Fuji legend, K1 enters contest for Awujale of Ijebuland throne

The competition for the vacant Awujale and Paramount Ruler position of Ijebuland has taken a surprising twist, as Fuji music icon and close associate of President Bola Tinubu, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, famously known as K1 De Ultimate, has officially declared his candidacy for the prestigious throne.

At the age of 67, K1 enters the race with a unique combination of cultural authority, national recognition, and extensive political ties, marking his participation as one of the most significant events in the ongoing selection process being closely followed throughout Yorubaland.

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His candidacy was made public through a letter dated December 3, 2025, which is now widely disseminated. Addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, K1 expressed that his decision to run is grounded in Ijebu customary law and Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In his letter, he stated, “I, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Olasunkanmi Omogbolahan Anifowoshe, MON, hereby formally notify the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of my intention to be considered for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, subject strictly to the provisions of Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.”

K1 placed significant emphasis on his royal lineage as a fundamental aspect of his ambition, identifying himself as a legitimate son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters and tracing his heritage to the historic Oba Jadiara lineage, which holds the traditional right to nominate candidates for the Awujale seat.

He also underscored his long-standing dedication to Ijebuland and Yoruba culture, noting that he has spent over five decades promoting the cultural identity of Ijebu, Yoruba, and Nigeria through his music and cultural initiatives. He believes his efforts have elevated Ijebu heritage on both national and international platforms.

K1 referenced several honors and titles he has received as evidence of his contributions, including being named Mayegun of Yorubaland in 2020, receiving the national honor of Member of the Order of the Niger in 2022, and being recognized as Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023 by the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

His announcement followed a letter from the Ijebu-Ode Local Government requesting the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to initiate the nomination process. The council instructed the ruling house to submit the names of nominated candidates within 14 days and emphasized adherence to established traditions and transparency.

The letter also detailed the next phase of the succession rites, indicating that the Ogbeni Odi will officially take possession of the Awujale’s Staff of Office on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as part of the ongoing proceedings.

Prior to K1’s entry, the race featured strong contenders, including 45-year-old Prince Olaseni Ottun from the Adeberu lineage and esteemed engineer and businessman Otunba Babatunde Alatise.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House is now expected to present its nominations within the timeframe as the process for selecting the next Awujale continues to progress.