The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to select the new Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun State, has instructed popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM 1, to complete the family’s royal lineage data form to confirm his legitimate membership in the ruling house. Abdulateef Owoyemi, chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, told Sunday PUNCH on Saturday that only bona fide members would be allowed to participate in the Awujale selection process. KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, formally declared his interest in the throne. He described himself as a “bona fide son” of the ruling house, asserting that his candidacy complies with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws. The letter went viral on social media, attracting widespread public attention. Owoyemi explained that the Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, like all other aspirants, must first complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. The form, which requires tracing ancestry up to seven generations, ensures that only legitimate princes can contest, preventing “strangers” from claiming the throne. “The first step for anyone interested in the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member, they can then apply for the expression of interest form,” Owoyemi said. He added: “We have told him, just like all other aspirants, that he must declare his lineage by completing the royal lineage data form, detailing his full name, parents, grandparents, and tracing up to seven generations. The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit, who will affirm his bona fide membership before the process can move forward.” Although the official application window closed on December 5, KWAM 1 was granted a five-day extension, expiring on December 10. “We won’t shut anyone out from contesting for the next Awujale, but legitimacy must be established. Every right comes with responsibility, and in a royal family, lineage must be verified through the royal lineage data form. Once received, we will review it carefully and seek clarification if needed,” Owoyemi said, adding that aspirants should be men of influence who will enhance the throne, not merely claim it. The ruling house expects to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026. Owoyemi outlined the process: the local government has 14 days to select candidates (ending December 18), after which the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose a candidate for submission to the governor. The government then has 21 days for background checks, security clearance, and to address objections before the State Executive Council ratifies the nominee, culminating in the governor’s announcement and coronation rites. “Combining candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection periods, we anticipate the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January,” he concluded.
