Fuji maestro Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has formally declared his intention to contest for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Gatekeepers News reports that his declaration comes as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House begins the traditional process of nominating candidates to succeed the late Awujale, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, who passed after more than six decades on the throne.
In a letter dated December 3, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, Ayinde—who holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON)—said his interest is rooted in both Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.
Ayinde stated that he was born on March 3, 1957, and is a “bonafide son” of the ruling house, tracing his ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage. According to him, this lineage qualifies him for consideration under established tradition.
Widely celebrated for his decades of musical influence and cultural advocacy, the Fuji icon highlighted his contributions to the development of Ijebuland, Yorubaland and Nigeria. He also recalled that the late Awujale conferred on him the titles of Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023, in recognition of his role in promoting Ijebu culture and heritage.
His declaration comes as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has been formally notified to begin the nomination process.
In a separate letter to the head of the ruling house, the Awujale Interregnum Administration Council, through the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Oke Abiodun Adebanjo, confirmed that it is officially the turn of the Fusengbuwa lineage to present candidates. The letter reaffirmed that the succession must follow the rotational arrangement and traditional laws guiding the throne.
Leaders of the ruling house—including Chairman Otunba Abdul-Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, Deputy Chairman Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman Prof. Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf—were directed to commence the nomination of qualified princes without delay. They were given 14 days to submit the names of nominated candidates to the Executive Chairman’s office.
According to the council, one of the key rites in the transition process will take place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, when the Ogbeni Odi will officially carry the Awujale’s Staff of Office, signalling the start of the next phase of succession.
The council appealed for a peaceful and transparent selection, stressing that the historic stool must be approached with unity and respect for tradition.
The Awujale throne—one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional institutions—carries immense cultural significance across the country. The passing of Oba Adetona, renowned for his wisdom and outspoken leadership, has left a major void in Ijebuland and beyond.
With K1’s formal entry, public interest in the succession process is expected to surge, although more princes from the Fusengbuwa lineage are likely to join the contest. Ultimately, the decision will rest on the ruling house, kingmakers and other customary structures.
As the 14-day window opens, attention now turns to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to see which candidates will emerge and how the traditional process will move forward in the coming weeks.
