Ever since The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi bestowed on Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall KWAM 1, the highly coveted title as the Maiyegun of Yoruba Land, there has been some controversy surrounding the choice of KWAM 1 as the choice to the title. Some averred that; Kwam 1 does not fit such title claiming his alleged ‘Haughtiness’ while some argued that; the Fuji King has united and promoted Yoruba culture and race with his genre of music so he deserves such title from the paramount King of Oyo Kingdom.
Despite the public outcry from naysayers and detractors, on January 2020, at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo State, Kwam 1 was coronated and bestowed with the title against all odd. Ever since then, it has been from one controversy to the other. Instead of enemies to cease fire and agree to what destiny threw at K1, they refused to desist from bring him down at every given avenue. First, it was his alleged face-off with Ogun Radio broadcaster, MC Murphy, who alleged that; K1 ordered touts to beat the radio broadcaster at an event in Ogun state. The issues generated lots of controversy as K1 denied knowledge of the said allegation, saying; the person in question is a junior brother to him and he cannot order anyone to treat him in such manner.
The management of freelance and independent broadcasters on radio and television across Nigeria threatened to stage a protest at the Alaafins palace in a bid to strip KWAM 1 of his title as Maiyegun. After series of face-off, online and offline, the Olu of Itori; Oba Fatai Akamo reconciled the duo, as they both embraced each-other for peace to reign.
A popular online blogger in diaspora, also made a shocking revelation alleging the acclaimed King of Fuji Music of having an affair with one of Alaafin’s wife Queen Ola Adeyemi. The allegation almost tore apart the filial relationship between the highly respected monarch and the fuji lord. Enmeshed in the controversy, the Olori in question left the palace. She left for Lagos to start a new life and begin her own private business abandoning royal opulence. Both the Fuji musician and Olori proved their innocent as K1 stated unequivocally that; the only time he came in contact with the said Olori was during his installation, when all the Olori came to visit him and he blessed them with some cash according to tradition. The issues generated lots of reaction but Kwam 1 maintained his stand on the issue. Alas, Kwam 1 was vindicated as palace sources revealed that; from investigation carried out, K1 is innocent of the said allegation. They further added that; Its the work of mischief makers to ensure he was stripped of the title. Like the proverbial ram that moves back during a fight to bring more fire power, Kwam 1 showed class act as he returned back to Oyo kingdom in grand style. As he dished out some breath taking performance last weekend during the installation of Lagos Born property mogul; Aare Tomori Williams as the Aare Onikoyi of Yoruba Land by the Alaafin of Oyo.
At the colorful event, Kwam 1 was given a royal welcome; making his first performance after the alleged affair with the king’s wife. When Kwam 1 mounted the stage, he displayed his mastery of the music business, most especially; the Fuji genre. Decked in a well knitted regal native outfit, Maiyegun performed like never before. The audience could not get enough of him as they continued to scream at the top of their voice to the nostalgic memories of his old songs. With his wave-making track titled ‘Ade Ori Okin’ off his ‘Fuji The Sound’ Album , he also dazzled like a magician. When many though Alaafin was not going to dance to his music, to the chagrin of many, Alaafin flanked by his beautiful wives, mounted the stage as K1 dished out his favorite Oriki. The Oba with the personification of the dreaded grim reaper, danced like an earth worm with a salt poured on it. Alaafin displayed his royal steps to his delight.
Palace sources averred that; it was Kwam 1’s first performance after the controversy so it is grand and important for him. The performance further shows that there is no bad blood between Oba Adeyemi and Kwam 1. If there was bad-blood enemies envisaged, he would not have been allowed to perform in Oyo and Oba Adeyemi would not have mounted the state to dance to his favorite ‘shekere’ music.