Tag: Awujale of Ijebuland

Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has defended his royal heritage and dismissed criticisms over his bid to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland. Speaking during a stage performance on Sunday, K1 insisted that pursuing the vacant throne is his rightful claim. A video of the performance, now viral and reviewed by Tribune Online, shows the musician invoking the spirit of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, urging him to clarify the controversy surrounding his ancestry. K1 said debates about his lineage intensified after he announced his intention to contest for the highly respected stool. He referenced titles previously conferred on him by the late monarch, including Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijebu, a designation for leaders among Ijebuland princes, stressing that Oba Adetona was fair and not covetous, and that the honours were genuinely earned. He stated, “I am from the fidipotemole in Ijebu Ode, and also from the Fusegbunwa of Ijebu-Ode. If my lineage is being questioned now, we will meet at Popo. If it is about the kingship I am contesting for, it is my right; no one can silence me. “Late Kabiesi Awujale, Oba Adetona, was of sound mind when he gave me the title of Olori Omo-Oba. If I were not of royal blood, it wouldn’t have been possible. Awujale is not covetous; I therefore call on your spirit to reveal the truth to the people, as some are trying to hide it.” Popo, which K1 referenced, is a historic site near the Awujale’s palace in Ijebu-Ode, closely linked to the kingdom’s founding families.

Fuji music icon Otunba Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has formally declared his intention to vie for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland. The announcement comes as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House begins the traditional process of presenting candidates to fill the prestigious position, 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, who holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), stated that his candidacy is guided strictly by Ijebu customary law and Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws. He emphasized that he was born on 3 March 1957 and is a “bonafide son” of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, tracing his ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage—a qualification that makes him eligible for consideration. The Fuji maestro highlighted his decades-long music career and contributions to promoting Ijebu culture, Yorubaland, and Nigerian heritage. 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. Separately, the Awujale Interregnum Administration Council, through the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo, formally notified the Fusengbuwa Ruling House that it is their turn to nominate candidates for the throne. The council stressed that the 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 asked to submit nominated candidates within 14 days. An important ritual is scheduled for Tuesday, 2 December 2025, when the Ogbeni Odi will officially carry the Awujale’s Staff of Office, marking the start of the next phase in the succession process. The council called for a peaceful and transparent exercise, emphasizing unity and respect for tradition in filling the historic stool. The Awujale of Ijebuland is one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional positions. The late Oba Adetona, who ruled for over six decades, was celebrated for his wisdom, leadership, and influence on national affairs. His passing has created a significant vacuum in Ijebuland and the wider traditional institution. With K1 De Ultimate officially in the race, public interest in the succession process is expected to rise. While other princes from the Fusengbuwa lineage may also declare interest, the final decision will follow the traditional selection procedures involving the ruling house, kingmakers, and customary structures. As the 14-day nomination period begins, attention now turns to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to see which candidates will be presented and how the succession will unfold.