By Peter Omopo
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has formally disowned Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, declaring that he is not a member of the royal lineage and therefore not eligible to contest for the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool.
In a letter dated December 11, 2025, and addressed to the musician, the ruling house said its verification process found no evidence linking Ayinde to the Jadiara Royal House or the larger Fusengbuwa dynasty, whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale.
The letter, signed by the head of the ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, also faulted the musician’s lineage documentation, stating that his application was endorsed by “a purported family unit head,” Adetayo Abayomi Oduneye, whom the family said is not a recognised member of the Jadiara Royal House.
The statement read in part: “Our extensive investigation has not revealed any proof of your membership of the Jadiara Royal House or, indeed, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.”
It further stated that Oduneye had “no locus standi” to certify any lineage documents, adding that the signed form was null, void, and of no effect.
“For the avoidance of doubt, your claim to membership in the Fusengbuwa Ruling House is rejected, and the completed form is of no consequence,” the ruling house declared.
KWAM 1 fires back
Earlier, TVC reported that KWAM 1 had responded to critics questioning his lineage and interest in ascending the Awujale throne.
Performing on stage at an event on Sunday, the Fuji star insisted he had every right to vie for the royal position.
Kwam 1 also invoked the spirit of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, asking for divine intervention amid growing controversy over his eligibility.
He cited several honours and chieftaincy titles as proof of his longstanding ties to Ijebuland, including:
- His installation as Mayegun of Yorubaland in 2020 by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi;
- The national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari;
- His conferment as Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023 by the late Awujale.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, prompting intense interest and debate over succession within the Ijebu royal families.
