The Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode on Monday declined an application by popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1, seeking an interim injunction to halt the selection and installation of the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
Ayinde, who was represented by Wahab Shittu (SAN), had asked the court to restrain Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and five other defendants from proceeding with the process pending the determination of his substantive suit challenging the selection.
However, Justice A. A. Omoniyi dismissed the application, ruling that it lacked merit and failed to disclose sufficient grounds to warrant the grant of an interim injunction. The court subsequently ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive matter and fixed January 14, 2026, for proceedings.
KWAM1 had earlier declared interest in the vacant Awujale stool, claiming descent from the Jadiara Royal House of the larger Fusengbuwa Ruling House. His claim was, however, rejected by the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which insisted that the musician is not a member of the royal lineage.
Following the rejection, Ayinde instituted a suit against the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Governor Abiodun, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and three others, alleging injustice in the selection process.
The other defendants include 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 ex parte suit, marked HC3/238/2025, was filed under relevant provisions of the Ogun State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2024, Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
Ayinde urged the court to restrain the defendants, their agents, or anyone acting on their behalf from taking further steps in the installation process of the next Awujale, arguing that such an order was necessary to protect his interest and preserve the subject matter of the suit.
With the dismissal of the interim application, the court will now focus on the substantive case, which will determine the legitimacy of KWAM1’s claim to the Awujale stool.
