A prominent Fuji musician, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Olasunkanmi Omogbolahan Anifowoshe (MON), has officially notified the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of his intention to be considered for the royal stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, which recently became vacant.
In a letter seen by PurpleWorld Media, dated 3rd December 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House at Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde stated:
“I hereby formally notify the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of my intention to be considered for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, subject strictly to the provisions of Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.”
The Fuji maestro-turned-chief revealed he is a bona fide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, born on 3rd March 1957, and traces his lineage to the Oba Jadiara ancestry, one of the qualifying bloodlines for occupants of the revered Awujale throne.
According to him:
“I am a bonafide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing my ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage, which qualifies me to present myself for consideration in accordance with established tradition.”
Highlighting his long-standing service to the Ijebu nation, Yoruba culture, and Nigeria at large, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde emphasized that he has spent over five decades promoting cultural heritage through music and cultural enterprise.
He further noted his numerous recognitions, including:
Mayegun of Yorubaland (2020), National Honour: Member of the Order of the Niger – MON (2022), Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu (2023), conferred by the late Awujale.
In the letter, he further expressed his readiness to serve Ijebuland if chosen, pledging full adherence to tradition and the laws guiding chieftaincy matters in Ogun State.
The contest for the Awujale stool is expected to draw attention both within and outside Ijebuland, given the cultural significance and historical prestige attached to the throne.
The vacancy of the Awujale stool follows the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91. Oba Adetona, widely revered across Nigeria, was one of the nation’s longest-serving traditional rulers, having ascended the throne on April 2, 1960.
Attempts to reach Chief Ayinde Wasiu for comments on the letter were not successful at the time of filing this report.