The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has rejected the application by Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji singer better known as KWAM 1, to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Last week, the singer formally submitted a proposal for consideration for the now-vacant royal stool. The position became open following the passing of Sikiru Kayode Adetona. The monarch died in July at the age of 91 after a historic 64-year reign.
Since announcing his interest, KWAM 1’s eligibility has been intensely debated, particularly on social media, where numerous voices have questioned whether he is an indigene of Ijebuland.
The singer, however, argued that he is “from the Fidipotemole in Ijebu Ode. It is the same me that is also from the Fusegbunwa of Ijebu-Ode”.
“If it is because of the kingship I am vying for, it is my right; you cannot shut me up,” he added.
But in a letter dated December 11, the Fusengbuwa house said its review did not establish any evidence linking the singer to the Jadiara Royal House or the broader Fusengbuwa lineage, whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale.
The letter, signed by Lateef Owoyemi, chair of the ruling house, declared KWAM 1’s submitted linkage form “null, void and of no consequence”.
“The form was certified by a purported family unit head, one Omoba Adetayo Abayomi Oduneye Eruobodo, on 8 December 2025. It was not signed by the authorised representative (Family Head) of your purported Family Unit Head,” the letter reads.
“Omoba Adetayo Abayomi Oduneye Eruobodo is not a registered member of the Jadiara Royal House and therefore, has no locus standi to sign any linkage form on behalf of the family.
“And our extensive investigation has not revealed any proof of your membership of the Jadiara Royal House or indeed that of Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
“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.”
Abiodun Ogidan, spokesperson for the Fusengbuwa nomination committee, said the family has fixed December 15 for the formal nomination of contestants.
The list of nominees will be forwarded to the kingmakers, who are expected to select the next Awujale within seven days.
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