kakalistiq.com reports that veteran journalist and publisher, Chief Deji Azeez, has waded into the heated public debate surrounding Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), following the singer’s recent altercation with Value Jet staff in Abuja. In a candid response to critics, Azeez described the portrayal of the Fuji maestro as “unsparing and unfair,” insisting that his temperament issues should not be mistaken for arrogance or poor character.
Reacting to comments that accused him of pampering the musician in a group discussion, Azeez dismissed claims that associating with KWAM 1 encourages his flaws. While acknowledging that KWAM 1 does have temper issues and should be advised to curb them as a public figure, the veteran journalist narrated a personal encounter from his days running Iwe Ariya newspaper.
“In 1985, Wasiu came to my office at Adelabu Street, Surulere, furious over a report in our paper. From the gate to my office, he was implacable and seething. All efforts to calm him failed, and he stormed off, threatening to report us to the then Commissioner of Police. But less than a week later, at a show in Ajegunle, he was singing our praises and spraying us with money. His anger had subsided, and his large heart prevailed. That is Wasiu Ayinde for you,” he recounted.
Azeez concluded that while KWAM 1’s outbursts can be unsettling, they do not define his entire character. “My submission is that he has an anger issue, but he is not arrogant or bad in character. He can be advised by friends and well-wishers to always moderate his anger. Oluwa ko fe iku, else bikose ko ronu pa iwa da,” he said in Yoruba, urging the Fuji star to reflect on his conduct.
The comments come as the Value Jet incident continues to trend, with divided opinions over the musician’s public temperament. And more interesting is the fact that the Fuji icon has tendered a public apology over the incident.
