The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has formally dismissed the lineage claim of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), declaring the genealogical form he submitted for participation in the Awujale succession process “null, void, and of no consequence.”
In a letter dated 11 December 2025, addressed to the musician, the ruling house stated that its investigations found no evidence linking Ayinde to the Jadiara Royal House or to the wider Fusengbuwa lineage, whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona in July after a historic 65-year reign.
Signed by the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, the statement questioned both the authenticity and the process behind KWAM 1’s documentation. It noted that his lineage form was certified by Adetayo Abayomi Oduneye, described by the ruling house as a “purported family unit head” who is not recognised as a member of the Jadiara Royal House.
The ruling house also challenged the timeline of the certification, observing that the endorsement was dated 8 December, two days before Ayinde signed the form himself on 10 December—an irregularity it described as evidence that the form was “presigned.”
“Our extensive investigation has not revealed any proof of your membership of the Jadiara Royal House or indeed that of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House,” the letter stated, adding that Oduneye had “no locus standi” to certify any lineage documents.
“Consequently, the completed linkage lineage form is hereby declared null, void and of no consequence. For the avoidance of doubt, your claim to the membership of Fusengbuwa Ruling House is rejected,” it concluded.
The rejection comes amid growing scrutiny over Ayinde’s surprise entry into the succession process. Members of the ruling house had earlier in the day publicly disowned him, insisting he is neither known to the family nor entitled to join the contest.
Ayinde was granted an additional five days beyond the official 5 December deadline before submitting his form. His decision raised eyebrows due to his long-established association with the Fidipote Ruling House, under which he holds the title Olori Omooba of Ijebuland.
The form he submitted claimed descent from the Setejoye family unit of the Jadiara Royal House through his father, Adisa Adesanya Anifowoshe, and was countersigned by Oduneye. However, multiple family heads — including those of the Jadiara and Bubiade units — have publicly denied any genealogical connection to the musician.
In response to the controversy, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House convened an emergency meeting on Thursday to address the claims and reaffirm its position.
