Next Awujale: KWAM1 laments exclusion as Fusengbuwa resumes nomination process 

…writes governor Abiodun 

Fuji music maestro and Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, has expressed concern over perceived moves by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to exclude him from the nomination process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Ayinde alleged that the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which is next in line to produce the next Awujale, has been taken decisions that run contrary to the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State.

In a letter written to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, KWAM 1 who is said to be of the Fidipote Ruling House claimed that the Fusengbuwa house was sidelining him from the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale.

This is coming as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House resumes the nomination process tomorrow, January 12, 2026 in Ijebu Ode, the Headquarters of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State after an initial halt to the process.

Scores of princes were said to have indicated their intentions to succeed the last Awujale, late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors at 91 on July 13, 2025 after 65 years reign on the throne.

KWAM1’s allegations of exclusion were contained in a letter dated January 8, 2026, sent to Governor Abiodun by musician’s lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN.

Earlier, he had approached the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu Ode seeking an interim injunction to restrain Governor Abiodun and six others from proceeding with the selection process but the court declined the request.

The musician eventually withdrew the suit, without providing explanations.

However, in the recent letter to the governor, he recalled that the Ijebu Ode Local Government, had through a letter dated January 6, 2026, from its Secretary, Oke Adebanjo, granted the Fusengbuwa Ruling House the approval to commence the nomination process and conclude it within 14 days starting from January 6.

He said he was surprised to know that while family members were preparing for the meeting, one Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa, the family’s Public Relations Officer, issued a notice directing candidates to collect nomination cards and appear before a screening committee.

KWAM1 noted that the directive scheduled the nomination exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026.

The letter read, “It is a matter of deep concern to our client that all these directives, which contravene the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law, and the letter from the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, were included in the family’s letter dated January 6, 2026.

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“It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members desirous of participating in the nomination of candidates for the Awujale stool.

“We wish to emphasize that all members of the ruling house are entitled to attend the meeting to nominate candidates of their choice.

“A group of people in the ruling house cannot usurp these rights. The directive providing for screening and nomination by delegates is inconsistent with both the spirit and letter of the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

“In the interest of justice and compliance with due process, we urge timely intervention to address these concerns, ensuring the integrity of the process and protecting our client’s rights.”