Ogbomosho (; also known as Ogbomoso and Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́) is a city in Oyo State, south-western Nigeria. It was founded in the mid 17th century. The urban population was approximately 744,835 in 2024. It is the second largest city in Oyo State and among the most populated in Nigeria. It is the 3rd most populated city in South Western Nigeria after Lagos and Ibadan. The City itself has 5 local governments(12 LCDA's), which makes it one of the largest cities in Nigeria. Although the principal inhabitants of the city are the Yoruba people, there are people from other parts of Nigeria and other West African countries who are residents in the city.
History Ọlábánjọ Ògúnlọlá Ògúndìran was of Ibariba descent. He and his wife, Esuu, built their hut by the side of the Àjàgbọn tree.
According to an early missionary, "Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ in 1891 was a walled city, the gates of which were closely watched by day and securely closed by night. The town, picturesque and well watered was isolated from the rest of the Yoruba towns. Political relations were maintained with the Ibadans, for the country depended on its security on the warriors of Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ and Ikirun...The strength of Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ lay in the wall and moat surrounding the town, and the warriors made full use of it by sitting close and tight.."Pinnock, 1917, p. 43-44
The city of Ogbomoso was founded in the mid-17th century AD by Ogunlola, a skilled and courageous hunter of Ibariba origin. Historians do not know his real name, but early Yoruba settlers called him "Ogunlola" because he was a hunter and adventurer. (Historically, the important Ibariba ethnic group lived in northern Benin, especially in Borgu, an artificially divided area on the border between Benin and Niger in Nigeria today, their people are spread between Kwara State and the Borgu section of Niger State, of Sudanese origin and call themselves "Batono" meaning people, and their society is class-based and traditionally slave-owning)_ according to a brief history of Ogbomoso by J. M Adeoye.
The area that is called Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ today is between Igbọ́n and Ìrẹṣà—Arẹṣà to the west; Oníkòyí to the East; Olúgbọ́n to the north; and Tìmì of Ẹdẹ to its south direction—according to Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ History and Origin Documentary by Israel Ayanwuyi.
Ògúnlọlá (later Ṣọ̀ún) noticed smoke oozing from some nearby locations. He took courage and approached these places and discovered other hunters. There is no more Baálẹ̀ Akandíẹ̀.
Ogunlola, after the discovery of these hunters, took the initiative to invite them to form the Alongo Society. The primary objectives of the society were defence against Sunmoni (slave prowlers) raids, group hunting of wild animals, and mutual assistance. After each day's hunting, they retired to Ogunlola's hut where they were treated to beans and other meals and were served with Sekete wine brewed by Ogunlola's wife from fermented guinea corn. They also engaged in discussing current affairs and planning.
Esuu, the wife of Ogunlola, introduced the worship of Orisapopo to Ogbomosho. The worshippers were distinguished by white beads worn round their necks and wearing of white dresses only. Drinking of palm wine was forbidden to them. The name Orisapopo was probably derived from the fact that Ogunlola's hut was on the northsouthern route, therefore the Orisala being worshipped in the hut was named "Orisapopo" (idol by the highway). The importance and influence of 'Orisapopo' among the citizens of Ogbomoso is immense. It can be described as the patron Òrìṣà of Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́.
Devastating havoc was brought upon the Oyo people when the Ibaribas, under Elemoso's leadership attacked Oyo-Ile near Ilorin city. He consequently took total siege on Oyo, causing famine and hardship in the State.
Alaafin was so impressed by Ogunlola's prowess that he, the Alaafin, requested Ogunlola to stay in the capital (Oyo-Ile) instead of returning to his settlement. Ogunlola politely declined saying "Ejeki a ma se ohun" meaning "let me manage that place." His majesty, the Alaafin, granted Ogunlola's wish to return to his settlement. This was later contracted to Ogbomoso.
Eventually, the authority of Ogunlola became greater and more respected. His compound by the Ajagbon tree then became the Soun's palace and a rallying point for all Ogbomoso citizens.
Ogbomosho, because of her strategic location, quickly grew from a village status to a medium size town. Her people were also renown warriors. During the Fulani wars of the 19th century, many towns and villages (about 147) were deserted while their people took refuge in Ogbomosho. The influx of people further enhanced the size and strength of the town.
Alagba the sacred tortoise Alagba is believed to have been born in the year 1675 in the old Oyo town, which is now being referred to as Ogbomoso. He was reputedly said to have been brought from the forest by the third Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ikumoyede who ruled from 1770 until 1797.In deference to its age, it is called Alagba, which means "the elderly one" in Yoruba. In Ogbomoso, where the legendary tortoise lumbers about in the palatial grounds of the king, it is almost a sacrilege to refer to Alagba as a mere tortoise. The tortoise played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past.
The sacred tortoise, which was believed to be the oldest in Africa, was sick for a few days before her demise on 5 October 2019.
The palace household, Ogbomoso community and stakeholders in the tourism sector are reportedly mourning Alagba's passage because of the great impact left behind. Plans are underway to preserve Alagba's body for historical records.( by Timothy copy )
List of Monarchs The founder of Ogbomoso, Soun Olabanjo Ogunlola Ogundiran, was the first Soun of Ogbomoso. He had 5 sons, Lakale, Kekere, Esuo, Eiye and Jogioro. He was later succeeded by his youngest son, Erinbaba Alamu Jogioro, who was the second Soun.
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, Soun 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)