The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has asked Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, KWAM 1, to complete the royal lineage data form before his interest in the Awujale throne can be considered.
Speaking on Saturday, the ruling house chairman and former ICAN president, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only verified members of the family would be cleared to join the succession race.
Ayinde had earlier written a formal letter dated December 3, 2025, announcing his intention to contest for the Awujale stool and identifying himself as a legitimate son of the Fusengbuwa branch of Ijebu royalty.
His letter, which circulated widely on social media on Friday, generated mixed reactions from the public and revived conversations around the royal family’s succession procedures.
According to Owoyemi, the musician has now been asked to follow the same verification process required of all aspirants by filling the standard royal lineage data form issued by the ruling house.
He said the document compels applicants to trace their genealogy back seven generations, a procedure designed to prevent individuals without authentic Fusengbuwa ancestry from entering the contest.
“The initial step for anyone seeking the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage through the royal lineage data form. Once we confirm the person as a true member of the ruling house, the expression of interest stage follows,” he explained.
“We told him, just like every other contender, that his full lineage must be documented—his parents, grandparents and ancestors up to seven generations. When the form is submitted, the appropriate unit head within the ruling house will certify his claim,” he added.
Although the deadline for applications officially closed on December 5, Owoyemi disclosed that KWAM 1 received an additional five days, with the grace period ending on December 10.
He noted that the ruling house aims to protect the throne from impostors while also encouraging capable and influential candidates who can strengthen the Awujale institution.
On the selection timetable, Owoyemi said the local government’s 14-day window for nominations ends on December 18, after which the kingmakers will take seven days to select a single candidate.
“By law, the government then has 21 days for background checks, security clearance and objections before the State Executive Council ratifies the chosen candidate. After that, the governor will officially announce the next Awujale and the coronation rites will begin,” he said.
He projected that the new Awujale of Ijebuland should emerge between the second and third week of January 2026 if the process runs without delays.
