An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode has declined a request by popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1, to halt the ongoing process for the selection and installation of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice A. A. Omoniyi, who refused to grant an interim injunction sought by the musician against Governor Dapo Abiodun and five other respondents.
KWAM1, through his counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), had asked the court to restrain the respondents from taking further steps in the Awujale selection process pending the determination of his substantive suit.
In his decision, Justice Omoniyi held that the application for interim injunction lacked merit, adding that no compelling grounds were presented to justify the order. He consequently dismissed the application.
The judge, however, ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit and fixed January 14, 2026, for further proceedings.
Ayinde had earlier declared interest in the vacant Awujale stool, claiming that he is from the Jadiara Royal House within the larger Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
His claim was rejected by the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which insisted that the musician is not a member of the royal family eligible to contest the stool.
Following the rejection, KWAM1 approached the court to challenge the selection process, naming the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Governor Abiodun, and the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, as defendants.
Other respondents in the suit 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 suit, marked HC3/238/2025, was filed ex parte and based on relevant provisions of the Ogun State High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2024, Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, and the inherent powers of the court.
Ayinde urged the court to stop all actions relating to the installation of a new Awujale, arguing that the order was necessary to protect his interest and prevent the matter from being altered before the court’s final decision.
With the refusal of the interim injunction, the Awujale selection process is expected to continue, while the court prepares to hear the substantive case in January 2026.
