An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode has dismissed an application filed by Fuji music star Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, seeking to halt the ongoing process for the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Ayinde, who hails from the Fidipote ruling house, had approached the court to challenge the succession process, arguing that it was unfairly structured to allow only the Fusengbuwa ruling house to produce the next Awujale.
In the suit, the musician joined Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, as defendants, urging the court to restrain them from proceeding with the installation process pending the determination of his case.
The respondents also include the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Secretary to the Local Government, and the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council.
Delivering his ruling on Monday, Justice A. A. Omoniyi held that the application lacked merit and refused to grant the interim injunction sought by the claimant. The judge, however, ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit and fixed January 14, 2026, for the commencement of proceedings.
Ayinde’s lawsuit alleges that the succession process contravenes provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and violates his constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Ogun State Government has suspended the Awujale selection process, days after the legal challenge was filed. The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that the process would be restarted to correct procedural flaws that could expose it to further litigation.
According to Yusuf, the government is determined to ensure strict compliance with the Obas and Chiefs Law in the eventual installation of the next Awujale.
