Fusengbuwa Ruling Family Denies KWAM 1’s Ancestral Claim
Kehinde Adeleye
Nigerian Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, has encountered significant resistance in his pursuit of the Awujale of Ijebuland stool following a formal rejection of his royal lineage by the Fusengbuwa ruling house.
Ayinde had earlier submitted documents asserting his membership of the Jadiara royal family under the Fusengbuwa ruling house as part of his interest in the throne. However, the ruling family swiftly dismissed his claim, stating that internal investigations revealed no ancestral link between the musician and the lineage.
The dispute gained nationwide attention after presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga shared a letter from the Fusengbuwa ruling house on social media, formally rejecting KWAM 1’s claim and dispelling speculation that political influence could affect the succession process.
In a letter dated December 11, the ruling house described Ayinde’s lineage documentation as invalid, highlighting inconsistencies and questioning the authority of the individual who certified the forms. Leaders of the family stressed that Ayinde had never participated in family affairs and was not recognized as a member.
Spokespersons for both the Fusengbuwa and Jadiara ruling houses confirmed to journalists that Ayinde was never issued a nomination form and that the submission window had closed before his claim surfaced. Other families under the Fusengbuwa umbrella also distanced themselves, denying any ancestral connection to the singer.
Despite the official rejection, Ayinde maintains that his ancestry links him to both the Fusengbuwa and Fidipote ruling houses, which he says qualifies him to contest for the Awujale throne. He cited his chieftaincy title, Olori-Omoba Akile Ijebu, conferred by the late Awujale in 2023, as evidence of his royal roots.
With nominations proceeding without his name, KWAM 1’s bid for the throne now faces uncertainty as the race for the next Awujale enters a critical stage.
