Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1 or K1 De Ultimate, is at the center of public criticism this week following a paternity claim, a resurfaced video, a public apology from a band member and a cryptic social media post from his estranged wife.
A woman identified as Ogechi Eleana says she was in a relationship with Kwam 1 for about seven years before she became pregnant. She says the child, a daughter now 12 years old named Azeezat, is his. Eleana says the relationship began when she offered him manicure, pedicure, and home services. She says that once Kwam 1 learned of the pregnancy, he told her to terminate it and promised financial help through an aide that never arrived.
Kwam 1 did not address the claim directly. Instead, he responded during a live performance, where he dismissed the pregnancy as “a free gift” and called the matter “useless.” He told his audience not to let the situation bother him and continued the show.
Days after the allegation surfaced, an older video of Kwam 1 began circulating again. In the clip, he speaks about his habit of leaving clothing and shoes at the homes of former partners, particularly those who had children with him. Speaking in Yoruba, he said the women “should use that to remember me.”
Olawale Adekoya, a member of Kwam 1’s band, released a video statement addressing a separate viral moment from the same performance, in which a percussion beat was widely interpreted as mocking the paternity claim. Adekoya said the interpretation was his own and unrelated to the allegation.
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“I will start by taking full responsibility for whatever happened on stage,” he said, adding that the beat had existed in the band’s repertoire long before the controversy and that Kwam 1 had no involvement in how it was read by the audience.
On July 25, 2026, Kwam 1’s estranged wife, Emmanuella Ropo, posted a Yoruba proverb rooted in Ifa divination on Instagram. The proverb warns that the same fate that befalls a colourful chameleon awaits those who imitate it for protection. Many readers linked the post to the ongoing controversy, and several commenters praised Ropo for what they described as a dignified exit from her marriage to the singer.
Reaction online has been divided. Some commenters have called Kwam 1 irresponsible, pointing to his age and financial standing. One X user, Káyọ̀dé Ògúndámisí, wrote:
“Why is everyone pretending to be surprised with KWAM 1 and his irresponsible song? Men like him are too often given undeserved respect by greedy vultures who will chase wealth at any cost. Worse still, this reflects a deeper cultural malaise.”
Another user, Átó Ásékù added: “This kind of egoistic attitude & statement is sickening and truly portrays that he’s an irresponsible man who is used to boasting, and attests to the fact that he’s a role model to some.
Those who said you don’t fit into the sacred stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland saw it all!” Others have questioned whether paternity has been confirmed through a DNA test and placed responsibility on the women involved in his past relationships.
