The succession process for one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional stools has taken an unexpected turn as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, has formally rejected the lineage claim submitted by legendary Fuji musician Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Adewale, popularly known as KWAM 1. According to the ruling house, the document he submitted to assert his ancestral link to the royal lineage is considered invalid after internal review.

Sources within the Fusengbuwa family confirmed that the musician had completed and submitted the required linkage form, a document traditionally used by royal families to verify bloodlines during succession processes. However, after scrutiny by family elders and historians, the ruling house announced that his claim does not align with their verified genealogy.

The statement issued by representatives of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House noted that while KWAM 1 has strong cultural ties to Ijebu land and is widely respected as the Mayegun of Yorubaland, the position of Awujale of Ijebuland is strictly hereditary and must follow established protocols. They added that no record in their generational lineage points to him or his ancestors being part of the royal bloodline that can produce an Awujale.

Their announcement immediately sparked reactions across social media, especially among fans of the Fuji star who were surprised that he had submitted an application in the first place. Many expressed curiosity about what motivated him to make a formal claim, while others argued that his cultural influence and long-standing relationship with Ijebu royal traditions may have inspired his interest.

Background and Public Reaction

This development comes at a sensitive time as discussions around the future of the Awujale throne continue to gain attention following increased public interest in traditional leadership structures across the South West. The Awujale title is one of the most respected monarchal positions in Yoruba land, and the process for determining eligible successors is handled with strict adherence to family lineage, historical documents and cultural procedures.

KWAM 1 has long been associated with Ijebu traditions and has a close relationship with the royal family. His title as Mayegun of Yorubaland, conferred by the late Alaafin of Oyo, further elevated his cultural stature. However, the ruling house insisted that traditional qualifications cannot be influenced by public acclaim or social reputation.

The announcement from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has led to mixed reactions. While some social media users expressed disappointment on behalf of the entertainer, others praised the ruling house for maintaining clarity and adherence to ancestral documentation. Several commenters pointed out that lineage verification has become more scrutinised in recent years as more people express interest in traditional titles due to their prestige and cultural importance.

On local forums in Ijebu-Ode, community members discussed the importance of preserving the authenticity of the ruling houses. Elders emphasised that the throne of the Awujale must remain within its rightful hereditary structure to avoid political or cultural complications in the future.

Although KWAM 1 has not made any public statement about the situation, many fans expect him to address it soon, especially given the scale of online conversations around his rejected claim. For now, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House says its position remains firm and that only candidates whose ancestry is traceable to their royal bloodline will be considered.