An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode has dismissed an application filed by Fuji musician, Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, seeking to stop the process for selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ayinde, who is from the Fidipote ruling house, approached the court to challenge the committee handling the succession process over the decision that only the Fusengbuwa ruling house should produce the next Awujale.
In the suit, the musician asked the court to restrain Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, alongside the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, from continuing with the selection process pending the determination of his case.
Other respondents listed in the suit include the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Secretary to the Ijebu-Ode Local Government, and the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council.
Ruling on the application on Monday, Justice A. A. Omoniyi held that the request lacked merit and declined to grant an interim injunction to stop the selection of the new Awujale.
Despite refusing the injunction, the court ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit and fixed January 14, 2026, for the commencement of proceedings.
Ayinde is contesting the succession process on the grounds that it violates the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and infringes on his constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Government has announced the cancellation of the ongoing Awujale selection exercise.
Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that the process would be restarted due to identified procedural issues.
“The government wants to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law regarding the installation of the Awujale” Yusuf said.
