Popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM 1, has faced a significant setback in his bid for the Awujale of Ijebuland throne after the Fusengbuwa ruling house formally rejected his claim to royal lineage. This ruling house, which is next in line to produce the next Awujale, dismissed Ayinde’s assertion of belonging to the Jadiara royal family, a branch within the Fusengbuwa lineage.

In a letter of intent dated December 3, along with a lineage data form submitted by the musician, Ayinde claimed royal ancestry through the Jadiara family. However, the family publicly disowned him, asserting that he had no ancestral connection to their lineage.

The rejection gained more attention on Thursday when Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared a letter from the Fusengbuwa ruling house on social media. His post, which sparked considerable public reaction, indicated that Ayinde is well-known as a close ally of President Bola Tinubu. This has led to speculation that political influence might assist his bid, yet Onanuga's public stance seems to suggest that there will be no presidential intervention.

In a letter addressed to Ayinde on December 11, 2025, the Fusengbuwa ruling house firmly stated that its investigations found no evidence linking him to either the Jadiara royal family or the broader Fusengbuwa lineage. This letter was signed by the leadership of the ruling house, including Chairman Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, Deputy Chairman Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, and Vice Chairman Prof. Fassy Yusuf.

The family also questioned the authenticity of the certification attached to Ayinde’s lineage form. They claimed that the form was endorsed by Adetayo Oduneye, identified as a “purported family unit head,” who is neither a recognized member of the Jadiara royal family nor authorized to certify lineage documents.

Further inconsistencies were noted in the submission timeline, as the form was allegedly certified on December 8, just two days before Ayinde signed it on December 10. Citing these discrepancies, the ruling house deemed the documentation invalid.

With this rejection, KWAM 1’s ambitions to ascend to the Awujale throne appear effectively extinguished, as royal succession in Ijebuland is strictly governed by lineage and traditional processes.