honours, including his installation as Mayegun of Yorubaland in 2020 and his 2023 conferment by the late Awujale as Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu.
Additionally, he is a recipient of a national award, Member of the Order of the Niger.
Ayinde made clear that his declaration is “subject strictly to Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.”
Meanwhile, Abdul-Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, confirmed receiving Ayinde’s letter and reassured that the selection process is proceeding smoothly.
“I urge all our family members, home and abroad, to remain calm and confident,” Owoyemi said in a statement on Friday.
“Within two hours of receiving the said letter addressed to me and six others by the Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu, I sent him an appropriate response, just as I have quietly done regarding similar declarations of interest in recent weeks.”
He expressed optimism about the succession proceedings, adding, “In Sha Allah, we shall all have cause to rejoice and thank the Almighty God, who alone makes anyone king. We are very close to a peaceful and joyous conclusion of this sacred and historic process.”
The Awujale throne became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, one of Africa’s most respected and influential traditional rulers.
