The contest for the next Awujale of Ijebuland took a new turn on Thursday as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House formally dismissed the royal ancestry claim of Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM1.
In what it described as a decisive position, the family declared that the linkage form he submitted for the selection process was “null, void, and of no consequence.” This development reinforces the central issue in the Awujale Race: Fusengbuwa Ruling House Rejects KWAM1’s Lineage Claim debate.
In a letter dated December 11, 2025, and addressed to the musician, the ruling house said its findings showed no evidence that Ayinde belongs to the Jadiara Royal House or the broader Fusengbuwa lineage, whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale.
The statement, signed by its chairman, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, faulted the certification of Ayinde’s form, noting that it was endorsed by Adetayo Abayomi Oduneye, whom the family insists is not a recognised member of the Jadiara unit.
The ruling house also questioned the timeline of events, saying the form was certified on December 8, two days before Ayinde personally signed it on December 10, suggesting the document was “presigned.” “Our extensive investigation has not revealed any proof of your membership of the Jadiara Royal House or indeed that of Fusengbuwa Ruling House,” the family wrote.
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It added that Oduneye lacked the authority to sign any lineage documents, stressing that he has “no locus standi” to certify such forms. The house then concluded that Ayinde’s submission holds no validity, stating clearly that his claim to membership of the ruling house has been rejected.
The development comes amid heightened attention on the succession process following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July after a 65-year reign. Earlier on Thursday, some family members publicly distanced the ruling house from Ayinde’s claim, insisting he is not known within their genealogical records.
Ayinde had submitted his lineage form after receiving an additional five days beyond the December 5 deadline. His entry raised concerns, especially given his long-established ties to the Fidipote ruling house, through which he holds the title of Olori Omooba of Ijebuland.
His form claimed descent from the Setejoye family unit of the Jadiara Royal House through his father, Adisa Adesanya Anifowoshe, and was countersigned by Oduneye. But multiple family heads, including those of the Jadiara and Bubiade branches, had earlier denied any connection to the musician, stating that neither he nor his father belongs to their lineages.
Following the controversy, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House convened an emergency meeting to address his submission and reaffirm its stance. Their latest position further deepens the conversation around the Awujale Race: Fusengbuwa Ruling House Rejects KWAM1’s Lineage Claim, which has dominated public discussions in recent days.