The Mogaji Olugbode and the Traditional Head of Owu Descendants in Ibadanland, Chief Tesleem Abiodun Olugbode has declared that Ibadan serves as the temporary capital of Owu Kingdom after the dispersal more than two centuries ago.
Olugbode said this while speaking at the 2025 edition of Odun Olowu in Ibadan.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, was represented by Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Monsuru Arulogun, Balogun of Owu Kingdom, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama and Oba (Professor) Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta.
Others are HRM Olowu of Owu Ikosi Lagos State, Alayeluwa Oba Nelson Obayomi Aderemi Ogunlari Ogundalu 1, President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Abduljelil Adegboyega Sani.
Our correspondent reports that Odun Olowu is a cultural festival among Owu descendants who had settled in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital since the last two hundred years.
According to the available historical accounts, Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode, a warrior who hailed from Owu, was the 7th traditional ruler in Ibadan and reigned for thirteen (13) years, between 1851-1864.
Olugbode while addressing the gathering, declared that Ibadan served as the temporary capital of Owu Kingdom after the dispersal.
He added that Ibadan witnessed a significant influx of Owu people, who became well integrated with the heterogeneous population of the ancient city.
He noted that Ibadan was the first major settlement encountered by Owu migrants.
He maintained that the festival serves as a reunion platform that brings together Owu descendants in Ibadanland.
He said “As history records, Ibadan was the first major settlement encountered by Owu migrants and served as the temporary capital of Owu Kingdom after the dispersal.
“Ibadan witnessed a significant influx of Owu people, who became well integrated with the heterogeneous population of Ibadanland.
“This festival therefore serves as a reunion platform that brings together Owu descendants in Ibadanland, at home and in the diaspora, to celebrate our rich heritage, foster unity, and deliberate on issues that will advance the progress and development of Owu Kingdom.
“Today, we are highly honoured by the presence of many distinguished Owu personalities who have come from far and near to celebrate with us. I wish to specially appreciate our amiable, energetic, and visionary father, our living legend, Ogbogbodu, Ebora Owu, the Balogun of Owu Kingdom, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR, for his unwavering support for Owu people in Ibadanland and indeed the entire Owu Kingdom”.
Ibadan served as temporary capital of Owu Kingdom after its dispersal – Olugbode
