By Peter Dansu The race for the vacant Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland has taken an unexpected and dramatic turn as Fuji music ic...
By Peter Dansu
The race for the vacant Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland has taken an unexpected and dramatic turn as Fuji music icon and close ally of President Bola Tinubu, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has officially joined the contest for the revered throne.
At 67, K1 steps into the succession race with a blend of cultural influence, national prominence, and deep political connections, making his entry one of the most talked-about developments in the ongoing process closely monitored across Yorubaland.
His intention became public through a letter dated December 3, 2025, now circulating widely. In the letter addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, K1 noted that his decision to contest is rooted in the provisions of Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.
He wrote, “I, 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 Chieftaincy Laws.”
K1 strongly emphasised his royal heritage as a key foundation for his aspiration. He explained that he is a bona fide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing his ancestry to the historic Oba Jadiara lineage, which traditionally holds the right to present candidates for the Awujale stool.
He further highlighted his decades of service to Ijebuland and Yoruba culture, saying he has spent more than fifty years promoting Ijebu, Yoruba, and Nigerian cultural identity through music and cultural engagements. His contributions, he noted, have helped project Ijebu heritage on national and global stages.
K1 also pointed to his honours and titles as testament to his long-standing contributions. These include his installation as the Mayegun of Yorubaland in 2020, the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger in 2022, and his recognition as Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023, conferred by the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
His declaration followed a letter from the Ijebu-Ode Local Government requesting the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to begin the selection process. The council directed the ruling house to submit the names of nominated candidates within 14 days and reminded them to follow established traditions and ensure transparency.
The letter also outlined the next stage of the succession rites, noting that the Ogbeni Odi will officially carry the Awujale’s Staff of Office on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as part of the continuing process.
Before K1 joined the race, the contest had already attracted strong contenders, including 45-year-old Prince Olaseni Ottun of the Adeberu lineage and renowned engineer and businessman, Otunba Babatunde Alatise.
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is now expected to submit its nominations within the stipulated period as the selection process for the next Awujale continues to unfold.
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