An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode has dismissed an application filed by Fuji music legend, Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, seeking to stop the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
The court, presided over by Justice A. A. Omoniyi, ruled on Monday that the application lacked merit and consequently refused to grant an interim injunction to halt the succession process.
Ayinde, who is from the Fidipote ruling house, had approached the court to challenge the composition and actions of the committee handling the installation of the next Awujale.
He questioned why the process appeared to favour only the Fusengbuwa ruling house, insisting that such a move was contrary to established tradition and the law.
In the suit marked HC3/238/2025, the Fuji musician listed Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, as principal respondents.
Other respondents 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.
Ayinde had asked the court to restrain the defendants from proceeding with the selection process pending the determination of his substantive suit, which alleges that the succession process violates the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and infringes on his constitutional rights.
While declining the request for an interim injunction, the court ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit and fixed January 14, 2026, for the commencement of proceedings.
Despite the court’s refusal to stop the process, the Ogun State Government subsequently announced the cancellation of the ongoing Awujale selection exercise.
The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed the decision, explaining that it followed the identification of procedural lapses that could trigger further legal challenges.
“The government wants to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law regarding the installation of the Awujale,” Yusuf said.
