KEY POINTS
-
Kwam 1 formally applies for Awujale succession.
-
He emphasizes royal lineage and cultural contributions.
-
Selection process guided by Fusengbuwa customary rotation.
Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has officially declared his candidacy for the vacant stool of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland. The announcement adds a prominent cultural figure to a succession process closely observed across Yorubaland.
Kwam 1 cites ancestry as qualification
At 67, Kwam 1 brings decades of public influence, national recognition, and political connections, including a long-standing alliance with President Bola Tinubu, to the contest. A letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, formalized his entry, grounding his claim in both 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 read in part.
Kwam 1 highlighted his royal lineage as central to his eligibility. Born on March 3, 1957, he identifies as a bonafide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing his ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage. That historic branch holds the exclusive right to present candidates for the Awujale stool, following the rotational tradition of the ruling house.
Kwam 1 highlights decades of service
Beyond ancestry, Kwam 1 emphasized his lifelong contribution 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,” he wrote, citing a career that has amplified Ijebu identity nationally and internationally.
He also pointed to honours that affirm his cultural and civic stature: his installation as Mayegun of Yorubaland in 2020, the national recognition 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.
According to Punch, Kwam 1’s declaration followed a formal request from the Ijebu-Ode Local Government for the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to begin its selection process. The ruling house has 14 days to submit nominated candidates, and the council outlined the succession ritual, emphasizing that the process should be peaceful, transparent, and consistent with Ijebuland traditions.
Other aspirants have already expressed interest, including a 45-year-old prince from the Adeberu lineage and engineer-entrepreneur Otunba Babatunde Alatise. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House will now submit its nominations, adhering to rotational and customary guidelines that govern the Awujale succession.
