Fuji Icon KWAM 1 Declares Interest in Awujale of Ijebuland Throne

Renowned Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, has formally expressed his intention to contest for the vacant position of Awujale of Ijebuland, citing his royal lineage and decades of cultural contributions.

In a letter dated December 3, 2025, and addressed to the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Agunsebi Quarters, the artist stated that his ambition is rooted in his heritage as a legitimate descendant of the Oba Jadiara lineage.

“Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Olasunkanmi Omogbolahan Anifowoshe, MON, hereby formally notify the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of my intention to be considered for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, subject strictly to the provisions of Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftancy Laws,” the letter read.

Born on March 3, 1957, KWAM 1 emphasised his qualification under established tradition as a bona fide member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters. He highlighted his over five decades of dedication to promoting Ijebu, Yoruba, and Nigerian culture through music and cultural initiatives.

The Fuji legend cited numerous prestigious honours supporting his candidacy, including his 2020 installation as Mayegun of Yorubaland, his 2023 conferment as Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu by the late Awujale, and his 2022 national honour as a Member of the Order of the Niger.

KWAM 1 indicated that the selection process for the next Awujale should be completed “within a matter of weeks.”

Abdul Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, chairman of the ruling house, confirmed receipt of the musician’s letter of interest in a statement released Friday. He assured family members both locally and abroad to remain calm and confident.

“I have, within two hours of receiving the said letter addressed to me and six others, by the Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu, sent him an appropriate response, just like I had quietly done to similar declarations of interest in the recent past,” Owoyemi stated.

He expressed optimism that the sacred selection process would conclude peacefully and joyously, adding, “In Sha Allah, we shall all have cause to rejoice and thank the Almighty God, who alone makes any one King, within a matter of weeks.”