Category: History – General
-
Traditionally, the Awujale of Ijebuland title, which connotes a kind of mediator, is the title of the ruler of the Ijebu Ode town. The term Awujale must have been a corruption of Amujale- someone who summoned supporters from the underground to fight for him- a reference to Oluiwa, who was supposed to have performed this…
-
Adele Ajosun was the Oba of Lagos between 1775 and 1780 and then in 1832 till his death, two years later. Immediately after installation as king, Adele Ajosun had faced up to the need to consolidate his position on the throne. His reign was marked by dramas for the rift between him and his brother,…
-
Idewu Ojulari was the brother to Adele Ajosun and Eshilokun who became Oba of Lagos. Idewu Ojulari became Oba of Lagos in 1819 with the death of Eshilokun and the unresolved expulsion of Adele Ajosun. His initial popularity was blemished by his excessive materialism. He was advised to either go on exile or commit suicide,…
-
Eshilokun was the Oba of Lagos from 1780 to 1819. Eshilokun became king following the expulsion of Oba Adele Ajosun, who was accused of negligence in the keeping of cultural sanctity. Like his Great Uncle’s, his reign was uneventful, and he also had to grapple with his brother, Adele who attempted to regain the seat…
-
Oluaso is the longest reigning Alaafin of Oyo, a good-looking man whose amiable looks contrasted his valor. His immediate predecessor was Alaafin Kori, the king who poisoned himself after an open challenge. Oluaso’s reign, unlike Kori’s, was long and peaceful. He is remembered to have had two set of twins from his wives in the…
-
Moremi was an important historical figure, wife of one of the ancient heroes of post-Oduduwa times, possibly Oranyan. Moremi is today reckoned as a Yoruba legend due to acclaimed moves she made to end the acts of terrorism that threatened the town of Ile-Ife. As a beautiful woman, Moremi tactically took the risk of allowing herself…
-
Olurogbo, also known as Ela, was the son of Moremi, an early heroine of the Yoruba nation, possibly queen of the second Alafin, Oranyan. This, if true, will make Olurogbo a Prince. The more important story about Olurogbo, however was the nature of his departure. Moremi, believing her success in uncovering the tricks of the…
-
Onisile was the Alaafin of Oyo known and cheered for his “indomitable” spirit. In spite of the hostile fate that befell Onisile, he is remembered with a cheerful appellation, Gbagida, meaning ‘strong man.’ Onisile’s stubbornness and knack for engaging in decidedly dangerous activities caused the abortion of his reign. He was injured by lightning while…
-
Orile Owu is the deformed town of ancient Owu people, reported as very thickly populated (Omer-Copper estimated a population of about 40,000) and regarded in its day among the important Yoruba settlements. The walls of the town covered a circumference of about 9-12 miles. Orile Owu was formed when Olowu was crowned as a sessional…
-
Osinyago was one of the short lived Alaafin of Oyo, whose repressive rule led to an inglorious end. Osinyago dedicated himself to the pursuit of wealth but not even his children lived to enjoy them. His equally covetous son lost his life to this conduct and his second child who was a lady killed her…