Ogbomoso, Today As A City. How is all started.

According to available written historical records, ogbomoso was found in the mid 17th century, during this time, there were settlers in the area. Those who were instrumental to the development of ogbomoso who became the ruler of the land. They were all engaged in hunting thet commonest occupation at that time.

Aale is a Nupe by tribe, he came hunting from the north and settled in the place now known as okelerin (Elephant hill). He was skilled in killing elephants with wooden shaft. The place is called Okelerin beacuse of the founder, Aale, hunted elephant on this hill. His descendants are the head of okelerin in ogbomoso (the aale of Okelerin).

Ounshile is an egba man. He was compelled to run away from his home in Ota as a result of a chieftaincy dispute and he later settled in thet place now called ijeru. The place is so called because people came from different parts to the place to obtain a medicainal plant called ‘eru’. The descendants of Ounshine are the head of ijeru quarters in ogbomoso (the Onijeru ).

Orisatolu is an Ibadan man. He is an Ifa Priest. He settled in the place now Known as Isapa which he frist named `Ifatedo` meaning `Ifa encamps here` because the god (Ifa) has asked him to settle there. The place was later called Isapa because the founder, Orisatolu, planted a medical plant for curing barren women called ‘Isapa’ around the place. The descendants of Orisatolu are the head of Isapa quarters in Ogbomoso (the Onisapa of Isapa).

Akandie is an Ibariba by tribe. He settled in the place now called Akandie.

Ogunlola settled in the place now known as Oja-gbo. He stayed under Ajagbon tree (still by the side of the palace today). He and his wife, Esuu, built their hut beside thte Ajagbon tree where they lived afterwards.

Ogunlola took it upon himslf to invite the other four hunters to form what was known as the Egbe Alongo (Along Society). These settlers were separated by Fa-osun stream (known today as Laka stream which separates Ogbomoso North L. G. A from Ogbomoso South L. G. A) with Aale, Akandie and Ogunlola on one side and Ounshile, Orisatolu on the other side.

The primary aims of the society were to defend themselves against ‘summoni’(slave prowler) raids, to hunt wild animals in group and to give mutual assistance. When the society was formed, Ogunlola was made the chairman and meetings were held at his camp. This was because no one accepted the responsibility of hosting the group, including the Olugbon of Igbon, who reigned during then and was approached to act as the patron of the group. After each day’s hunting, they retired to Ogunlola’s hut where they were entertained them with whatever he had. During the meetings, they engaged in planning and discussion of current affairs.

Later on, other settlers came around and built their huts in the area too. Ogunlola’s hut was made the place for settling dispute and Ogunlola had the final say. The hut of these settlers formed the nucleus of a village which grew over time because of its strategic and central position to what it is today.

An Ijesa man once came to demand payment of a debt from Ogunlola’s wife, Esuu. Esuu had no money to pay but the debt collector refused to go away. Ogunlola became angry, he pulled out a poisonous rign and struck the man on the face. The man fell down and died. As a result of the murder, Ogunlola was taken to the Olugbon of Igbon. Olugbon reported the case to Ajaagbo, the Alaafin of Oyo. The King detained Ogunlola in a prison in Oyo. During this time, Ogbo-oro war, a severe war against Oyo by the Ibaraba was being waged under the leadership of Elemoso at Oyo-ile, the capital of Oyo, near Ilorin. Elemoso inflicted so much terror and havoc on the people of Oyo, he was feared by the people of Oyo and the King himself. In prison, Ogunlola heard of the news about Elemoso and moaned that if only the King could release him, he would kill Elemoso. When he was brought before the King, he reiterated what he had said while in prison and the King ordered that Ogunlola be released. Ogunlola ran to his camp and equipped himself after which he returned to Oyo and headed the King’s army. He studied Elemoso’s tactics and was able to bring him down from his hiding place on a tree after taking a proper shot at him. He quickly beheaded Elemoso and took his head to the King. The Alaafin was pleased and pardoned him; the King gave him presents and requested that he should stay in Oyo. But he politely declined and said “Ejeki a ma se ohun” meaning “let me stay yonder”. This was how he came to be called “Sohun” now “Soun” to reflect his request to stay yonder. For his singular act of bravery, the King ordered him to be re-established at his camp where he had built his hut and invested him with the ‘Sword-of-Justice’to rule over his settlement. Ogunlola returned in victory from Oyo with the Sword of Justice which was given to him by the Alaafin and thus, he gained ascendancy over the earlier settlers in the vicinity, and he became the ruler of his settlement.

Ogunlola returned to his settlement as a brave ruler, he became famous. His camp became known as “the camp of him who took Elemoso’s head”, that is, “ido eni ti o gbori Elemoso.” This was later shortened to O-gbori-Elemoso, then to Ogbelemoso and finally to Ogbomoso.

During Ogunlola’s time, when Ogbomoso was established, the town was small and peaceful. It was under kingship of the Alaafin. The town remained so between the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 19th century, there was a dramatic change in the size and tranquility of the town. In the 19th century, the Fulani invaded and conquered Ilorin and in the 1820’s they had already established themselves in Ilorin. The Fulani persisted in there invasion of the Yoruba territory and by 1835, they had destroyed the old Oyo empire which led the people to scatter and now settle in a place now called Oyo about 40 kilometers south of Ogbomoso. The power of the Alaafin of Oyo was also drastically reduced. It was during this time that Ogbomoso came into the forefront. During the troublous days of the Yoruba people, Ogbomoso had a brave leader known as Soun Toyeje. It was during his time that the tide of the advancing Fulani domination was stemmed. He was appointed the Aare Ona Kankafo of all the Yoruba forces by the Alaafin of Oyo. Toyeje fought so many wars for the Yoruba and if was during his time that Ogbomoso experienced expansion of its town. Various communities that fled their town due to used the opportunity to bring in warriors, whom he captured during battles, into Ogbomoso as refuges. Ogbomoso therefore increased in size and strength. Ogbomoso remained unconquered in all the battles if fought because of the presence of warriors in the town. This fact is indicated by the little hut with the inscription “Ogun O Ja’lu” found at the entrance of the Oja’gbo town hall. The people of Ogbomoso would rather, out of sympathy, assist neighbouring towns fight their enemies.

In the mid 1600s, Ogunlola and other settlers formed the Alongo Society and he was made the leader. By his bravery, he was able to acquire fame and he drew many warriors to his side. He became the first Soun of Ogbomosoland. Ogunlola had many children. His eldest daughter was named Saderin and his sons were Lakale, Kekere Esuo, Eiye Agannaganna, Jogioro, Arapasapa and Aiye among others. Ogunlola was succeeded by his eldest son Lakale.

Lakale, Kekere Esuo, Eiye Agannaganna and Jogioro, in the order of their birth are the second, third, fourth and fifth Soun of Ogbomosoland. This can be accounted for by the fact that the rulers in those days did not live long. Of these sons of Ogunlola, Jogioro was the most popular because he was a great fighter and his ability was only matched with that of the field marshal of the entire Yoruba army of Oyo, Langbin. He was the first Soun to win the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo. He was beloved by the people because he was a good leader. Jogioro gave birth to two sons namely Oluopo and Olusemi (known as Kumoyede). Oluopo was the elder brother but when asked to succeed his father as he refused. So, through his carelessness and indifference he cut himself and his descendants from the ruling line. Kumoyede became the next Soun.

Kumoyede Ajao is the sixth Soun of Ogbomosoland. Kumoye was as famous as his father Jogioro. He had many children but only five were well known because they all became Bale of Ogbomoso one right after another in order of seniority. They are Toyeje, Oluwusi, Bolanta and Odunaro. It was through kumoyede that the Soun Dynasty was firmly established. The descendants of these five children of Kumoyede constitute the recognized five ruling house from which the Soun is selected today.

After Kumoyede, Ologolo became seveth soun of Ogbomoso. Ologolo was wild and powerful. He built a house at Taara named Oniwonra compound.

Olukan is the eight Soun of Ogbomoso. Olukan is the son of Osoru who was the son of Lakale, the first son of Ogunlola. Olukan popularly known as Adeniyi. He found worthy to accede to the throne of the Soun of Ogbomoso because kumoyede’s sons were still coming of age and Ologolo’s son Lajide and Oyefalu both contended and fought for the throne that resulted to civil war, which saw the both of them flee from Ogbomoso. Olukan was fond of and known for cleanliness. He got to the throne while Ologolo’s was detained in Oyo. He was deposed by the Alaafin of Oyo.

Toyeje, the first son of Kumoyede, became the ninth Soun of Ogbomosoland after he was selected by the Alaafin of Oyo as a result of an incident which was Olukan being condemned by the people of Oyo and Ogbomoso as King. He was nicknamed ‘Alebiosu’ (who appears like the moon). Toyeje was exceptionally shrewed, courageous and forceful and he was made the Otun Kakanfo (commander of the right) of the Yoruba. He soon acceded to the position of the field marshal for all the Yorubas. During his time, Toyeje was rather more involved in fighting wars against the Fulahs for the Yorubas. He fought so many wars including Mugba war, Pamo war, Oke suna war and Ede war. Toyele labored hard to make Ogbomoso a strong town filled with good fighters. He loved war and great fighters that he sought all means of inducing best fighters to come under him into the town. Toyele was the first to build a wall around Ogbomoso town. The wall of defence built by Toyele passed behind Olutan’s compound near Oloko, behind Olukuewu’s compound near Laka and behind Onyirokun’s compound at Oke Ogede. Also, no soldiers from Ilorin ever set their feet into Ogbomoso during Toyeje reign. The town then served as a protection for many weak Bales and their cities during those troublous days. Toyeje died peacefully in Ogbomoso.

Oluwusi is the second son of Kumoyede, he acceded to the throne of his forefathers after the death of his elder brother, Toyele as the tenth Soun of Ogbomosoland. During the time when Oluwusi became Bale, the town experienced the influx of warriors and strong men into the town. Oluwusi did not care about fighting the Fulahs. His sole aim was to make the town independent. However, before the town became strong enough to resist an invasion, the Fulahs commanded Oluwusi to come to Ilorin to pay them homage and he went. To the amazement of the people, he returned without any mishap. Oluwusi loved work and he loved the town over which he ruled. During his reign, food was very cheap and he was greatly loved because of his sense of justice. During his time, Ogbomoso became a bigger town. Among his children are Mamudu, Gbagun, Lawanbi and Alhaj. It was during Oluwusi’s time that Ogbomoso expanded greatly because, by his good conduct and patience, he received with open arms many heads of villages and their peoples into the towns.

Baiyewuwon is the third son of Kumoyede and the eleventh person to accede to the throne of the son of Ogbomosoland. He is popularly known as Kelebe. When he became the Bale, Ogbomoso no longer had fear of what the Fulanis in Ilorin might do because of his elder brothers’ efforts to strengthen the town before their demise. It was during his time that the Oshogbo war, Dakojo battle and Oko war were fought. It was under Baiyewuwon that the worship of Egungun Baasa (Masgwade of Baasa) began. He also made Ogun-ko-ja-lu at the sacred grove market. Ogun-ko-ja-lu is a juju to prevent the town from capture by the enemy. Baiyewuwon’s children were Lateju, Anwoo, Kosoni, Laitan, Kolawole, Oyeyinka, Larayola, Oibo and Budo.

Idowu Bolantan succeeded Baiyewuwon as the fourth son of Kumoyede and twelfth person to the throne of the Soun of Ogbomosoland. He was the wealthiest among his brothers and strove to be made the Soun on the death of their father. His strife was in vain because it was an established tradition that the elder brother should succeed the father. Bolanta was considered a liberal person because after he became the Soun, he forgave those who opposed his candidacy for the throne. Also, he allowed the wives of the former Bales to choose as husband whosoever they wished out of the members of the nobility.

Odunaro Apaebu, the last son of Kumoyede, acceded to the throne as the thirteenth Soun of Ogbomosoland after the death of his brother, Bolanta in 1848. The day of his accession was a great one and there was a heavy rain on that day too, considered as a sign of good omen. The people looked forward to a reign of contentment and peace. However, Fulani (Ilorin) came down about eight times against Ogbomoso during his reign though all their attempts were in vain. The reign of Odunaro saw the introduction of the Christian religion into Ogbomoso in 1855. It was introduced by Rev. T. J. Bowen.

Ojo, also known as Aburumaku became the fourteenth Soun of Ogbomosoland after the death of Odunaro. Aburumaku is the son of Toyeje and a half-brother to Makuranda. Aburumaku reigned for six years as Soun; however, the six years looked like one hundred and twenty years to the people of Ogbomosoland. This is because he inflicted so much wickedness on the people to the extent that he started extorting from the people claiming that everything in the town is his own. He was known to have bought a title (Aare Ona Kakanfo) with money from the Alaafin of Oyo. Inspite of all, Aburumaku did not live long before Ogbomoso had a new Bale.

Gbagun, Laoye, Ajibola Elepo, Atanda Olayode, Itabiyi, Oyetunde Oyewumi, Lanipekun, Latunji, Lajide Olayode, Ajiboye and Oladunni Oyewumi acceded to the throne of the Soun of Ogbomosoland in succession. Oba (Dr.) Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, JP CON got to the throne of his father in 1973. Since then, Ogbomoso got her vatal growth till date. Am proud to be an indigen of Ogbomosoland.

Writing by Jimoh Dauda Ayantoye (Ayan-Agalu Cultural Heritage)

PROMINENT PUBLIC OFFICE HOLDERS OF OGBOMOSO ORIGIN WHO REACHED THE HIGH POINT OF THEIR CAREER

There are several politicians of Ogbomoso origin have made and are still making their marks in Nigerians politics both within and outside Ogbomoso. Some of them are listed below.

Late Chief Samuel Lakoke Akintola popularly called ‘SLA’ is one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists. He is a gifted linguist and an orator of great repute. He spoke Hausa, Nupe, Yoruba and English flawlessly. His contributions to Nigerian nationalism are inevitably significant to the growth and development of Nigeria and Ogbomoso in particular. Samuel Ladoke Akintola is a Yoruba man, who hails from Akinbala compound, Laka, in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Ogbomoso in Oyo State. He was born on July 10, 1910. He practiced the Christian religion with the Baptist Church. He got married to late Chief (Mrs.) Faderera Akintola on 8th August, 1935 and the marriage was blessed with children. He was assassinated in Ibadan, the capital of the Western Region on the day of Nigeria’s first Military coup, 15th January, 1966.

He started his education at the Baptist Mission and Baptist College and he graduated to the Baptist Academy. In 1946, he was awarded the British Council scholarship which gave him the much desired opportunity to attend university in England (Oxford University, London). Between 1946 and 1949, he had studied journalism and law and was called to the English Bar in 1949.

He was a teacher at Baptist Academy, Lagos where he taught Biology and General Science. He got a job with the Daily Service (a Newspaper established by the Nigerian Youth Movement) in 1942 and was employed on the editorial staff for three years. He was appointed deputy editor and a year later he became the editor of the Daily Service. He returned to Nigeria in1949 from England and started to practice as a lawyer as soon as he settled down. After two years he formed a partnership with two friends Chris Ogunbayo and Michael Odesanya, who were his students at the Baptist Academy, thus establishing a solicitors firm called Samuel, Chris, Michael and Samuel Ladoke was the senior partner. He was made the legal adviser of the Action Group party when it was formed in 1950. Samuel Ladoke was appointed the Minister of Labour when Sir John Macpherson was the Governor General of Nigeria in 1953 where he represented his Action Group Party, from the post of legal adviser and membership of the party’s executive, he has appointed deputy leader and national vice president of the party to replace Bode Thomas who died on the 20th November 1953. As a result of the London constitutional conference, he became the Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare. He was appointed the Federal Minster of Aviation and Communication in September, 1957 by the then Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. During the election in December 1959, Samuel Ladoke entered the old Western Region House of Assembly following a victorious by-election in Ogbomoso Central Constituency. He also rose to the post of the Premier of the old Western Region during the elections on the 15th of December 1959 when Sir John Rankine was Governor of the Western Region and invited him to form his government. He was Chief Adviser of Ogbomoso Parapo.

In 1931, he played a significant political role in the life of the Ogbomoso people with the organization of a progressive movement in Ogbomoso called Egbe Iropodun by which he commended the agitation for educated leadership in preference to traditional rule. While he was having a career at the Baptist Academy, Samuel Ladoke regularly contributed articles to various newspaper and he had always nursed an ambition to use journalism as a platform to air his views. In 1940, he joined the Nigerian Youth Movement. He left the Baptist Academy for a job in the railways and subsequently ventured into journalism. He also founded a Yoruba newspaper called Yoruba Irohin which he edited and resolved to use to spread political awareness throughout Yorubaland. Samuel Ladoke teamed up with other educated Nigerians to form the Action Group (AG) which was established in 1950 under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He took part in the review of the Nigerian constitution during the constitutional conferences held in London (1953) and in Lagos (1954) a responsibility assigned him by the Action Group party. His efforts helped the Action Group party gain ground in the old Western Region. As the Minister of Aviation and Communications, he set up the Nigerian Airways, a national airline that replaced the British-owned West African Airways Corporation. He moved the motion for independence in October 1957 while he was the leader of Action Group Party and the motion was seconded by the Prime Minister of Nigeria. It is noteworthy that he brought electricity and pipe-borne water to Ogbomoso.

HONOURS/AWARDS

Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola has his name already written in gold, recognized and honoured for his numerous contributions with the naming of many institutions after his including Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. In August 1964, he had been appointed the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland by the Oba Gbadegesin II, the Alaafin of Oyo as the thirteenth Aare Ona Kakanfo in the 500 years history of the Yorubas.

ADEWUSI SUNDAY ADEDAYO (GCON)

Chief Adewusi Sunday (GCON) hails from Ori-Etu compound, Isale Laka in Ogbomoso North L.G.A., Ogbomoso. He was born at Mada Station, Nasarawa State, Nigeria on 6th December 1936. He is a Christian and he is happily married to Alhaja Aminat Amusa and the marriage was blessed with children.

Institutions Attended

He attended C.M.S. school, Mada Station (1944-1945); Catholic school, Mada Station (1946-1948); Baptist Day School, Jos (1949-1950); Keffi Government College, Keffi (1951-1956); Detective Training School, Wake Field, UK (1959-1960) and Senior Officers College, Scotland (1964).

Positions Held

He became a sub-Inspector of Police in 1957; assistant superintendent of police in 1959; deputy superintendent of police in 1962, superintendent of police in 1963; chief superintendent of police in 1967; assistant commissioner of police in 1969; deputy commissioner of police in 1971; assistant inspector general of police in 1975 and inspector general of police in 1981 at the age of 45, a remarkable achievement and a record to beat till date in Nigeria.

Honours and Awards

He is honoured as commander, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1981; Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in 1999. He received the following medals: Nigeria Independent Medal, Nigeria Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the Nigeria Civil War Medal. For his love and contributions to the development of Ogbomosoland, he was chosen and unanimously elected as the Leader, Ogbomoso Community in September 2001 and was installed the Asiwaju of Ogbomosoland by His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the Soun ofg Ogbomosoland.

Contributions

He served the country in many capacities. He served as the Chairman of Board of Directors of the First Bank of Nigeria PLC, and United bank for Africa; Deputy Chairman of the Committee that gave birth to the establishment of the Public Complaints Commission; Member, Defence Industries Corporation among others. He has also contributed to many laudable projects in Ogbomoso and beyond.

Social Life

He is a member of Ogbomoso Recreation club; Metropolitan club, Ikoyi Lagos; Island Club, Lagos and Ogbomoso Community Foundation.

OYERINDE NATHANIEL DAVID

Late Chief Prof. Oyerinde Nathaniel David hails from Igbagbo Compound, Isale Afon in Ogbomoso North Local Government. He was born on 10th October, 1875 to the family of late Pa David Aworinde. He happily married and blessed with children. He died on 18th April, 1977 at the age of 102.

Institutions attended

He attended Osupa Baptist Day School, Broad Street, Lagos (1889 – 1901). Preachers’ Training Class, Ogbomoso (1898). Wayland Academy, USA. Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia. And University of Chicago, Illinois, where he bags B.A, Ph. D and specialized in Mathematics, Classics and Economics.

Position Held

He was a Teacher at Baptist Academy, Ogbomoso, 1916 – 1921. Teacher, Baptist College and Seminary, 1922 – 1935. First President, Ogbomoso Parapo. Chairman, Streering Commiittee that led to the establishment of Ogbomoso Girls’ High school, 1959. Chairman, Board of Governor, Ogbomoso Girls’ High School. Chairman,Education Commiittee, Ogbomoso District Council. Recording Secretary, Nigerian Baptist Convention, 1923 – 1924. President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, 1926- 1933. Member, Legislative Council of Nigeria, 1935.

Contribution/Achievement

He is the first to receive a degree from ogbomoso. First to become a professor from Ogbomoso. One of the facilitators in the birth of Ogbomoso Parapo and the first President. Also one of the facilitators in the birth of the followings; Ogbomoso Grammar School, 1952. Ogbomoso Continuation classes and ogbomoso People’s Institute. Professor Oyerinde authored a book titled “Iwe Itan Ogbomoso” (History of Ogbomoso).

Honours/Awards

He is recognized, honoured and installed as Otun Soun of Ogbomoso, 1936. O. B. E, 1947. Coronation Medal, 1953 (Queen Elizabeth II honours). M. F. R by the Head of State of Nigeria, and Justice and Peace (JP) 1950.

ADEKUNLE BENJAMIN ADESANYA

Chief Adekunle Benjamin Adesanya (Black Scorpion) hails from Osi-Agoro Compound, Ijeru in Ogbomoso South Local Government. He was born on the 26th of June 1937. He is a Christian and happily married.

Institutions Attended

He attended Dekina Primary School; Government College Okene (1951-1957). Officer Cadet Training School, Teshie, Accra, Ghana (1958). Officer Cadet Aldershot (1959). Military Academy, Sandhurst (196–1962). Defence Services Staff College, Wellinton, India.

Positions held

He was appointed ADC to the Governor of Eastern Nigeria. Adjutant General in the Nigeria Army. Brigade Commander, Lagos (1967). Commander 3rd Marine Commando. Director of training and Planning Military Headquarters, Lagos (1968). And tasked with the decongestion of Lagos Port (1970).

Contributions

During the Nigerian Civil War, he cleaned creek around Warri, liberated Calabar from Biafran troops on May 19, 1968, liberated Aba in August 1968 and captured Owerri later.

Honours and Awards

He has been honoured with the traditional chieftaincy title, Ashipa of Ogbomosoland.

OLADAYO POPOOLA (RTD)

Major- General Oladayo Popoola (Rtd.) was born on February 26, 1944 to Pa Lawuyi Popoola (deceased) from Ile-Aipon Isale Ora, Ogbomoso and to Mama Oyegbenle Popoola from Ile Fedegbo, Isale Afon, Ogbomoso.

He began his educational career at the famous Baptist Day School, Ijaye, Abiokuta and proceeded from there to the African Church Secondary Modern School, Ibadan after which he attended and completed his Secondary School at Ayedade Grammar School, Ikire, Osun State. He has his University degree from the University of Lagos where he obtained his L.L.B. degree in Law and Barrister of Laws at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos

Major-General Oladayo Popoola has a very challenging Military career with the under listed as part of his Military Postings:

• Federal Guards Lagos as Platoon Commander

• Guards Battalion as Adjutan and Company Commander

• 11 Brigade as Brigade major

• 6 Battalion as Commanding Officer

• Nigerian Military Training College as Instructor

• 15 Brigade as Brigade Major

• Nigerian High Commission, India, as Deputy Defence Adviser

• Staff College, Jaji as Directing Staff

• Army Headquarters severally as Director of Personnel Services

• Army Headquarters severally as Chief of Administration and Chief of Logistics

• 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu as General Officer Commanding.

In the course of service, Major-General Oladayo Popoola was identified and his leadership traits recognized, thus he was appointed and served as Military Governor of Oyo State and later in the same capacity as the Governor of Ogun State. He concomitantly served as a member of the Provisional Ruling Council – the highest ruling organ of the Country.

Major-General Oladayo Popoola has continued to be a role-model to the Nigerian Youths in his characteristics devotion to duty, commitment to the service of the community and humble disposition to all that come across him.

A tireless and relentless but silent assistant to the underprivileged in the Community, Major-General Oladayo Popoola continue to demonstrate his cool-headedness, good leadership, always cherishing his good name, accountability, prudence with a burning desire to achieve even greater thing for his community and Nigeria in general.

Major General Oladayo Popoola is well recreated. He plays a little of golf, a little of lawn tennis and a little of squash racquet. No doubt his education career, Military training and posting have taken him to almost all the parts of the Federation of Nigeria. No wonder then, he is a detribalized and a depoliticised person. His Major concern in life is to see Nigeria become a great nation where no one is oppressed.

CHRISTOPHER ADEBAYO ALAO-AKALA

Otunba (Dr.) Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala hails from Akala Compound, Oke Tara in Ogbomoso North Local Government, Ogbomoso. He was born on 3rd of June, 1950. He is a Christian, is happily married and the marriage was blessed with children.

Institution Attended

He attended Osupa Baptist Day School in 1962. Kamina Barracks Middle school, 5th Battalion of Infantry Tamale, Ghana. Alao Akala went to government technical College, Tamale, Ghana and Ogbomoso High School, Ogbomoso in 1972. Still in search of more knowledge, Otunba Adebayo has his ASCON Certificate in 1985 and to capped it all with further studies at the University of Ibadan. Also, Akala studies at Nigeria Police College, Ikeja.meropolitan Police Training School, Pell Centre, London. Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). Command Staff College, Jaji in 1990.

Positions held

He was Chief Superintendent of Police (Administration) in Ilorin, Kwara State Commands. He became Assistant Commissioner of Police and served respectively at Police Command Eleyele, Ibadan and retired from the Force in September, 1995. He was Chairman, Ogbomoso North Local Government (1999-2002). Chairman Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Oyo State Chapter (1999-2002). Deputy Governor, Oyo State in 2003 and elected has executive Governor of Oyo State on 29th May, 2007.

Honours and Awards

He has been honoured with the following awards: Doctor of Civil Law DCL (Honoris causa) by LAUTECH, Ogbomoso 2006. Doctor of Political Science (Honoris causa) by Lead City University, Ibadan 2008. He has been coferred with numerous chieftaincy titles some of which are: Otun Orirun, Bobagunwa of Ogbomosoland, Aare Soludero of Ibarapa, Bashorun Atunluto of Akure, Otunba of Akinmorin, Bobajiroro of Owu Kingdom, Mayegun of Okeho, Akogun of Ilua etc

HON. CHRISTOPHER AGBOOLA AJAO

Ajao was born in 1932. He studied at Baptist Day school, Iwo and later at Baptist Boys High school, Abeokuta (1945 – 1950). After his Cambridge School Certificate in which he had grade one, he proceeded Overseas to study and qualified in Physiotherapy. He also later qualified as a Hydrotherapist in U.K.

After his education, he joined the services of Oyo State Government where he rose to the position of chief physiotherapist. He retired in 1984. He served as Hon. Physiotherapist at the 2nd All African Games in 1973. Mr Ajao was also Hon. Physiotherapist at the commonwealth Games in Christ Church, New Zealand in 1974.

He was Chief Physiotherapist at the King Khalid Hospital Saudi Arabia. He was a State Commissioner in Oyo state Nigeria (Ministry of Information and culture). One of his interests is in scouting. He was State Scout President in Oyo State (1996 to date).

His interest in Culture/Social Service knows no bound. Caring for disabled was his strong point among others such as selfless services to Ogbomoso his home town.

His Involvement in Youth Development

A keen scouter, he has maintained a continous service to scout Association Nigeria and rose to the post of chief Executive of the Association of the former Oyo state (Oyo & Osun) as state commissioner and presently serving as president.

Using Scouting as a base, his commitment to youth development is all embracing. He is a life member of the Board of management of house school for Handicapped Children which he has been serving since 1967 till date.

Mr. Ajao is a culture enthusiast and environmentalist promoting the conservation of monument and artifacts as well as conservation of fauna and flora. He is a member of LEGACY, the historical and architectural interest group of 75 year old Nigeria field Society, the oldest environmental group in Nigeria. OEHECA his native heritage interest group.

A Professional Physiotherapist

Professionally, Mr. Ajao is one of the pioneers of the physiotherapy profession in Nigeria and his contribution to the growth of the profession went beyond the realm of medical service. He was a cofounder of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy in 1959 and the pioneer Secretary of the organization. He served in various capacities and led as president on various occasions. In recognition of his service to the profession he was awarded the singular Silver Jubilee Meritorious Honour in 1985. Later he was a recipient of the Honorary Fellowship Award in 2001. He rose to the top of the profession and pioneered the Community Physiotherapy Service in 1974 thus taking Physiotherapy to the rural areas.

Community Involvement

His contribution to the development of his native Ogbomoso is immense. He is known to be the pioneer Secretary of Ogbomoso Investment Club which is dedicated to the economic development of the town. He is involved with practically all developments aspects in the town and he serves silently.

Civic Interests

While he is a Specialist in Physiotherapy, Mr. Ajao delved into other areas of disciplines and he has great love for History, Culture, Nature, improvement and preservation of the environment.

In summary, Hon C. A. Ajao’s footprints in the following areas are indelible:

• Social Secretary,

• B.B.H.S. Abeokuta Old Boys’Association: 1972-1981

• Social Secretary, B.B.H.S. Abeokuta Old Boys’ Association: 1972-1981

• Silver Jubilee Merit Award, Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy – 1985

• Fellowship Award Nigeria Society of Physitherapy

• Foundation Member, Nigeria Association of Sports Medicine

• Foundation Member, Ogbomoso Investment Club – 1999

• State Commissioner, Boy Scouts, Oyo State – 1991 – 1 9994

• President, Boy Scouts Oyo State – 1995 till date

• Foundation Life Member, Nigeria Council of Social Service

• Life member of the Board, Home School for Handicapped Children, Ijokodo, Ibadan

• Founder/Member, Nigeria Association of Fish Farmers and Aquaculturist – 1987

• Member of “LEGACY”,- Historical and Architectural Organisation

• Member, Nigeria Field Society

• Foundation Member, Nigeria Society for Information, Arts and Culture (NSIAC) – 2001

• Unofficial Member of NEC, BBHS Old Boys’ Association.

SILI AKANBI AKANDE

Alhaji S. A. Akande (J.P., FCAI, FNIM) was born into a devout Moslem family in Ogbomoso on the 12th of August, 1941. He attended Ogbomoso Grammar School, Ogbomoso from 1955 to 1961; Comprehensive High School Aiyetoro from 1963-1964 and University of Lagos, Akoka from 1965 to 1968, where he graduated with B.Sc (Hons.) in Economics in June, 1968. He did his post-graduate (M.A) Course in Education Administration at the University of ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife from 1982-1984.

He taught at Offa Grammar School in 1968-1971, then joined the Western State Civil Service in April, 1972, taught at the Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro between 1972 and 1976 and Government College, Ibadan between 1976 and 1980.

He served in the Inspectorate Service of the Ministry of Education for twelve years. He was accredited to take charge of the “Primary Schools Matters” in the state in February, 1991 and thus became the First Indigenous Administrator of that Government out-fit now referred to as the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

He became a substantive Director (Planning, Research and Statistics) at TESCOM in July, 1994, the post he held until his appointment as Director-General and Acting Commissioner of the Ministry of Education Oyo State in January, 1997.

He was re-assigned as the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Post Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) on the 27th of December, 1997. He was posted to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey in July, 1999 as the Permanent Secretary and Finally to the Ministry of Establishment and Training in July, 2001. He retired from the Civil Service of Oyo State in August, 2001, where he had a distinguished and meritorius service which spanned 30 years.

Awards and Honours

• He was President of Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro Old Students Association 1980-1982

• Member of the Board of Governors of Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro 1980-1982.

• Senior Examiner of WAEC in Economics in 1972-1996, Award Winner of the International Women for Science and Technology 1997

• Award Winner in Exam Ethics Project 1997.

• Member of the Nigerian Association for Educational Media Technology 1997.

• Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria 1998

•

• Received “the Sword of the State” Award by the Conference of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (CIMON)

• Chairman, Board of Governors, Ogbomoso Grammar School

• Member Governing Council, Ad-din International College

• Member, Board of Patrons Ogbomoso Community Foundation

• Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management 2005 and The current Chairman, NIM Ibadan Chapter

Alhaji S.A Akande has had to his credit the publication of five titles in Economics and allied fields in Education by Reputable Publishers in Nigeria.

In addition to his native Yoruba, he Speaks French, and Hausa fluently and has also attended so many Courses and Conferences on Education and Management locally and internationally.

He is Married with Children and his hobbies include Soccer, Reading and Writing.

OTHER PROMINENT MEN AND WOMEN OF OGBOMOSO ORIGIN

Late Col. Ibrahim Taiwo – Former Military Governor, Kwara State.

Col. Daniel Akintunde (Rtd) – Former Military Governor, Ogun State.

Chief Ayandele Ayantayo – Member, Management Board, Bowen U.T.H, Ogbomoso.

Hon. (Alhaja) Adeola Mulikat Akande- Majority Leader, House of Representatives, 2011 till date.

Alhaji (Rtd)Babalola Shehu Ajadi – Assistant Inspector of Police

Chief Abayomi Akintola – Nigeria Ambassador

Chief James Oladejo Adigun – Former Minister of Health & Social Welfare

Brig. Gen. Brimo yemi Yusuf (Rtd) – Senator, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sen. Adeseun Ayoade Ademola – Senator, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2011 – 2015.

Late Hon. Adelowo Isaac Ayoola – Former, Member House of Assembly, Oyo State.

Rev. John Bamidele Preston Lafinhan- Director of the Centre for Applied Religion and Education (CARE)

Late Chief N. A. Adibi – Former Minister of State (Education), Western Region, Oyo State Chairman, Defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN)

Late Sir Dele Adeyemo – Former Accountant General of Oyo State.

Late Commondre S. A. Lawuyi – Naval Officer.

Late Dr. Senator Laogun Adeoye – Senator, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Late Alhaji Olatunji Mohammed – Former Deputy Governor of Oyo state.

Alh. AbdulFatai Buhari – Former Member, House of Representative, 2003 – 2007

Hon. Bamiji Folaranmi – Former Member, House of Representative, 1999 – 2003

Hon. Temilola Segun Adibi – Former Member, House of Representative, 1999 – 2003

Hon. Remi Peter Odetomi – Commissioner for…….

Hon. Ademola Alalade – Former commissioner for Lands & Housing, Oyo State.

Prof. R. O. Rom Kalilu – Professor of Fine & Applied Art

Engineer O A. Ige – Former Minister of Communication

Hon. Ademola Olateju – Former, Member House of Assembly, Oyo State.

Hon. Solomon Olu Oyeleye – Former, Member House of Assembly, Oyo State.

Hon. Simeon Oyeleke – Former, Member House of Assembly, Oyo State.

Hon. Ayoola Adeleke – Member House of Assembly, Oyo State. 2011 till 2015

Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi – Member House of Assembly, Oyo State. 2011 till 2015

Hon. (Mrs) Esther Adesanya – Former Commissioner for Establishment, Oyo State.

Hon. (Mrs) Deborah Oyelade – Former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Oyo State.

Col. Adeniran (Rtd) – Army Officer of High Esteem.

SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS IN OGBOMOSO

There are various social organizationsthat are established in Ogbomoso and out side Ogbomoso. The are all basically formed by Ogbomoso indigenes. Namely:

 OGBOMOSO PARAPO

The inaugural meeting of the organization was held on Sunday 8th of August 1933 with Prof. N. D. Oyerinde as the Patron, inside Okelerin Baptist Church, Ogbomoso under the umbrella of Ogbomoso progressive union (OPU). In 1950, a general meeting of all organizations met and the Federal Parapo was formed in 1950. The Federal Parapo has become the umbrella organization for all Ogbomoso sons and dauthers.

 OGBOMOSO DYNAMIC BROTHER, LAGOS 1966

 OGBOMOSO AJILETE GROUP, IBADAN, 1973

 OGBOMOSO PGROGRESSIVE ELITE CLUB, 1977

 FRONT-LINERS CLUB OF OGBOMOSO (FRONTCO) 1979

 OGBOMOSO PIVOTAL CLUB, JANUARY 1982

 OGBOMOSO COMMITTEE OF FRIENDS: The club was established in 1988

 OGBOMOSO WIVES ASSOCIATION, 1994

 SOUN LADIES ASSOCIATION, 1986 IN ABUJA.

 OGBOMOSO DEVELOPMENT FORUM (ODF) JANUARY 1, 1977

 OGBOMOSO AJISEGIRI YOUTH FORUM, MAY 2002

 Ogbomoso Community Foundation (OCF) is a voluntary, free and democratic association of Ogbomoso indigenes and society with the mission to pursue “the continued and sustainable growth, development, progress and prosperity of Ogbomosoland, ensuring the welfare of its sons and daughters (citizens) at home and in diasporas through non discrimination and cooperation in a climate full of understanding, unity, peace and concord. Founded in 29th September, 2001.

* FEDERATION OF OGBOMOSO STUDENT UNION

Writing By Jimoh Dauda Ayantoye (Ayan-Agalu Cultural Heritage)