THE ROYAL LEGACY OF OGBOMOSO: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

INTRODUCTION:

Welcome to the historic journey of Ogbomoso, a town rich in culture and tradition, nestled within the Oyo Empire. Founded by the illustrious Soun Olabanjo Ogunlola Ogundiran, Ogbomoso’s legacy is steeped in the tales of its founding fathers and the lineage of its revered monarchs. Let us delve into the captivating history of Ogbomoso’s royal lineage, tracing its origins from its humble beginnings to its present-day prominence.

THE FOUNDING FATHER AND FIRST SOUN:

Soun Olabanjo Ogunlola Ogundiran, a visionary leader, laid the foundation of Ogbomoso, establishing it as a vibrant community. He ascended to the esteemed position of the first Soun of Ogbomoso, marking the beginning of a dynastic legacy. Blessed with five sons – Lakale, Kekere Esuo, Eiye Agannaganna, and Jogioro – Soun Olabanjo Ogundiran’s lineage would shape the future of Ogbomoso for generations to come.

SUCCESSION AND EXPANSION:

Following the reign of Soun Olabanjo, his youngest son, Erinbaba Alamu Jogioro, assumed the mantle of leadership, becoming the second Soun of Ogbomoso. Under his stewardship, Ogbomoso witnessed unprecedented growth and prosperity, solidifying its place as a prominent settlement within the Oyo Empire.

THE FIVE ROYAL HOUSES:

The royal lineage of Ogbomoso traces its roots to the five sons of Soun Ikumoyede, the third Soun of Ogbomoso and descendant of Jogioro. These five sons – Toyeje, Oluwusi, Baiywewuwon, Bolanta, and Odunaro – established the foundation of the five royal houses that continue to shape the governance and tradition of Ogbomoso.

EVOLUTION OF THE SOUN TITLE:

Originally bestowed with the title of Baale, symbolizing a minor chief within the Oyo Empire, the leadership of Ogbomoso underwent a transformative change in 1952. Recognizing the town’s significance and autonomy, the title was elevated to Soun, signifying its status as a monarch. Since then, the Soun of Ogbomoso has served as a symbol of unity, tradition, and progress for the town and its people.

TIMELINE OF REIGN:

The timeline of Sounship in Ogbomoso spans centuries, encompassing the visionary leadership of its monarchs and their contributions to the town’s development. From the reign of the founding father, Soun Olabanjo Ogunlola Ogundiran, to the present-day Soun, each leader has left an indelible mark on Ogbomoso’s history, shaping its identity and heritage.

1. Soun Olabanjo Ogundiran Ogunlola (c. 1659 – c. 1714)
2. Soun Erinsaba Alamu Jogioro (Son of Ogunlola) (c. W1741 – c. 1770)
3. Soun Ikumoyede Ajao (Son of Jogioro) (c. 1770 – c. 1797) (Ologolo (a son of Jogioro) and Olukan (Grandson of Lakale and great-grandson of Ogunlola) ruled during this period but were deposed by the Alaafin of Oyo).
4. Soun Toyeje Akanni Alebiosu, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Oyo (Son of Ikumoyede) (c. 1800 – c. 1825)
5. Soun Oluwusi Aremu (Son of Ikumoyede) (c.1826 – c. 1840)
6. Soun Jayeola Bayewuwon Kelebe “Are Arolofin Alao” (Son of Ikumoyede) (c. 1840 – c. 1842)
7. Soun Idowu Bolanta Adigun (Son of Ikumoyede) (c. 1842 – c. 1845)
8. Soun Ogunlabi Odunaro (Son of Ikumoyede) (c. 1845 – c. 1860)
9. Soun Ojo Olanipa “Aburumaku,” the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Oyo (Son of Toyeje) (c. 1860 – September 1869)
10. Soun Gbagungboye Ajamasa Ajagungbade I (Son of Oluwusi)
11. Soun Laoye Atanda Orumogege I (Son of Bayewuwon) (c. 1871 – c. 1871)
12. Soun Majengbasan Elepo I (Son of Bolanta) (1901 – 1907)
13. Soun Adegoke Atanda Olayode I (Son of Odunaro) (1908 – 1914; deposed by the Colonial Government)
14. Soun Itabiyi Olanrewaju Ande (Son of Aburumaku, grandson of Toyeje) (1914 -1916)
15. Soun Bello Afolabi Oyewumi Ajagungbade II (Son of Ajagungbade I, grandson of Oluwusi) (1916 – February 18, 1940)
16. Soun Lawani Oke Lanipekun Orumogege II (Son of Laoye, grandson of Bayewuwon) (October 16,1944 – March 19, 1952)
17. Oba Olatunji Alao Elepo II (Son of Elepo I, grandson of Bolanta) (1952 – 1966)
18. Oba Emmanuel Olajide Olayode II (Son of Olayode I, grandson of Odunaro) (July 22, 1966 – July 1, 1969; killed during the Agbekoya revolt.
19. Oba Salami Ajiboye Itabiyi II (Son of Itabiyi, grandson of Aburumaku, great- grandson of Toyeje (June 4, 1972 – june 2, 1973).
20. Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III (Son of Ajagungbade II, grandson of Ajagungbade I, great – grandson of Oluwusi) (Otober 24, 1973 – Deember 12, 2021)
21. Oba Ghandi Oladunni Afolabi Olaoye, Laoye Orumogege III (Son of Oladunni, grandson of Olaoye, great-grandson of Laoye Bayewuwon).

CONCLUSION:

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Ogbomoso’s royal lineage, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of its founding fathers and the resilience of its people. From humble beginnings to a thriving community, Ogbomoso stands as a testament to the power of tradition, leadership, and unity. As we continue to honor our past and embrace our future, the legacy of the Soun of Ogbomoso remains eternally woven into the fabric of our town’s identity.