By Ola Kiya, Reporting
Hon. Justice A. A. Omoniyi of High Court 3, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division, on Monday held that the application for an interim injunction filed by popular musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), seeking to restrain Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and others from proceeding with the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland, lacked merit.
The judge, however, ordered that the substantive suit be heard expeditiously and adjourned the matter to 14 January 2026 for continuation of proceedings.
KWAM 1, the Olori Omo-Oba of Ijebuland from the Fidipote Ruling House, approached the court after the Fusengbuwa Ruling House declared that he was not a bona fide member of the house and was therefore ineligible to contest the stool under its platform.
It will be recalled that on 16 December 2025, Wasiu Ayinde filed the suit, seeking to halt all steps towards the nomination and installation of a new monarch, citing alleged breaches of chieftaincy laws.
He requested an injunction to suspend the process pending the determination of the substantive issues raised in his suit.
The respondents joined in the action include the Ogun State Governor, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, the Chairman of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, and the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
In his application, Ayinde argued that he is a bona fide member of both the Fusengbuwa and Fidipote ruling houses, and that his rights as a prospective candidate were being threatened by what he described as a flawed and unlawful process.
He further alleged that the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council, which he described as an “unrecognised body”, was exerting undue influence over the nomination process in contravention of Ogun State chieftaincy laws.
Central to his claim was the contention that due process had not been followed, particularly the statutory requirement that the Ijebu-Ode Local Government formally publish the names of the 13 recognised kingmakers before the commencement of any selection exercise.
KWAM 1 maintained that the failure to comply with this requirement rendered the entire process susceptible to legal challenge.
The suit arises from the vacancy created by the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona in July, aged 91, after a reign spanning more than six decades.
KWAM 1 had formally expressed interest in the throne earlier in December, a development that generated public debate over his lineage and eligibility.
He contended that the late Awujale would not have conferred on him the title of Olori Omo-Oba if he were not of recognised royal descent.
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