A High Court of Ogun State sitting in Ijebu-Ode has refused to stop the ongoing process for selecting and installing the next Awujale of Ijebuland. The court declined an interim injunction sought by popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM1.
The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice A. A. Omoniyi. The judge held that the request for an interim injunction did not have enough merit and failed to show strong reasons for the court to grant it. As a result, the court allowed the Awujale selection process to continue.
KWAM1 had approached the court to stop Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and five other respondents from taking further steps in the process of selecting and installing a new Awujale. He asked the court to halt the process pending the hearing and determination of his main lawsuit.
The musician was represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wahab Shittu. In the application, KWAM1 argued that stopping the process was necessary to protect his interest and prevent what he described as injustice in the selection exercise.
However, Justice Omoniyi dismissed the application. He ruled that the interim injunction lacked substance and that the court was not convinced that the situation required urgent intervention at that stage. The judge also ordered that the main case should be heard quickly to allow all parties to present their arguments fully.
Following the ruling, the court fixed 14 January 2026 for the hearing of the substantive suit. This means that while the selection process can continue, the final outcome of KWAM1’s challenge will be decided later.
KWAM1’s interest in the Awujale stool became public after the throne became vacant. He claimed that he is qualified to contest for the position based on his lineage. According to him, he is from the Jadiara Royal House, which is part of the wider Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebuland.
However, leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House rejected his claim. They stated that KWAM1 is not a member of the royal family and therefore not eligible to be considered for the Awujale stool. This disagreement forms the core of the legal battle now before the court.
Feeling unfairly treated, KWAM1 decided to seek legal redress. He filed a suit against the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and several officials involved in the chieftaincy process. The case is marked HC3/238/2025.
Other respondents in the suit include the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat; the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Oke Adebanjo; and the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, Dr Olorogun Sunny Kuku.
The suit was filed ex parte, meaning it was brought before the court by KWAM1 without the other parties being present at that stage. It was based on provisions of the Ogun State High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2024, Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees fair hearing, and the court’s inherent powers.
In his application, dated 16 December 2025, KWAM1 urged the court to restrain all the respondents, their agents, or anyone acting on their behalf from continuing with the installation process of the next Awujale. He said this was necessary to preserve the subject of the dispute until the court decides the main case.
He described himself as an aspirant to the Awujale stool and insisted that the injunction was needed to secure his interest. According to him, allowing the process to continue could render his case useless if a new Awujale is installed before the court gives its final judgment.
Despite these arguments, the court was not persuaded. By refusing the interim injunction, the judge made it clear that the court prefers to hear the full case before making any decision that could stop a major traditional process in Ijebuland.
The Awujale of Ijebuland is one of the most respected traditional rulers in Yorubaland. The stool carries deep historical, cultural, and political importance. For centuries, the Awujale has played a key role in preserving the customs of the Ijebu people and representing their interests.
In Ogun State, traditional institutions are guided by established customs and chieftaincy laws. Ruling houses are usually rotated according to tradition, and claims to royal lineage are carefully examined by kingmakers and relevant government authorities.
Because of this, disputes over traditional stools are not new in Nigeria. Such cases often end up in court, especially when there are disagreements over lineage, procedure, or interpretation of customary laws.
KWAM1 is one of Nigeria’s most famous Fuji musicians, with a career spanning several decades. His entry into the race for the Awujale stool attracted wide public attention, not only because of his fame but also because of the importance of the position he seeks.
The court’s decision has now shifted attention to the main case, which will be heard in January 2026. At that hearing, the court is expected to examine the claims of both sides, including whether KWAM1 truly belongs to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and whether the selection process followed due process.
Until then, the Awujale selection process is expected to continue under the supervision of the appropriate traditional and government bodies. Many residents of Ijebuland and observers across Ogun State will be watching closely as events unfold.