An Ogun State High Court has dismissed KWAM 1’s bid to halt the Awujale succession process. The Fuji maestro has since withdrawn from the race
Court Dismisses KWAM 1’s Suit as Fuji Icon Withdraws from Awujale Race
An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode has dismissed an application filed by renowned Fuji musician, Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde (KWAM 1), seeking to halt the ongoing process for the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Justice A. A. Omoniyi, in a ruling delivered on Monday, held that the application for an interim injunction lacked merit and refused to restrain the parties involved from continuing with the succession process.
KWAM 1, a prince of the Fidipote Ruling House, had approached the court to challenge the composition and actions of the committee overseeing the Awujale succession. He questioned the decision to position the Fusengbuwa Ruling House as the sole producer of the next monarch, alleging that the process violated established chieftaincy traditions and relevant laws.
In the suit, marked HC3/238/2025, the Fuji star joined Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, as defendants.
Other respondents include the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Secretary to the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, and the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council.
Ayinde sought an order restraining the defendants from proceeding with the selection and installation of a new Awujale pending the determination of his substantive suit.
While dismissing the injunction request, Justice Omoniyi ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive case and fixed January 14, 2026, for the commencement of proceedings.
However, following the court’s ruling, KWAM 1 formally withdrew from the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland, effectively ending his legal challenge against the selection process.
A notice of discontinuation, filed by his legal team led by Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, was subsequently submitted to the court, bringing to a close a case that had generated widespread public interest and stirred debate within Ijebu traditional circles.
The withdrawal came amid controversy surrounding the declaration of KWAM 1’s ineligibility, given his stature as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians and a prominent figure in Ijebu cultural life.
By discontinuing the suit, the Fuji maestro appears to have accepted the court’s position on the interim application and opted not to pursue the matter further.
The Awujale of Ijebuland remains one of the most influential traditional stools in Yorubaland, with succession processes often attracting intense scrutiny both within and outside Ogun State.
In his originating suit, Ayinde had alleged that the succession process breached provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and infringed on his constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, despite the court’s refusal to grant the injunction, the Ogun State Government has suspended the ongoing Awujale selection process.
Confirming the development, the Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, said the government decided to cancel and restart the process after discovering procedural lapses that could expose it to further legal challenges.
“The government wants to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law regarding the installation of the Awujale,” Yusuf said. Read More
