Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has failed in his attempt to stop the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu Ode refused to grant the interim injunction sought by the 68-year-old musician. The injunction was intended to restrain Governor Dapo Abiodun and five other officials from proceeding with the selection and installation of the new Awujale.
Justice A. A. Omoniyi dismissed K1 De Ultimate’s application, ruling that it lacked merit and that there were no sufficient grounds to halt the process at this stage. The court ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit, fixing January 14, 2026, for the commencement of proceedings.
K1 De Ultimate filed suit on December 16, seeking to prevent further steps in the Awujale selection process pending determination of his main case. He argued that the nomination process violated provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and affected his interest as an aspirant.
The defendants in the case include Governor Abiodun, the chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, the secretary to the local government, the chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, and the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July, after more than 60 years on the throne. His passing triggered the commencement of the selection process, which has drawn widespread public attention and has given rise to competing claims.
K1 De Ultimate had publicly expressed interest in the throne, citing lineage from the Jadiara Royal House of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. However, the ruling house rejected his claim, stating that there was no record linking him or his father to the family and that the lineage form he submitted was invalid.
Following his legal challenge, the Ogun State Government announced the suspension and cancellation of the earlier selection exercise, citing procedural lapses, and indicated that a fresh process would be conducted in accordance with the law to prevent further disputes.
Despite the dismissal of his interim application, K1 De Ultimate’s substantive case remains before the court as the process to select the next Awujale continues.
