Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De-Ultimate, has fired back at critics questioning his royal heritage and his ambition to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland.
The musician openly addressed the controversy during a live performance on Sunday, insisting that it is within his rightful lineage to vie for the revered throne.
K1 invoked the spirit of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, asking the departed monarch to reveal the truth behind his royal claim. He noted that doubts over his ancestry began to surface only after he publicly declared interest in the vacant stool.
Citing his past titles especially Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijebu, a prestigious title given to him by the late king K1 argued that Oba Adetona would never have bestowed such honour on anyone outside the royal bloodline.
He stated:
“I am from Fidipote Mole in Ijebu-Ode, and also from the Fusegbunwa lineage. If anyone wants to question my ancestry because of the throne, we will meet at Popo. This kingship is my right and no one can silence me.”
“Popo,” as referenced by K1, is a historical area near the Awujale’s palace, symbolic in Ijebu tradition and closely tied to royal heritage.
The 67-year-old singer had earlier declared his intention to contest for the Awujale throne, arguing that his cultural influence, national credibility and strong political connections would benefit Ijebuland. His declaration was backed by a widely circulated letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.
In the letter, K1 formally notified the ruling house of his interest, stressing that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.
He also reiterated his genealogy, claiming direct descent from the Oba Jadiara lineage, a historic branch of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House traditionally eligible to produce an Awujale.
Despite K1’s confidence, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has demanded concrete proof of his royal roots. The family instructed him to fill out the official royal lineage data form, which requires aspirants to trace their genealogy across seven generations.
The chairman of the ruling house, Abdulateef Owoyemi, emphasized that only authentic members of the family would be permitted to participate in the succession process.
He stressed that the lineage form is designed to prevent impostors from attempting to claim the throne.
K1, who currently holds the title of Olori Omo-Oba of Ijebuland, maintained in his letter that he is a “bona fide son” of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. He affirmed that his ancestry, traced through the Agunsebi Quarters and rooted in the Jadiara dynasty, fully qualifies him under established tradition.
Owoyemi, however, reiterated that the verification process applies to all contenders including K1 and must be followed rigorously to ensure transparency, fairness, and historical accuracy.
As the succession battle continues to gain national attention, K1’s royal claim remains under scrutiny, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched traditional throne contests in Yorubaland.
