KWAM 1: From Alaafin’s Wife Saga to ValueJet Drama, 7 Times Fuji Star Made Headlines for Controversy
- Fuji legend KWAM 1 recently came under fire for an altercation at Abuja airport involving a ValueJet flight
- The Mayegun of Yorubaland has a history of controversies, ranging from disrespecting traditional rulers to band member abuse
- Legit.ng, in this report, compiled seven times the Fuji icon was enmeshed in scandals, including allegations of an affair with the late Alaafin Adeyemi's wife
Veteran Fuji icon and Mayegun of Yorubaland, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, is no stranger to the spotlight, and not just for his music.
Over the years, the 67-year-old has found himself at the centre of multiple controversies that have stirred public reactions both online and offline.
From being accused of assaulting a broadcaster to facing backlash for allegedly disrespecting traditional and religious institutions, KWAM 1 has seen his fair share of scandals. The most recent drama involving a ValueJet flight at the Abuja airport is just the latest in a long line of incidents that have kept his name trending.
Legit.ng takes a look at seven times KWAM 1 made the headlines for the wrong reasons.
1. Abuja airport incident with Valuejet officials (2025)
In August 2025, KWAM 1 was involved in a heated incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during boarding for a ValueJet flight.
The Fuji star allegedly tried to carry a flask containing liquid beyond the allowed 100ml limit. After being stopped by security, reports claimed he poured the contents, allegedly alcohol, on a security officer and caused a scene.
Source: Instagram
This incident led to the suspension of the airline’s captain and sanctions from aviation authorities. While FAAN condemned his behaviour, KWAM 1 denied any wrongdoing and insisted the substance was water. He even claimed that ValueJet later apologised and offered him a private jet to Lagos.
2. “Disrespectful” greeting to Ooni of Ife (2025)
Social media was buzzing in June 2025 after a video showed KWAM 1 offering what many described as a “casual” greeting to the Ooni of Ife at an event. The fuji icon, who holds the title of Mayegun of Yorubaland, simply bowed slightly without the traditional prostration expected of Yoruba men.
Critics slammed the gesture as arrogant and disrespectful, while supporters argued his royal title exempts him from such customs.
3. 'Ganusi' remarks to Islamic clerics (2025)
At his late mother’s Firdaus prayer in January 2025, KWAM 1 reportedly referred to some clerics as “ganusi,” a Yoruba slang that implies opportunism. The comment drew outrage among Islamic scholars who demanded an apology. However, KWAM 1 refused, stating that apologising would suggest guilt where there was none.
Source: Instagram
The incident divided public opinion, especially as many respected Islamic voices called for a public apology.
4. Band member abuse allegations (2024)
In 2024, Kunle Ayanlowo, KWAM 1’s former lead drummer of 32 years, accused the singer of treating his band members like slaves. In a viral video, Ayanlowo alleged that the fuji star withheld passports, refused to support sick members, and created a toxic work environment.
Source: Instagram
KWAM 1 responded by denying all allegations, claiming disgruntled former staff were spreading falsehoods.
5. Election-related thuggery allegation (2023)
During the 2023 elections, a video surfaced online alleging that KWAM 1 was part of a group of APC thugs who attacked and beat up Labour Party agents in Lagos. While the singer didn’t publicly respond to the viral claims, critics used the moment to call out his perceived political bias and associations.
6. Alleged affair with Alaafin of Oyo’s wife (2020)
In 2020, KWAM 1 faced serious backlash after being accused of having an affair with Olori Ajoke, one of the young wives of the late Alaafin of Oyo. The Fuji star denied the allegations and labelled them a smear campaign.
Source: Instagram
Interestingly, despite the scandal, the Alaafin later conferred on him the prestigious title of Mayegun of Yorubaland.
7. Assault on broadcaster Wole Sorunke (2020)
At the 60th birthday party of the Olu of Itori, broadcaster Wole Sorunke accused KWAM 1 and his boys of beating him up after he allegedly made an “unflattering remark.”
The matter was reported to the police, and though KWAM 1 denied assaulting Sorunke directly, the incident dented his image at the time.
KWAM 1 banned from flying in Nigeria
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) banned KWAM 1 from flying within Nigeria for six months.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, made this known during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
He noted that the disciplinary action was taken in response to an incident on Tuesday, August 6, at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
