Fuji music legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal—widely known as K1 De Ultimate—has defended his decision to contest for the vacant throne of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, insisting that his royal lineage is unquestionable and his ambition legitimate.
The stool became vacant following the passing of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, one of Nigeria’s most respected monarchs. Since then, the succession race has intensified, drawing multiple contenders from the eligible ruling houses of Ijebuland.
Last week, K1 formally declared his intention to vie for the throne, a move that stirred intense public debate. Before his declaration, the race had already attracted notable aspirants including 45-year-old Prince Olaseni Ottun from the Adeberu lineage of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, and seasoned engineer-entrepreneur, Otunba Babatunde Alatise.
Benin Coup Collapses After Nigeria Steps In — What Really Happened
In a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, the celebrated Fuji icon detailed his genealogical ties to the Oba Jadiara lineage, affirming that he is a bona fide son of the ruling house and therefore fully qualified to contest.
“I hereby formally notify the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of my intention to be considered for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland,” he wrote. “I am a bona fide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing my ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage, which qualifies me in accordance with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.”
He also highlighted his decades-long contribution to promoting Ijebu, Yoruba, and Nigerian culture through music and cultural enterprise.
Reacting in a now-viral video on his YouTube page, K1 addressed those questioning his royal heritage and eligibility.
“Those who gave birth to me know me, and I know them,” he said. “I’m from a royal lineage. I’m from the Fidipote ruling house, and I’m also from the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode. Anyone who wants to question me—we’ll meet on the field.”
K1 argued that if he had no royal blood, the late Awujale would not have bestowed upon him two prestigious chieftaincy titles in 2023: Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu.
“Before the late Awujale passed on, he was sound, intelligent and thorough. If I’m not from a royal lineage, he would never have installed me as Olori Omo-Oba,” he said. “From both my paternal and maternal sides, my grandfathers were kings. I have a right to the Awujale stool.”
Cosmetic economic growth not lifting Nigerians out of poverty, expert tells Tinubu
Appealing for unity, K1 urged Ijebu sons and daughters to avoid turning the succession process into a battleground.
“The matter at hand does not call for fights,” he said. “When a good thing is about to happen to someone, controversy often comes first. God will reveal the truth to us all.”
He emphasized that regardless of who emerges as the next Awujale, all princes share a common responsibility to protect the heritage and development of Ijebuland.
“We are all from royal lineage. There are many princes. Whoever God chooses, we will all support,” he added.
K1 closed his remarks with a reflective note, tracing pivotal moments of his life to two influential figures both named Sikiru.
“The story of my life is tied to two Sikirus,” he said. “One gave me opportunity in Fuji music—people were angry then, but it didn’t change anything. The second Sikiru, the late Awujale, honoured me with two significant titles.”
He announced that the video would be his final public comment on the matter, reiterating his respect for tradition and his commitment to peace.
