A fresh controversy is brewing in the fuji music industry as doyen of fuji music, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister on Sunday 6th July 2008 crowned Saheed Osupa as the King of Music with appellation as Ayangalu 1st (a traditional title given to drummers and musicians in Ibadan land). The event coincided with the 60th birthday celebration of Alhaji sikiru Ayinde Barrister organized by Libra Muzik Incorpaoration and King Saheed Osupa organisation.

The show which was tagged Celebration and Confirmation was held at Genesis Hall, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State. It will be recalled that at the 60th birthday of Alhaji Ayinde Barrister organized by City Entertainment and King Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate) held at Aquatic Hall, Water Parks, Ikeja Lagos on May 21st 2008, the doyen of fuji music Alhaji Ayinde Barrister crowned K1 De Ultimate as the Mayegun (Generalissimo) of Fuji music amidst emotions and tears.

The Ibadan event which took a similar dimension was such that Alhaji Ayinde Barrister made categorical statements on why he crowned Saheed Osupa King of Music. His words: I have made him king of music and I should be held responsible for that. Whoever is bitter about it should challenge my authority. Saheed Osupa is an artiste who is outstanding. If he produces 4 albums for different marketers they will all be block- busters. You all can testify to what I am saying. If Saheed Osupa decides to produce 10 albums at a time he will record huge sales. And I can tell you none of the albums will affect the sale of the other in the music market. (sings to praise Saheed Osupa) Saheed Osupa is the king of music. I confirm him as the King of Music. And whoever is due to be king I will crown the person and nothing will happen.

The crowning of Saheed Osupa is coming at the heels of the leadership and kingship controversy which has engulfed the fuji music industry and has caused a division amongst fuji musicians particularly those loyal to K1 De ultimate who think Saheed Osupa is robbing shoulders with him and those who think the authority of Mr. Fuji, Alhaji Ayinde Barrister who named Saheed Osupa the king of music sometime last year cannot be questioned especially due to the fact that he (Osupa) is fast becoming a custodian of the Yoruba culture amongst fuji artistes.

While crowing Saheed Osupa in the presence of Ibadan notable high chiefs and leaders like Alhaji Mufutau Ajadi Olanihun, Chief Fola Sadela, Alhaji Lamidi Ajibade, Chief Saka Arojojoye and about 1,000 fans Alhaji Ayinde Barrister said,In the name of Alminghy God, in the name of Prophet Mohammed, in the name of all lovers of fuji music, in the name of all fuji artistes, I Mr. Fuji I made you King of music but today I have crowned you the King of Music. This crown shall not cause you to fall.You shall pass the crown unto your children. This crown shall give you good health and wealth. By the power of Gos nothing shall touch you. This crown shall not lead to sickness and death for you. You shall continue to prosper and progress in all you do. You will sing till you die. You shall not loose your voice. You shall not loose your intelligence. You shall continue to progress in everything you do. You shall not be a surboridnate to anyone. I am very pleased with you and all you do. But please don't be involved in controversy with anyone. Whoever has the support of God must not fight anyone. Even when you are insulted please don't fight. You will not have any bad experience as a musician. He later quoted copiously from the Holy Quoran. And it shall be so.

The celebrant who coincidentally is a cousin to Saheed Osupa's late father, Moshood Layeye said further, Some people say I say I am crowning Osupa as the king to spite K1. I want to say that is not true. K1 is my son. He is the undisputed king of fuji. He can be king because it is possible to have a prince become a king while his father is alive. For instance while Oba Oyekan was King Prince Mobadenle Oyekan became a King in Lagos. He is King of Ilado. So I am not crowning him to cause any controversy or rift. Ibadan people don't behave in such a way. We are truthful people. Alhaji Saheed Osupa is King of Music. I am not a betrayer. But I will not crown any one King and be questioned if he has the withal to be king of music.

If any fuji musician questions my authority I will ask such an artiste to challenge his (Osupa's) ability. With this action by Alhaji Ayinde Barrister it is believed that the leadership tussle among fuji artistes is far from being over as the video of how Saheed Osupa was crowned will be made available to the public this week. Which is expected to be a match to the video of how Barrisrter names K1 his successor durinf his 60th birthday party organized by City People Entertainment.

The event was anchored by ace radio presenter, Kola Olotu also featured performance by the president of Fuji Musicians Association, Alhaji Saka Orobo, Ajobiewe, Barry Showkey and comedians like MC Kirikiri, Lanko Omo Oba Dubai other artistes. Source: Taiwo Obatusin for nigeriafilms.com