The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to formally declare his royal lineage as part of his bid to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, expressed his interest in the prestigious stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house. He maintained that his candidacy conforms with Ijebu customary law and Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.
Speaking to Punch, Abdulateef Owoyemi, chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, said only legitimate members of the Fusengbuwa family would be allowed to participate in the selection process. He explained that KWAM 1, along with other aspirants, has been required to complete the ruling house’s royal lineage data form, which traces genealogy back seven generations.
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“The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form,” Owoyemi said. “Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.”
Owoyemi added that the form requires candidates to provide their full names and trace their ancestry from parent to grandparent and beyond, up to seven generations. The submitted forms are then reviewed and verified by the head of the ruling house unit to ensure only bona fide princes can participate, preventing outsiders from claiming the throne.
Although the official application window for the Awujale stool closed on December 5, KWAM 1 was granted a five-day extension, which will lapse on December 10. Owoyemi emphasized that the ruling house is committed to inclusivity but insists on adherence to traditional protocols.
“We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy,” he said.
Owoyemi outlined the timeline for the selection process, noting that the local government has given the ruling house 14 days to finalize candidate selection, expiring on December 18. Thereafter, the kingmakers will deliberate for seven days to choose a candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the Ogun State governor.
“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale,” Owoyemi said, adding that coronation rites would follow shortly after.
According to the chairman, combining the selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection periods, the new Awujale is expected to be announced between the second and third week of January 2026.
