In September 1361 whilst Kiyouji was absent, the Shogun Yoshiakira received permission from Emperor Gokogon to hunt down and kill Kiyouji, and Kiyouji made good an escape to Wakasa Province together with his younger brothers Yorikazu and Nobuuji.
1361年（正平16年/康安元年）9月には、清氏の留守中に将軍義詮が後光厳天皇に清氏追討を仰ぎ、清氏は弟の頼和、信氏らとともに分国の若狭へ落ち延びる。