An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode on Monday dismissed an application filed by Fuji musician, Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, seeking to halt the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Ayinde, a member of the Fidipote ruling house, had approached the court to challenge the committee overseeing the installation of the new Awujale, questioning why the Fusengbuwa ruling house was allegedly being positioned as the sole producer of the next monarch.
In the suit, the Fuji legend sought an interim injunction restraining the Ogun State Government and other parties from proceeding with the selection process pending the determination of his case. The respondents include the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi; the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; the Secretary to Ijebu-Ode Local Government; and the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council.
Delivering his ruling, Justice A. A. Omoniyi held that the application lacked merit and declined to grant the interim injunction sought to stop the selection process. However, the court ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit and fixed January 14, 2026, for the commencement of proceedings.
Ayinde’s lawsuit contends that the Awujale succession process contravenes the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and infringes on his constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Ogun State Government has reportedly cancelled the ongoing Awujale selection process a few days after the court action. The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed the decision, stating that the process would be restarted due to identified procedural lapses that could lead to further legal disputes.
According to Yusuf, the government is determined to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law in the installation of the next Awujale.
