An Ogun State High Court in Ijebu-Ode has dismissed an application by Fuji musician Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, seeking to stop the selection of the next Awujale.
Ayinde, from the Fidipote ruling house, had filed the suit to challenge why only the Fusengbuwa ruling house was eligible to produce the new Awujale. The suit named Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, as respondents. Other parties listed include 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.
Justice A. A. Omoniyi ruled that KWAM 1’s application lacked merit and denied his request for an interim injunction to halt the selection process. The court, however, ordered an accelerated hearing of the case, set to begin on January 14, 2026.
Ayinde’s lawsuit contends that the current succession process breaches the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and violates his constitutional rights.
Following the legal challenge, the state government temporarily suspended the ongoing Awujale selection process. Prof. Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, said the suspension was necessary to correct procedural errors and ensure full compliance with the Obas and Chiefs Law in installing the new Awujale.
