Category: History – General
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Abraham Adesemowo was the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo under whose reign as the Oloja of Okeshopin, the town had its five quarters unified. Abraham’s status had been promoted right after his assumption of office in 1929 from his being a primus inter pares among other Baale of the town. Adesomowo often availed himself of higher…
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Ademuyiwa Haastrup was a flamboyant Lagos auctioneer and Local Methodist church preacher in Remo. Haastrup was an Ijesha prince with some maternal connections with Akarigbo Oyebajo. He was born to an Ifa priest in 1863 but was adopted as a child by Christians, hence his name, Joseph Pythagoras Haastrup. He later took a native name,…
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Abiodun was the Alaafin of Oyo who finally ended the tyranny of Basorun Gaha. Abiodun, also known as Adegolu was a tall, handsome, slim man of very dark complexion. The wise king showed no visible resentment of the infamous Basorun Gaa’s ways and he paid him homage without wearying. The cup of the Basorun’s iniquities…
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Lisabi is the traditional hero of the Egba people, who are the native occupiers of Abeokuta, a Yoruba town some 77 kilometers from Lagos. Lisabi was a giant man who lived in Igbehin but he was from another Egba village called Itoku. He conspired to achieve independence for the Egbas from the Alaafin of Oyo…
