The family and heirs of the late Onpetu of Ijeru Land, Oba Solomon Ladeji Atoyebi II, has dissociated themselves from Prince Oyetunde Olabisi’s claims that the Soun of Ogbomoso is supreme and a father to the Onpetu Royal Dynasty.
According to Prince Gbadebo Ladeji, former Secretary to Oyo State Government and Head of Service, in a press statement, historical records, including “The History of Ogbomoso” by Late Prof. N.O. Oyerinde, confirm that the Onpetu of Ijeru Land and other monarchs were kings in their domains before the Soun’s title was conferred.
“A Supreme Court judgment also supports our position. We urge all stakeholders to disregard Prince Olabisi’s claims,” he declared.
“We hereby unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the said pronouncements made by Prince Oyetunde Olabisi regarding the throne of Onpetu Dynasty as the aforementioned (pronouncements) are not founded in the historical records of Ogbomoso, as encapsulated in The History of Ogbomoso, written by the Late Prof. N.O. Oyerinde.From the time immemorial, historical records attest to the fact that Olugbon of Orile-Igbon (The Customary Landlord of Gborungunle, the progenitor of the Soun Royal Dynasty), the Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile, the Onpetu of Ijeru Land and the Aresa of Iresaadu (not Aresa of Iresaapa), are kings, historically, in their respective domains, prior to the conferment of the status of Bale, on Soun Ogunlola, by Alaafin Ajagbo of the Old Oyo Empire, in recognition and appreciation of the gallantry of Soun Ogunlola, in getting rid of the ring-leader of the gang of bandits ravaging the Old Oyo Empire- Elemoso, as at that particular period in the history of the said Empire,” he added.
Prince Ladeji urged members of the public to refer to page 46 of ‘The History of Ogbomoso’ for ease of reference. With the above development, Soun Ogunlola exercised rulership over the territory which was previously one of the territories under the rulership of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon. Hence, the title – Bale, and not King (Oba).
“As a corollary to the above averment, it would be recalled that the immediate past Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, His Royal Majesty – Late Oba Osunbade, secured a Supreme Court judgment restraining the then Soun of Ogbomoso – Late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi II (including subsequent Soun of Ogbomoso) from asserting himself (Soun of Ogbomoso) as Soun of Ogbomoso Land, in view of the historical antecedent of the Soun Royal Dynasty, as a customary tenant of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon.At this juncture, it needs be stated that the Oyo State Government presently recognises two (2) Royal Beaded Crowns in Ogbomoso North Local Government of Oyo State – The Soun of Ogbomoso and The Aale of Okelerin,” the statement added.
According to him, the above is largely not unconnected with the fact that Aale of Okelerin had been a Bale, exercising rulership over his domain, prior to the conferment of the status of Bale on Soun Ogunlola. Hence, Soun of Ogbomoso, does not have prescribed or consenting authority over the Aale of Okelerin, within the same Ogbomoso North Local Government.From the foregoing, the question then arises – How can a Customary Tenant of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon transit to been a Customary Landlord of the Onpetu Royal Dynasty. Moreso, when the domain of Aale Okelerin is much closer to the domain of Onpetu Royal Dynasty.
“The above assertion is exemplified in the dramatic/artistic piece of Lere Paimo, titled “Ogbori Elemoso”.It is also quintessentially imperative to clarify that contrary to the claim of Prince Oyetunde Olabisi, historical record (as enshrined in The History of Ogbomoso) attest to the fact that Onpetu Atoyebi successfully crushed the rebellion/military onslaught led by Sikako (one of the Princes of Onpetu Royal Dynasty) against his (Onpetu Atoyebi) enthronement as Onpetu, (in Orile-Oje then), by Alaafin Ajagbo of the Old Oyo Empire”
“It is a well-known historical fact that Onpetu Atoyebi beheaded Sikako at the battle which ensued, thus, sustaining the primacy of the Onpetu Royal Dynasty. It is equally on record that Onpetu Atoyebi, after recording victory over the rebellion led by Sikako, paid a courtesy visit to his warlord friend and ally – Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile. In the same regard, mention was made of Soun Oluwusi as one of the friends and allies who stood by Onpetu Atoyebi, during the said uprising, which engulfed Orile-Oje.
“Historical record further revealed that Onpetu Atoyebi subsequently settled at Ijeru Land to exercise rulership over his domain and area of political authority and influence.The relevant section of the Chieftaincy Declaration Law of the Old Western Region of Nigeria outlines, in specific and clear terms, all the areas of jurisdiction of the authority of Onpetu of Ijeru Land, as well as all the Chiefs (Bales) under the suzerainty of Onpetu Royal Dynasty. It is also worthy of note to state that it was the administration of the then Col. David Jemibewon – Former Governor of Old Oyo State, which graciously approved the enhancement and upgrading of the status of the Soun of Ogbomoso from Bale, to that of a King, kindly refer to the relevant Gazette of the Old Oyo State Government.
Prince Ladeji further disclosed that all the previous Souns of Ogbomoso, prior to the present dispensation, including the immediate past Soun of Ogbomoso – His Royal Majesty – Late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi II, ascended the throne as Bale.
According to him, the only exception, is the present Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege I who ascended the throne of the Soun Royal Dynasty as a King and not Bale.
“From the foregoing, it is ostensibly evident, that the claim of Prince Oyetunde Olabisi LACKS MERIT, as same is not founded in any historical record of Ogbomoso. Hence, should be disregarded and discountenanced, by all the well-meaning indigenes and stakeholders of Ogbomoso Land,” he concluded.
