A fresh controversy has erupted in Ijebuland following claims by Lagos community leader Balogun Eko, who openly questioned Fuji legend K1 De Ultimate over his reported ambition to ascend the Awujale throne.
The senior chief dismissed the musician’s eligibility, insisting that K1 neither hails from Ijebuland nor possesses any verifiable royal ancestry linked to the ancient kingdom.
Lagos Chief Challenges K1’s Royal Lineage
In a video currently circulating widely across social media platforms, Balogun Eko, who serves as the Chief Balogun of the Epetedo Area in Lagos, categorically stated that K1 has no ancestral roots in Ijebu-Ode or any of the ruling houses recognized for the Awujale stool.
According to him, occupying such a revered traditional position requires indisputable lineage, which he claims the Fuji icon lacks. He argued that popularity, wealth, or influence cannot replace bloodline when it comes to traditional rulership.
K1 Declares Interest in the Throne
The public rebuttal follows reports that K1 formally declared interest in the Awujale throne on December 3, 2025.
In his declaration letter, the veteran musician reportedly described himself as a “bonafide son” of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, a statement that immediately sparked intense debate among traditional stakeholders and the wider public.
His declaration has since drawn reactions from both supporters and critics, with many questioning the legitimacy of his ancestral claims.
Royal Family Emphasizes Verification
Abdulateef Owoyemi, chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, has since clarified that interest declarations alone do not qualify anyone for the throne.
He stressed that aspirants are required to complete a mandatory lineage verification process, including submitting detailed documentation tracing their ancestry across at least seven generations for proper screening by traditional authorities.
Alleged Political Involvement
Balogun Eko further alleged that K1 attempted to seek the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing his bid.
According to the Lagos chief, the alleged rejection of this request is partly responsible for lingering tensions, which he linked to the much-discussed ValueJet incident at the Abuja airport involving the Fuji star.
Call for Proof of Ijebu Ties
Reinforcing his stance, Balogun Eko cited family accounts suggesting that K1’s parents lived most of their lives outside Ijebuland.
He challenged the musician to provide concrete evidence of his Ijebu heritage by identifying his father’s burial site within Ijebu territory or presenting at least six verifiable relatives from Ijebu-Ode or surrounding areas.
Speaking passionately in Yoruba, the chief stated: “Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, you are already the undisputed king of Fuji music. You cannot, however, become Awujale. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allegedly told you to drop the ambition. That is why there was anger at the airport incident. People of Ijebu are afraid of your influence and do not know how to tell you plainly that they do not want you as king.
Out of the four ruling lineages entitled to the throne, none recognizes you as a member. My late uncle, who knew your family well, told me that whenever your parents had problems, your mother came to his place before matters escalated. He said your father later followed your mother to Ilepeju Ekiti, where he eventually died and was buried.
So the people of Ijebu are asking you to either point to your father’s burial site in Ijebu or bring forward at least six relatives from Ijebuland. Do not create unrest where peace already exists.”
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