The Ogun State Government has nullified the selection process for the vacant Awujale stool, even as Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1, has approached the High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode to enforce his lineage claim to the throne.
In nullifying the ongoing selection process, the Ogun State Government directed the Fusengbuwa ruling house to recommence the exercise in line with extant laws.
KWAM1’S CASE
Ayinde’s resort to the courts comes after the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, formally rejected the lineage claim he submitted, declaring his completed linkage form invalid.
KWAM 1 had stated his intention to become the Awujale of Ijebuland, hinging his claim to being a lineage of Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, a claim that is now disputed.
The suit was contained in a court document, dated 16th December, 2025, and titled: “IN THE HIGH COURT OF OGUN STATE IN THE IJEBU-ODE JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT IJEBU-ODE.”
In the suit, the claimant identified himself as “Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde Adesanya Marshal,” while those listed as respondents include:
- His Excellency, Executive Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR
- The Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
- The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State
- The Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government
- The Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council and
- The Chairman of Funsengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi.
The application before the court is a “MOTION EXPARTE,” brought pursuant to “ORDER 38 RULES 4 AND ORDER 39, RULE 1 OF THE HIGH COURT OF OGUN STATE (CIVIL PROCEDURE) RULES 2024,” as well as “SECTION 36 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999 (AS AMENDED)” and the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
In the relief sought, the applicant asked the court for “AN ORDER OF INTERIM INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents either by themselves, Privies, assigns, agents or anyone acting on their behalf from taking any steps in the installation process of the next Awujale of Ijebuland pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit in this matter.”
The document further prayed the court for “SUCH FURTHER ORDER(S) as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of this case.”
Explaining the basis of the application, the grounds listed in the document include “Sections 36 and 6 (6) (c) of the Constitution FRN, 1999,” and the claim that “The Applicant is an aspirant to the stool of the Awujale of Ijebu land in Ogun State.”
It also stated that “There is need for the court to invoke its powers of interim injunction against the Respondents so as to secure the interest of the Applicant and preserve the res from being dissipated or interfered with by the Respondent.”
The suit adds a fresh legal dimension to the succession process of the Awujale of Ijebuland, with the court now expected to determine whether the installation process should be halted pending the determination of the substantive case.
OGUN GOVERNMENT’S INTERVENTION
Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf said that the government’s decision followed a meeting convened by the state government to address procedural lapses in the process.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, involved representatives of the ruling house, the Ijebu Ode Local Government and the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee and was presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91 after a 65-year reign.
Earlier, in a letter dated December 2, 2025, the Ijebu Ode Local Government had asked the Fusengbuwa ruling house; whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale, to commence the selection process and submit names of candidates within 14 days.
The ruling house subsequently began the process, with over 60 princes reportedly indicating interest, and fixed December 15 for the selection meeting.
However, Prof. Yusuf said the state government ordered a restart of the process after identifying procedural errors that could result in protracted litigation.
“The government’s intervention is not unusual. The concern of all stakeholders is to ensure strict compliance with the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law and the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration for the Awujale stool,” he said.
“We have not submitted any list to the kingmakers, so there is nothing to worry about. The family will meet and follow the guidelines provided by the government to avoid a floodgate of litigation.”
