By Kunle Rasheed
Right from the moment the intention letter of King Wasiu Olasunkanmi Marshal, popularly known as K1, was conveyed to the Fusegbuwa Ruling House, many people have been bombarding my inbox and other communication platforms, wanting to know if, truly, the letter emanated from the Ojusagbola Palace and what they think the outcome will be. At first, I felt I should let it slide and uphold Mario Puzo’s code of silence—Omerta. But the more I tried to stay quiet, the more people became avid to know whether K1 would or wouldn’t clinch the trophy of the throne of his forefathers.
Each time the question comes, I cringe— I cringe, not because I’m uncertain of my conviction, but because some things deserve a measured, thoughtful answer. I have tried to weigh it, not as someone close to the legend, but as a private person who has allowed history to whisper a bit into my ears.
Personally, I don’t think K1 stepping into this conversation is an accident. It is not based on creating buzz around him. It is never the move of a man desperately seeking relevance. If there is one unchallengeable fact, it is that this is a man whose natural progression has long intertwined with Ijebuland. He has carried the Ijebu identity like a second skin—on stages, in palaces, at gatherings across the world. He didn’t borrow Ijebu pride; he embodies it.
Many people, especially some elites in Ijebuland, are of the opinion that he should not ascend the throne. Some even swore that it would be over their dead bodies that they would see K1 as their paramount ruler. I feel strongly that one valid question they must answer is whether he has blue liquid flowing in his veins or not. If the answer, as I believe, is a big yes, then is it not proper to conclude that he is worthy of the throne? K1 has walked with royalty, spoken for royalty, and defended royalty—long before today’s conversations. And he has shown over the years that royalty resides naturally within him, by birth and by character. Even the late, highly revered, intelligent, and knowledgeable Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona would not have conferred on K1 the prestigious title of Olori Omooba without properly checking if indeed he is royal.
There is no doubt that K1 is a well-known cultural pillar. His name rings across tribes, across generations, and across power circles. And in this era when traditional stools need custodians who understand both heritage and modern realities, his profile doesn’t just fit—it blends seamlessly.
If destiny decides to turn in his favour, the positives are obvious: Ijebuland will not move quietly; it will take a bold step into global visibility.
But even beyond the ambition, one truth stays with me: title or no title, K1 is already a pillar in the Ijebu story. His ascension wouldn’t create his relevance—it would only amplify what has always been there.
And maybe that is why the conversation refuses to die. Because deep down, people know it is not impossible. They know he has walked the path long enough for the road to open, if destiny so pleases.