Why I qualify for the Awujale title – K1

Legendary Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, also known as K1 De-Ultimate, has defended his royal lineage and his bid to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

K1 responded to critics during a live performance on Sunday, insisting that it is his right to contest for the vacant throne. He said people only began questioning his background after he publicly declared interest in the position.

The musician also called on the spirit of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, to “reveal the truth” about his lineage. He reminded the audience that the late king personally gave him the title of Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijebu, saying the monarch would never have done so if he was not from a royal family.

K1 said:

“I am from the Fidipotemole in Ijebu-Ode and also from the Fusengbuwa of Ijebu-Ode. If you are questioning my lineage now, we will meet at Popo. If it is because of the kingship I am vying for, it is my right, you can’t shut me up.

“Late Kabiesi Awujale, Oba Adetona, was of sound mind when he made me Olori Omo-Oba. Awujale is not a covetous person. I invoke your spirit to reveal what is hidden. They want to cover up the truth.”

Popo, which he mentioned, is a symbolic part of Ijebu-Ode located close to the Awujale’s palace.

K1 had earlier submitted a formal letter dated December 3, 2025, to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, declaring his intention to contest for the throne. In the letter, he described himself as a “bona fide son” of the ruling house.

He wrote that he traces his ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage — one of the historic branches of the Fusengbuwa family, which traditionally has the right to produce the next Awujale.

However, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has asked K1 to prove his membership of the family. The ruling house directed him to fill a royal lineage data form, which requires all contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations.

The chairman, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only true members of the ruling house will be allowed to participate.

“The form ensures that only genuine princes from the family can contest. It prevents strangers from claiming the throne,” Owoyemi said.

K1, who currently serves as the Olori Omo-Oba of Ijebuland, is expected to complete the verification process before the selection of the next Awujale begins.