KWAM 1 Ends Awujale Throne Bid, Withdraws Suit

Fuji music icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, known as KWAM 1, has withdrawn his High Court suit challenging the selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebuland. The notice of discontinuation, filed on December 22, 2025, by his legal team led by Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), follows the court’s rejection of his interim injunction request.​

Court Rejects Injunction

Justice A.A. Omoniyi of the High Court in Ijebu-Ode ruled that KWAM 1’s ex parte application for an interim order lacked merit, citing procedural flaws under Order 39 Rule 2 of the court’s rules and the absence of a motion on notice or undertaking as to damages.​ The judge referenced Supreme Court precedents like Seven-Up v. Abiola, emphasizing that interim injunctions preserve issues pending substantive suits but require strict compliance.​ Despite the dismissal, the court ordered service of the originating summons and fixed January 14, 2026, for an expedited hearing—though the discontinuation now halts further action.​

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Background to the Dispute

KWAM 1, titled Olori Omooba of Ijebuland and claiming ties to both Fidipote and Fusengbuwa ruling houses, filed the suit (No. C3/238/2025) on December 16 against Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Fusengbuwa chairman Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, and others.​ He alleged wrongful disqualification by Fusengbuwa, which deemed him ineligible after failing to verify his membership via family lineage records, violating the 2021 Ogun Chieftaincy Law and his rights under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.​ The process had already faced setbacks: Ogun State canceled an earlier selection on December 17 due to procedural errors, giving Fusengbuwa 14 days to restart but suspending screenings amid rival claims from Fidipote.​

Implications for Selection

The withdrawal clears immediate legal hurdles, allowing the Awujale succession—governed by rotation among four ruling houses per the 1959 declaration—to potentially resume without KWAM 1’s involvement.​ Fusengbuwa insists only patrilineal male princes qualify, dismissing maternal links, while state officials emphasize adherence to law to avoid litigation.​ No new timeline for screening aspirants (initially over 60) has emerged post-discontinuation.​