An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode has dismissed an application filed by Fuji musician, Otunba Wasiu Olasunkanmi Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, seeking to stop the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Ayinde, a member of the Fidipote ruling house, had approached the court to challenge the composition and actions of the committee overseeing the succession process, questioning why the Fusengbuwa ruling house was positioned to produce the next Awujale.
In the suit, he sought an interim injunction restraining the Ogun State Government and other parties from proceeding with the selection pending the determination of his substantive case.
The respondents include Governor Dapo Abiodun, the chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, the executive chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the secretary to the local government and the chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council.
Ruling on the application on Monday, Justice A. A. Omoniyi held that the request lacked merit and declined to grant an interim order stopping the process.
Although the injunction was refused, the court ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit and fixed January 14, 2026, for the commencement of proceedings.
Ayinde’s suit alleges that the Awujale succession process contravenes the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and infringes on his constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has suspended the ongoing selection process.
The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed that the government decided to restart the process, citing procedural lapses that could trigger further legal challenges.
According to Yusuf, the decision was taken to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law governing the installation of the Awujale of Ijebuland.
