Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has failed in his bid to stop the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu Ode refused to grant an interim injunction sought by the 68-year-old. The injunction was aimed at restraining Governor Dapo Abiodun and five others from continuing with the ongoing process to select and install a new Awujale.
Justice A A Omoniyi dismissed the application, ruling that it lacked merit and that there were no sufficient grounds to halt the process at this stage. The court ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit and fixed January 14, 2026, for proceedings to begin.
K1 De Ultimate had filed the suit on December 16, asking the court to restrain the respondents from taking further steps in the selection and installation process pending the determination of his main case. He argued that the nomination process violated provisions of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law and affected his interest as an aspirant.
Those listed as defendants include Governor Abiodun, the chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, the secretary to the local government, the chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, and the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July after more than 60 years on the throne. His death brought the commencement of the process to select a successor, a development that has attracted public attention and competing claims.
K1 De Ultimate had publicly declared interest in the vacant stool, citing lineage from the Jadiara Royal House of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. However, the ruling house rejected his claim, stating that it found no record linking him or his father to the family and described the lineage form he submitted as invalid.
Following the legal challenge, the Ogun State Government announced the suspension and cancellation of the earlier selection exercise, citing procedural lapses. Officials said a fresh process would be conducted in line with the law to avoid further disputes.
Despite the dismissal of the interim application, the substantive case filed by the singer remains before the court as the Awujale selection process continues.
