The tussle for the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool has taken a dramatic turn as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has asked popular fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate, to provide concrete proof of his royal lineage before he can be considered for the throne.
In a statement issued by the chairman of the ruling house, Abdulateef Owoyemi, aspirants are required to submit a detailed seven-generation genealogy tracing their descent from the Fusengbuwa royal line. The directive followed Ayinde’s formal expression of interest in the kingship position, in which he claimed descent from the Oba Jadiara branch of the family.
The ruling house emphasised that only bona fide descendants would be screened and forwarded to the kingmakers, stressing that traditional institutions must adhere strictly to established succession rules. The verification exercise has become necessary due to rising public interest and the sensitive nature of the stool.
Responding to the controversy, Wasiu Ayinde defended his heritage, insisting that his paternal and maternal roots are traceable to Ijebu royalty. He noted that his long-standing cultural commitments and traditional titles conferred on him by the late Awujale further confirm his legitimacy.
The ruling house has set a deadline for all interested candidates to submit the required documents, after which eligible contenders will be screened. The final selection process is expected to proceed to the kingmakers and subsequently to the Ogun State Government for ratification.
The development has stirred widespread debate across Ijebuland, with opinions divided over Ayinde’s eligibility and the future of the revered throne.