Court Rejects KWAM1’s Bid to Halt Awujale Selection Process in Ogun

The Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode on Monday declined to grant an interim injunction sought by popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM1, aimed at stopping the selection and installation of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Ayinde, who was represented by Wahab Shittu, SAN, had approached the court to restrain Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and five other respondents from proceeding with the process, pending the determination of his substantive suit challenging the selection procedure.

However, in his ruling, Justice A. A. Omoniyi dismissed the application, describing it as lacking merit and noting that no compelling grounds were presented to warrant the grant of an interim injunction. The court subsequently ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive matter and fixed January 14, 2026, for proceedings.

The Fuji star had earlier declared interest in the vacant Awujale stool, claiming lineage from the Jadiara Royal House within the broader Fusengbuwa Ruling House. His claim was, however, rejected by the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which insisted that he is not a member of the royal lineage.

In response, Ayinde instituted a suit against the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Governor Abiodun, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and three other officials. The additional respondents include the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat; the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo; and the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, Dr Olorogun Sunny Kuku.

The ex parte suit, marked HC3/238/2025, was filed pursuant to relevant provisions of the High Court of Ogun State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2024, Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction. A copy of the court document dated December 16, 2025, was obtained by Reportnaija.

Ayinde had urged the court to restrain the respondents and their agents from taking any further steps in the Awujale selection and installation process, arguing that such an order was necessary to protect his interest and preserve the subject matter of the dispute.

With the interim injunction refused, attention now shifts to the substantive hearing scheduled for January 14, 2026, which will determine the outcome of KWAM1’s challenge to the Awujale succession process.