Fuji music legend Otunba Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has formally declared his intention to contest for the vacant Awujale stool of Ijebuland.
His announcement comes as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House begins the traditional process of nominating candidates to fill the prestigious throne, following the passing of Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON.
In a letter dated 3 December 2025 and addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, Ayinde, a recipient of the national honour Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), stated that his application is guided by Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.
Ayinde emphasized that he was born on 3 March 1957 and is a “bonafide son” of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, tracing his lineage to the Oba Jadiara line, which qualifies him to be considered for the throne.
The Fuji icon highlighted his decades-long career and contributions to promoting Ijebu culture, Yoruba heritage, and Nigerian music. He also recalled being conferred with the chieftaincy titles of Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023 by the late Oba Adetona.
Meanwhile, the Awujale Interregnum Administration Council, through the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo, officially informed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House that it is their turn to present candidates for the vacant throne. The council reiterated that the nomination process must follow the rotational arrangement and traditional succession laws.
The ruling house leadership, including Chairman Otunba Abdul-Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, Deputy Chairman Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman Prof. Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf, has been instructed to submit the names of nominated princes within 14 days. A key succession ritual is scheduled for Tuesday, 2 December 2025, when the Ogbeni Odi will officially carry the Awujale’s Staff of Office, marking the next phase of the succession process.
The council called for a peaceful and transparent nomination exercise, stressing the importance of unity and adherence to tradition in filling the historic stool.
The Awujale of Ijebuland is one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional positions. The late Oba Adetona, who reigned for more than six decades, was revered for his wisdom, leadership, and influence on national issues. His passing left a significant void in Ijebuland and the broader traditional institution.
With K1 De Ultimate officially joining the race, public attention on the succession process is expected to intensify. While other princes from the Fusengbuwa lineage may also declare interest, the final selection will follow the established traditional procedures involving the ruling house, kingmakers, and customary authorities.
As the 14-day nomination period begins, all eyes are on the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to see which candidates will be presented and how the succession process will unfold.
