THE TABLE BEHIND THE NAME OF THE CITY OF OGBOMOSO
The history of the origin of the name Ogbomoso refers to two versions of the story of Ogunlola's murder.
One version of the story was that passersby on a trading mission passed through his hut, and in the ensuing event Ogunlola took sides and killed an Ijesa man.
The other story is that Ogunlola's wife, Lorungbekun, was in debt to an Ijesa peddler, and the creditor approached Ogunlola's wife in her husband's camp to demand payment of the money owed to her. Ogunlola's wife seemed unable to recover the money and so the creditor had to be pacified in Ogunlola's camp, and Ogunlola pleaded with him several times, but the creditor never accepted, and eventually a between Ijesa's creditor and Ogunlola, and Ogunlola forcibly held his hand to persuade him, but unfortunately, Ogunlola forgot that the poisoned ring was in his hand and did not remove it before holding his hand, and Ijesa's wandering creditor fell to the ground and died on the spot, the incident was reported to Olugbon as was the custom at that time, who was the liaison officer to Alafin in the ancient Oyo Empire, who in turn sent Ogunlola to Oyo-Ile, the then capital of Oyo-Ile to face the outcome since he had decided on the murder case.
While Ogunlola was serving a prison sentence in Oyo-Ile, the capital of the ancient Oyo Empire, he heard about the attack by Ibarba's soldiers under the command of a man named Elemosho who was torturing, terrorizing, and disrupting the free flow of trade in the Oyo-Ile territory. Ogunlola appealed to Alafin, to let him out of prison to fight Elemosho. After much persuasion, this ingenuity amazed Alafin Ajagbo (1600-1659 AD) who agreed to forgive Ogunlola for his crime when he got rid of the troublesome Elemosho.
Elemosho was a powerful and brave warrior who fought with sword and arrows.
When Ogunlola was released from prison, he was intercepted at Elemosho's camp. However, it took him a few days to study Elemosho's tactics.
One night, Ogunlola sneaked into Elemosho's camp and shot him with his bow and arrow. Afterward, Ogunlola killed Elemosho, cut off his head and took it in a tray to Alafin, who was very pleased with Ogunlola's courage and enthusiasm.
Alafin gave Ogunlola freedom until he asked him to stay in the capital, Oyo-Ile, to live in glory and splendor instead of returning to his settlement, but Ogunlola refused, saying to Alafin "Eje ki ma se ohun" which means "let me stay there in my village". This is where the title "Sohun", the traditional head of Ogbomoso, is derived from.
Recognizing Ogunlola's bravery and rewarding him for his heroism and service, Alafin ordered a land grant for Ogunlola, and Ogunlola chose his original settlement for the grant, thus Ogunlola received a land grant directly from Alafin and began dealing directly with Alafin, rather than dealing with Alafin through Olugbon.
Ogunlola returned to his village and became the paramount chief with the title of Sohun, he became the first Sohun of his village, and upon his return to his small village under the Ajagbon tree, with the sword of freedom given to him by Alafin, Ogunlola's reputation rose to such an extent that Olugbon, Alapa and Aresa began to claim him as their own, and even the other four settlers began to expand their settlements towards Ogunlola's settlement.
Other historians attribute the derivation of the name Sohun to the village of Iresa when Aresa, the chief of that village, was asked when his daughter's son would be brought from Okin-Apa, and he replied: "Iya ati omo, ki won ma Sohun," meaning that the mother and child are allowed to settle there.
The most common and widely accepted interpretation centers around the beheading of Elemosho by Ogunlola, from which the name of Ogunlola's settlement was later derived as "Ibudo Eyi to Gbori Elemosho," which literally means "the residence of the person who bore the head of Elemosho" This was later shortened to "Ogbori Elemosho", and Ogbomoso is what he is called to this day. Thus, Ogbomoso got its name from Ogunlola's bravery.
The town of Ogbomoso later rose from the status of a village to a powerful city because of the role it later played in the history of Yoruba land.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KINGS (SOUN) OF OGBOMOSO LAND
This is a chronological list of the kings (Soun/Bāle) of Ogbomoso, beginning with its founder, Bāle Olabanjo Ogunlola Ogundiran, and continuing to His imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.
1- SOUN OLABANJO OGUNLOLA OGUNDIRAN (1659–1669)
Following the killing of Elemosho, Ogunlola was ordered to settle at his former residence. The area later became known as Ogori Elemosho, meaning “the abode of the man who carried Elemosho’s head.” Over time, the name evolved into Ogbomoso. Ogunlola consequently became the city’s first Soun, and He established the foundation of the city’s political and defensive system.
2- SOUN LAKALE AREMU, SON OF OGUNLOLA (1669–1679)
The eldest son of Ogunlola, Lakale Aremu succeeded his father as the second Soun.
3- SOUN KEKERE-ESUO, SON OF OGUNLOLA (1679–1690)
Ogunlola’s second son, who succeeded his elder brother Lakale and became the third Soun.
4- SOUN EIYE AGANNAGANNA, SON OF OGUNLOLA (1691–1713)
He became the fourth Soun and ruled for more than two decades.
5- SOUN ARAPASOPO ERINSABA ALAMU JOGIORO, SON OF OGUNLOLA (1714–1770)
The fifth Soun, Jogioro was renowned as a skilled military commander and strategist. During his reign, Ogbomoso’s political and defensive institutions became more firmly established.
6- SOUN OLUSIMI (IKUMOYEDE) AJAO, SON OF JOGIORO (1770–1797)
The sixth Soun, Ikumoyede strengthened the political structure of Ogbomoso and became regarded as the ancestor of the major contemporary ruling lineages.
7- SOUN OLOGOLO ORISA MATU, SON OF JOGIORO (1797–1811)
He succeeded his elder brother Ikumoyede and was known for his military activities and long residence among neighbouring peoples.
8- SOUN OLUKAN ADENIYI, GRAND SON OF LAKALE (1811)
His reign lasted only about seven months and was marked by political instability. He was eventually removed from the throne and exiled.
9- SOUN TOYEJE AKANNI ALEBIOSU AARE ONA KAKANFO, SON OF IKUMOYEDE (1811–1825)
Toyeje was a distinguished warrior and later became Aare Ona Kakanfo, the military commander of Yorubaland. He participated in several major wars and played an important role in defending Ogbomoso and the wider Yoruba territories.
10- SOUN OLUWUSI AREMU, SON OF IKUMOYEDE (1825–1840)
His reign coincided with major conflicts involving the Fulani forces and the decline of the Old Oyo Empire. Ogbomoso became a major refuge for people displaced by the wars, greatly increasing its population and political importance.
11- SOUN JAYEOLA BAYEWUWON KELEBE, "AARE AROLOFIN" ALAO, SON OF IKUMOYEDE (1840–1842)
He strengthened Ogbomoso’s defence and worked closely with neighbouring Yoruba forces. He was known for consulting elders and experienced leaders before making important decisions.
12- SOUN IDOWU BOLANTAN ADIGUN, SON OF IKUMOYEDE (1842–1845)
His short reign was largely peaceful. He focused on strengthening administration and maintaining the stability of the kingdom.
13- SOUN OGUNLABI ODUNARO, SON OF IKUMOYEDE (1845–1860)
The last son of Ikumoyede to rule, he reigned for fifteen years. During his reign, Christianity and Western education were introduced into Ogbomoso.
14- SOUN OJO OLANIPEKUN ABURUMAKU AARE ONA KAKANFO, SON OF TOYEJE (1860–1869)
He became the fourteenth Soun and also served as the eleventh Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. His reign was characterized by strong political ambitions and internal conflicts.
15- SOUN ALAMU OTUNLA (1869)
He occupied the throne for only six months before being removed following political and military opposition.
16- SOUN GBAGUNGBOYE AJAMASA AJAGUNGBADE I, SON OF OLUWUSI (1869–1871)
He became Soun in 1869 and was known for his cooperation with Ogbomoso’s military leaders. He later received the title Ajagungbade I after distinguished military service.
17- SOUN OLAOYE ATANDA ORUMOGEGE I, SON OF BAYEWUWON (1871–1901)
A long-reigning and popular king who promoted peace, education, and public order. During his reign, modern education, missionary activities, the Baptist Hospital, and other modern institutions were introduced into Ogbomoso.
18- SOUN MAJEUNGBASAN AJIBOLA ELEPO I, SON OF BOLANTAN (1901–1908)
During his reign, telegraph and related communication facilities were introduced into Ogbomoso.
19- SOUN ADEGOKE OLAYODE I, SON OF ODUNARO (1908–1914)
He was widely respected for his simplicity and humility. His reign was affected by political disputes and a controversial legal case that eventually led to his exile by the colonial Government.
20- SOUN OLAREWAJU ITABIYI I, SON OF ABURUMAKU (1914–1916)
He became Soun during a period of considerable political instability and colonial interference. One of his notable achievements was the establishment of the royal court.
21- SOUN BELLO AFOLABI ALABI OYEWUMI AJAGUNGBADE II, SON OF GBAGUNGBOYE (1916 - February 18, 1940)
A former soldier who spoke French fluently, he helped bridge traditional Ogbomoso institutions with the emerging modern administration. Postal and communication services expanded during his reign.
22- SOUN AMAO OYETUNDE, SON OF OYEKOLA (1940– June 12 1944)
Amao Oyetunde (son of Oyekola), grandson of Laoye, and great-grandson of Bayewuwon). His accession became the subject of a major succession dispute. In 1944, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London overturned his appointment, after which his uncle, Oke Olanipekun, became Soun.
23- SOUN LAWANI OKE OLANIPEKUN ORUMOGEGE II, SON OF OLAOYE (October 16, 1944 – March 19, 1952)
He supported educational development and provided land for the establishment of schools. He was the last ruler to formally bear the title Bāle before the title was changed to Oba.
24- OBA OLATUNJI ALAO ELEPO II, SON OF AJIBOLA (1952–1966)
In 1952, the title of the ruler was formally changed from Bāle to Oba, and the five recognized ruling houses were formally established: Toyeje, Oluwusi, Baiyewuwon, Bolantan, and Odunaro, later represented in the present order as Itabiyi, Oyewumi, Laoye, Bolanta, and Layode. During his reign, Ogbomoso was provided for several educational institutions, including Ogbomoso High School, Saja Baptist Primary School, the Local Authority Teachers’ Training College, Molẹte Local Authority School, and Ogbomoso Girls’ High School.
25- OBA EMMANUEL OLAJIDE OLAYODE II, SON OF OLAYODE (1966–1969)
Oba Emmanuel Olajide was the son of Adegoke Olayode I and grandson of Odunaaro. He was the first Soun to receive formal Western education in the modern sense. He attended Osupa Baptist Day School in 1928 and later worked as a public health inspector before ascending the throne in 1966.
Before becoming king, he was active in social and cultural affairs, including establishing the Samba Musical Band in Ogbomoso and participating in investment clubs.
His reign was cut short by the Agbekoya disturbances, during which protesters stormed the palace and killed him by beheading. He remains the only Soun in Ogbomoso’s history to have been killed in such a manner. He was buried on 3 July 1969 according to Christian rites.
26- OBA SALAMI AJIBOYE ITABIYI II, SON OF OLAREWAJU ITABIYI (June 4, 1972 – June 2, 1973)
Oba Abdus-salam Ajiboye, son of Olarewaju Itabiyi I and grandson of Aburumaku, succeeded Oba Emmanuel Olajide Olayode II as the 26th Soun of Ogbomoso. His reign was very brief, and he died on 2 June 1973.
27- OBA JIMOH OYEWUMI AJAGUNGBADE III, SON OF AFOLABI OYEWUMI (October 24, 1973 – December 12,02021)
Oba Jimoh Oladunni, son of Afolabi Oyewumi Ajagungbade II and grandson of Bagun Biyi Ondubi Ajagungbade I, was selected by the traditional kingmakers after receiving 92 of the 100 votes in the official selection process involving Ifa consultation.
He adopted the royal title Ajagungbade, meaning “one who fought in defence of the crown.” His reign marked a significant transformation in Ogbomoso. He built a modern palace and contributed greatly to the expansion and development of the city.
In 2000, he was honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Olusegun Obasanjo. He became the longest-reigning Soun in modern Ogbomoso history, serving for 47 years until his death on 12 December 2021 at the age of about 95.
28- OBA GHANDI AFOLABI OLAOYE ORUMOGEGE III (September 8, 2023–Present)
Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III is the great-grandson of Soun Olaoye Atanda Orumogege I through his son Emmanuel Oladayo OLaoye. He is also a brother of Soun Lawani Oke Olanipekun Orumogege II.
On Saturday, 2 September 2023, the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, officially approved the appointment of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olawe Oromogege III as the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
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