EXPLAINER: Why Kwam 1 wants the Awujale throne

The contest for the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland has taken a dramatic turn with the formal entry of Fuji music legend and long-time ally of President Bola Tinubu, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate.

At 67, K1 brings a rare combination of cultural influence, national recognition, and political connections to a succession process closely watched across Yorubaland.

According to a now-circulating letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, his candidacy is formally guided by the provisions of Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

“I, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Olasunkanmi Omogbolahan Anifowoshe, MON, hereby formally notify the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of my intention to be considered for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, subject strictly to the provisions of Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws,” the letter partly read.

K1 emphasised his ancestry as a key qualification, citing his royal lineage.

”I was born on 3rd March, 1957, and I am a bonafide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing my ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage, which qualifies me to present myself for consideration in accordance with established tradition,” he wrote.

The Oba Jadiara lineage is a historic branch of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which has the exclusive right to present candidates for the Awujale stool, according to rotational custom.

Beyond lineage, K1 highlighted his decades-long service to Ijebuland and Yoruba culture.

“I have devoted over five decades to the promotion of Ijebu, Yoruba, and Nigerian culture through music and cultural enterprise,” Kwam 1 said.

He noted that his music career and public engagements have been instrumental in promoting the identity and heritage of Ijebuland nationally and internationally.

K1’s letter also referenced key honours that underscore his prominence.

“I have devoted over five decades to the promotion of Ijebu, Yoruba, and Nigerian culture through music and cultural enterprise,” Kwam 1 said.

He cited his installation as Mayegun of Yorubaland in 2020, the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger in 2022, and his conferment as Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023 by the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

These titles, according to him, demonstrate recognition of his cultural and civic contributions.

K1’s declaration followed a formal request from the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, signed by the LG Secretary on behalf of the chairman, Oke Adebanjo, for the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to commence the selection process.

“You are hereby requested to submit the name(s) of nominated candidate(s) within 14 days from the date of this letter to the Executive Chairman’s Office through the prescribed traditional procedure,” he said.

The council also outlined a succession ritual, saying, “On Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, the Ogbeni Odi will officially carry the Awujale’s Staff of Office along with the undersigned as the next phase of the succession rite.”

The letter reminded the ruling house to conduct the exercise “peacefully, transparently, and in line with the traditions of Ijebuland.”

Before K1’s entry, the race had already attracted notable candidates, including a 45-year-old prince from the Adeberu lineage of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Olaseni Ottun, and prominent engineer and entrepreneur Otunba Babatunde Alatise.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is expected to submit its nominations within the stipulated 14 days, following the rotational and customary guidelines governing the Awujale stool.(Punch)