KWAM 1 Withdraws From Awujale Race
Popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, has officially withdrawn from the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland, bringing an end to his legal challenge against the ongoing selection for the revered throne.
KWAM 1’s decision was made public on Monday, December 22, 2025, when his legal team, led by Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, filed a notice of discontinuation at the Ogun State High Court.
The move effectively closed a case that had attracted widespread attention and stirred debate within Ijebu traditional circles.
The withdrawal came after Hon. Justice A. A. Omoniyi of High Court 3, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division, dismissed KWAM 1’s application for an interim injunction.
The musician had sought to restrain the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, and other parties from continuing with the selection process for the new Awujale until the suit was determined.
Justice Omoniyi ruled that the application lacked merit, although he allowed the substantive case to proceed, fixing January 14, 2026, for further hearing.
Despite this, KWAM 1 opted to discontinue the suit, ending his bid for the throne through legal channels.
The Fuji icon, who holds the traditional title of Olori Omooba of Ijebuland and comes from the Fidipote Ruling House, had approached the court after the Fusengbuwa Ruling House declared him ineligible to contest.
The ruling house argued that KWAM 1 was not a bona fide member and could not vie for the Awujale stool under its platform.
KWAM 1’s withdrawal marks the close of a chapter that had generated controversy, given his prominence as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians and his standing in Ijebu cultural life.
The Awujale of Ijebuland remains one of Yorubaland’s most influential traditional rulers, and the selection of a new monarch continues to attract keen attention within and beyond Ogun State.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
