KWAM 1 Struggles to Hold Awujale Throne

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The Struggle for the Awujale Throne: A Musician's Bid and the Ruling House's Rejection

Wasiu Ayinde, known in the music scene as KWAM 1, has faced a significant setback in his bid to claim the Awujale of Ijebuland throne. His attempt was met with rejection from the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which is responsible for selecting the next king. This development has raised questions about the legitimacy of his claims and the process involved in royal succession.

Ayinde submitted a letter of intent dated December 3 and a lineage data form, asserting that he belonged to the Jadiara royal family, a unit within the Fusengbuwa ruling house. However, the Jadiara family denied any connection to him, stating that he had no ties to their lineage. This rejection was further reinforced by a letter from the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which stated that Ayinde did not belong to the family and that his claim was invalid.

The situation gained attention when Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared a tweet detailing the rejection. The message received widespread attention, with over 268 comments and 505 retweets. Onanuga emphasized that the Fusengbuwa ruling house had rejected Ayinde’s claim, indicating that even high-profile support might not be enough to sway the outcome.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house provided a detailed response, explaining that their investigation found no evidence linking Ayinde to the Jadiara royal house or the broader Fusengbuwa lineage. They also questioned the authenticity of the certification on Ayinde’s form, noting that it was endorsed by Adetayo Oduneye, who they claimed was not recognized as a member of the Jadiara royal house. Additionally, they pointed out discrepancies in the timeline of the endorsement, suggesting that the form was signed before it was properly certified.

The ruling house also highlighted that Adetayo lacked the authority to sign the documents, as he did not have "locus standi" to certify lineage documents. As a result, the completed form was declared null and void, and Ayinde’s claim to the Fusengbuwa ruling house was officially rejected.

The Nomination Process and Public Reaction

The Fusengbuwa Nomination Committee spokesperson, Abiodun Ogidan, confirmed that Ayinde was not a member of the family. He explained that the family had set a deadline for nominations, with December 15, 2025, as the date for submitting names of candidates. Ogidan emphasized that Ayinde had not been given the nomination forms and that he had not participated in any family meetings or supported the family in any way.

Ogidan criticized Ayinde’s sudden claim, questioning how someone who had never been part of the family could now assert a connection. He stressed that the family would not accept anyone with fake lineage and that Ayinde’s attempts to rewrite history were futile.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Jadiara ruling house, Otunba Akinola Odedina, denied any genealogical connection between Ayinde and the Jadiara Royal House. He mentioned that the Fusengbuwa ruling house had provided Ayinde with a nomination form, expecting him to authenticate his roots. However, Ayinde had yet to present any documents proving his lineage.

Alhaji O.B. Yusuf, head of the Bubiade royal family, also denied any connection with Ayinde or his father. He clarified that there were no Anifowose members in his family and that the rumors about endorsing Ayinde’s form were false.

The Musician's Response and Claims

Despite the rejection, Ayinde maintained that he was eligible for the throne. In a statement, he claimed to be a descendant of both the Funsengbuwa and Fidipote ruling houses. He traced his lineage to the Adeberu branch of the Funsengbuwa ruling house and the Anifowose family of the Fidipote ruling house, insisting that his heritage qualified him to contest from either house.

Ayinde also highlighted his position as the Olori-Omoba Akile Ijebu, head of all princes in Ijebuland. This title, conferred by the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in 2023, was based on his membership in the Fidipote ruling house. A letter from the late Awujale, dated July 5, 2023, supported this claim.

While Ayinde continues to assert his right to the throne, the ruling house remains firm in its rejection. The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of royal succession and the importance of verified lineage in such matters.