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The Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house in Ijebu-Ode, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, who is also a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, has confirmed that Fuji music legend Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1, has submitted the official Fusengbuwa lineage data form required for anyone aspiring to the Awujale throne.
Owoyemi disclosed in an exclusive interview with PUNCH on Wednesday that the ruling family has scheduled an emergency meeting for Thursday at Ile Nla, the Fusengbuwa ancestral home, to review KWAM1’s bid for the highly respected kingship.
The Awujale stool became vacant in July after the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died at 91. Owoyemi explained that submitting the lineage form is a key step in the selection process, as it verifies a contender’s membership in the ruling house.
“The essence of filling the royal lineage data form, where contenders trace their genealogy back seven generations to establish their membership in the Fusengbuwa ruling house, is to prevent outsiders from claiming the throne,” he said.
He further explained that once a candidate’s lineage is confirmed, they can proceed to collect the expression of interest form to officially declare their intention to contest. Although the official deadline for form submission closed on December 5, KWAM1 was granted an extension of five days, which ended on December 10.
“Yes, he has sent someone to submit his form, and the family will meet on Thursday to discuss the nomination issues,” Owoyemi added.
Documents circulating online indicate that KWAM1 traces his ancestry to the Setejoye family unit of the Jadiara ruling house through his father, Adisa Adesanya Anifowoshe. The form bears the endorsement of Omooba Adetayo Oduneye, head of the Setejoye unit.
Although KWAM1 is traditionally linked to the Fidipote ruling house—through which he holds the title Olori Omooba of Ijebu land—he is seeking the throne through the Jadiara unit of Fusengbuwa. This move has sparked debate among members of the royal community.
The Awujale throne rotates among four ruling houses, and Fusengbuwa is currently entitled to present the next occupant. KWAM1 insists that his roots in both Fidipote and Fusengbuwa make him eligible to vie for the throne.
However, his claim has been challenged by some family heads. Otunba Akinola Odedina, Chairman of the Jadiara ruling house, dismissed KWAM1’s assertion in a letter circulating online. “I can say categorically that Wasiu has no genealogical lineage to Jadiara Royal House. The Chairman of Fusengbuwa Ruling House may have given him a nomination form, expecting him to authenticate his roots. We have waited for him to present his documents to prove his linkage to Jadiara Royal House. He is yet to show up,” Odedina stated.
Similarly, Alhaji O. B. Yusuf, Chairman of the Bubiade royal family, clarified that neither KWAM1 nor his father belongs to their lineage. “I want the public to know that we don’t have any Anifowose from our family. We have waited for him to present his documents to prove his lineage, but he is yet to show up. As the head of the Bubiade Royal Family unit, I think it is necessary to release this information because of circulating rumours suggesting that I signed Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Anifowose’s family membership form,” Yusuf said.
The emergency meeting scheduled by the Fusengbuwa ruling house is expected to examine KWAM1’s documentation and determine his eligibility to contest for the Awujale throne. Observers expect the discussions to address questions about lineage verification and adherence to the traditions of the Ijebu royal institution.
The outcome of the meeting will likely influence not only KWAM1’s candidacy but also set a reference for future aspirants navigating the delicate balance of heritage, documentation, and eligibility within the Awujale succession process.
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