HRH, CHIEF OGEDENGBE, Obanla of
Ijeshaland (Oba-Ala Ogedengbe of
Ilesha I) , in his warrior uniform. The
first generation of the Great
Ogedengbe dynasty.

Full name: Saraibi Ogedengbe (famously known as
Ogedengbe Agbogungboro)

Place of Birth: Atorin Village, Ilesa, Osun state

Parents: Pa Apasanforijiwa & Madam Falupo

Decorations: Balogun of Ilesha
Seriki Ajanaku of Ijeshaland
General / Commander-in-Chief of the Ekiti
Parapo Army
Obanla of Ijeshaland (Oba-Ala Ogedengbe
of Ilesha I)

Profile: Ogedengbe was a personality to behold a true character that made history and defines culture right from his early age to adulthood. He was a proud, courageous and confident Ijesa, although extremely difficult, he had a
true and genuine love for his town and people. Ogedengbe was a
no-nonsense man nor was he afraid of anyone. He was fearless, always willing and ready to fight or attack anyone
who dares to challenge him and would not stop until the end. Ogedengbe had fame, charisma, wisdom and knowledge
and was the ultimate icon of his time. Men want to be him and women want to be his wife.

The late Chief Ogedengbe Agbogubgboro, the Generalissimo of
Ekiti Army was born at Atorin, a village about twenty
kilometres from Ilesha in the now Atakomosa East Local
Government areas. This was his mother's village; his father's
village was Oke-Orisa which is about the same distance from
Ilesha and in the same present day Local Government areas as
Atorin.
Before Ogedengbe was born, the Ifa oracle predicted that he
was going to be the saviour of Ijeshaland. The name given to Ogedengbe at birth was SARAIBI. He was born as a normal child and he grew up at Atorin as a healthy industrous young man. From the early years of his life, it became clear that he was very strong and surpassed all his
mates in acts of valour, whenever he engaged in wrestling with
his mates, he always floored them, hence the name
"OGEDENGBE". In adulthood, Ogedengbe engaged in several
campaigns against the Ibadan people who were oppressing and
attacking the Ijesha people. During one of such campaigns, he
was captured and taken to Ibadan.
It was on this occassion the Ibadan people put tribal marks on
his face before releasing him. He fought in the Ibadan army
until he became a senior military commander and then returned
to fight and lead the Ijesha forces. After this, he gathered a
large army of Ijesha young men and engaged in several bitter
fightings against the Ibadan people.

Ogedengbe exploits also took him to Ekiti and Akoko areas where he sold a lot of them into slavery. This was why he was
often referred to as "O soko Ekiti soko Akoko". He also went as
far as the present day Edo state. The Oba of Benin had to appease him before he desisted from waging war against his
domain. He gave Ogedengbe presents of beads, slaves and other valuable articles.
After this exploit, Ogedengbe returned to Igbara-Oke intending to settle down there. This was the time when the
Ibadan people engaged the Ijeshas and the Ekitis in a fierce war at Oke-Imesi. The leaders of the Ijeshas and the Ekitis
had to persuade Ogedengbe to come and lead them as his unrivalled exploits had become a legend in the whole of Yoruba
land. He agreed and went to the battle field to check the
inordinate ambition of the Ibadan people.
The fighting went on for about nine years . It was Captain Bower, the then resident commissioner at Ibadan who finally
settled the war by a treaty in 1886 (23rd September, 1886) after he had won the war. It was due to all these attributes that he possessed that made him into a local hero in his town.

Ogedengbe subsequently became one of the most important men in the history of Yorubaland, Nigeria and Africa, hence
the name ‘OGEDENGBE AGBOGUNGBORO’ meaning
‘ OGEDENGBE THE WARRIOR’
It began in the 19th century, a century of revolution in Yorubaland, after the fall of the old Oyo Empire due to
political crisis. Ibadan, a new city founded in the 1820s wanted to dominate and rule the rest of the Yorubaland and as result,
there were wars among the kingdoms of the Yorubas. In particular the Kiriji war (also known as the sixteen years war)
which started in 1877, it involved the struggle for power,
influence and survival. The Ibadan on declared ‘a war to end all wars’ on the Egba on Monday, 30th July 1877, the Kiriji war officially begun. The Ijebu joined and it began to spread. In 1878, it spread to the east, the Ekiti and Ijesa countries
became united and formed an alliance known as Ekiti-parapo
(the combined forces of the Ijesa and Ekiti) which was led by Ogedengbe of Ilesha . The Ife and Ilorin later joined. Ibadan now had a string of foes that were ready to fight for their independence and also to free themselves from Ibadan
imperialism.

Picture of General Ogedengbe (second left) and some of his warriors - The Ekiti-parapo Army, taken shortly after their
victory of the Kiriji war of 1877-1892.
During the war, in order to ensure close
relationship between the families competing for power, dynastic
marriages were a common phenomenon
amongst the Yoruba Kingdom –
especially among the Ekiti ruling
houses. Ogedengbe, the Ijesa and
Ekiti-parapo war hero, had wives from
various parts of Yorubaland for the
purpose of cementing political, and
invariably, war alliances. It is believed
that Ogedengbe had over 99 wives from
various parts of Yorubaland. The king
of Ila, for instance, sent him his
daughter to prevent an attack on his
town. Ogedengbe himself also gave his
daughters in marriage to notable
personalities from other parts of
Yorubaland.

History has it that during the war, Ogedengbe was totally beheaded but he cheated death in a miraculous way. His
headless body simply walked towards his head, he picked it up and fitted his head back on. This event, although very real and
true but yet unbelievable, made his enemies even more terrified of him. For they believed that what could possibly kill Ogedengbe if the beheadings did not send him off to his grave.

This is why up till today , the house of Ogedengbe symbol is a sword to remind us all of the time the brave warrior was
beheaded with a sword and still survived the attack. This attempt on his life enraged him and offered Ogedengbe a new lease of life to defeat all his enemies.
For a time Ogedengbe of Ilesha, the legendary warlord, even
terrorised the Yorubaland extending his ravages to Benin territory, capturing towns and enslaving its inhabitants. The
kiriji war was the last war among the Yorubas and it lasted for
sixteen years. It was bought to a halt by British administration in Lagos, which produced the June 1886 Treaty and the
proclamation of peace in Yorubaland. Although the peace
treaty was ready in June, it could not be signed and sealed and
the stalement continued until the Yoruba traditional ceremony (ritual) of ending a war was held at the appointed place on the
battlefield.

The war did not actually end until 1892. As a result of this war, Ibadan failed to build a lasting empire and provide unity
for the Yorubas. In 1986, a hundred years after the Kiriji war, a reconnaissance
trip was made to the site of the signing of the peace treaty. The trip was part of an academic conference organised to
mark the centenary of the Ekiti-parapo Peace. The teams’ discovery is illuminating on the Yoruba approach to peacemaking and peace enforcement. First, it was observed that war termination involved boundary adjustment. The planting of a peculiar plant, the dracaena perennial tree, delineated new boundaries (Yoruba word: peregun). At the Ekiti-parapo peace site, the two-peregun trees planted over a
hundred years ago still proudly stand demarcating the Ibadan-Ekitiparapo territories and reminding all sides to the
conflict of the cessation of hostilities.

The greatest advantages of the peregun tree are its perennial features. It
is not easily destroyed by fire, it survives droughts and it sprouts quickly if accidentally cut. In addition, among the
Yoruba, a taboo is built around the tree: it must not be uprooted and wherever peregun stands is considered sacred. In
essence, a sense of permanence and inviolability is built around Yoruba peace treaties. The war prowess of the Ijesa military under the command of
the great Ogedengbe were to be commended, for without their
ferocious involvement in the Kiriji war and other battles, many parts of the Yoruba land would have been permanently subservient to Oyo and other more powerful Kingdoms. Other notable war heroes of the 19th century that displayed bravery were Fabunmi of Oke-Imesi, Oluyole, Ibikunle and Ogunmola of
Ibadan, Onafowokan of Ijebu, Sodeke of Egba etc.

Picture of some of the Ekiti-parapo war heroes in their warrior uniform shortly after the Kiriji war of the 19th century.
After the final settlement of the KIRIJI war, Ogedengbe returned back to Ilesha to settle down. Although there were one or two incidents such as being taken to Iwo for a short period between 1896 to 1898. On the whole Ogedengbe's home coming was relatively peaceful.

Ogedengbe-led Ilesa forces were given a hero welcome back home and Ogedengbe himself was rewarded for his stance,
bravery and heroism during the war, he was honoured with a royal title of “OBANLA OF IJESHALAND" also known as
"OBA-ALA OF ILESHA" (meaning THE "MIGHTY" KING OF IJESHALAND). A respectably earned title, truely deserving of a brave warrior. OBA-ALA OF ILESHA is the highest chieftaincy title in
Ijeshaland making OGEDENGBE the second in command and rank to the monarch, OWA-OBOKUN OF IJESHALAND .
Ogedengbe also had his own palace known as the Oba-Ala palace at Okesa street , Ilesa which is a stone throw away from
the Owa’s (King) palace. The shape of his palace is round, a letter ‘O’ shape to signify the first letter of his name –
OGEDENGBE Although, OWA is the ultimate decision-maker in Ilesha, no law
can actually be passed on the land without prior consultation with the OBANLA (Oba-Ala).

History has it that none of Ogedengbe’s descendant have actually being crowned OWA (King), as Ogedengbe himself was
a KINGSMAKER (Afobaje) rather than a king. For example, it was because of Ogedengbe that Ilesa never introduced two Agunlejikas during his reign.
The Ijesha people wanted to make him the Owa at one stage, but he refused. In the end, he was installed as the OBANLA OF
IJESHALAND in 1898.

It is also important to note that this chieftaincy title was specially created for Ogedengbe to show Ijeshas gratitude as
they felt greatly indebted towards him. No other person/s has ever been bestowed with such title before him. This is why up till today; the OBA-ALA of ILESHA chieftaincy title is more likely to be awarded to an Ogedengbe as a mark of respect for the Great Ogedengbe himself. In the past, Ilesha’s worthy personalities other than Ogedengbe’s descendant had been awarded the OBA-ALA OF ILESHA title but when an Ogedengbe is bestowed with this title, it becomes known as
“OBA-ALA OGEDENGBE OF ILESHA” .
Ogedengbe of Ilesha was crowned the OBA-ALA OGEDENGBE
OF ILESHA I, after the kiriji war. Chief Saraibi Ogedengbe lived peacefully thereafter until he died on the 29th July, 1910.

The sky rocked and thundered (3 times) to show that a great warrior had passed away. He was buried at his palace and his
descendants have since carried on with the great legacy the Legendary Yoruba warrior left behind. His first son, Ogunleye later became the Oba-Ala Ogedengbe
of Ilesha ll. Ogedengbe’s grandson, Stephen Olusesan became the Oba-Ala Ogedengbe of Ilesha lll – all are now of blessed memory. All the Oba-Ala Ogedengbe of Ilesha are buried at
the Oba-Ala’s palace at Okesa Street, Ilesha.

In Nigeria today, Ogedengbe ’s name is synonymous with Ilesa (his town) or the word ‘ Agbogungboro’ (Yoruba word meaning‘The Warrior’ ). He was an icon during his days and his greatness is still felt and present up till today. Ogedengbe was without a doubt a big celebrity, whom today is referred to as an inspiration to young men. His statue can still be seen as you enter the city of Ilesha, which was erected as a permanent memorial to him.
The people of Ijesha always says that "The day Ogedengbe died, God shot gun throughout Nigeria (Ojo ti Ogedengbe ku,
Olorun yon ibon)" Ogedengbe Agbogungboro – you will never be forgotten and your greatness and legendary will surely reign forever.

1st generation - HRH, Late Chief Saraibi Ogedengbe
OBA-ALA OGEDENGBE OF ILESHA I

2nd generation - HRH, Late Chief Ogunleye Ogedengbe
OBA-ALA OGEDENGBE OF ILESHA II

3rd generation - HRH, Late Chief Stephen Olusesan
Ogedengbe OBA-ALA OGEDENGBE OF
ILESHA III

4th generation - HRH, Chief Mathew Oyekanmi
Ogedengbe OBA-ALA OGEDENGBE OF
ILESHA IV

ogedengbe.com/9702/index.html

He is truly a legend!

Great warrior.
Can we know more about another great warrior of Yoruba kingdom called Afonja

"He also went as far as the present day Edo state. The Oba of Benin had to appease him before he desisted from waging war against his domain. He gave Ogedengbe presents of beads, slaves and other valuable articles."


You have started with this silly lies again. What year did Ogedengbe step foot in Benin and was appeased?

Go and read the account of one of the Benin chiefs caught during the British invasion who got angry at the Yoruba soldiers for betraying Benin after training some of them during the Kiriji war.

Ogedengbe never step foot in Benin and was never appeased,appease him for what? No tribe I repeat no tribe in Nigeria EVER won a battle against the Benin Empire. As rugged as the Ibadan warriors were they never dared Benin and as rugged as the Fulani jihaddist were they were stopped at Auchi.

Get your facts right,Ogedengbe wanted blessings and he was given to stop the Ibadan warriors who became bandits.

Great warrior with ninety -nine wives. Chaiiii. Interesting history.

Born2Breed:
"He also went as far as the present day Edo state. The Oba of Benin had to appease him before he desisted from waging war against his domain. He gave Ogedengbe presents of beads, slaves and other valuable articles."


You have started with this silly lies again. What year did Ogedengbe step foot in Benin and was appeased?

Go and read the account of one of the Benin chiefs caught during the British invasion who got angry at the Yoruba soldiers for betraying Benin after training some of them during the Kiriji war.

Ogedengbe never step foot in Benin and was never appeased,appease him for what? No tribe I repeat no tribe in Nigeria EVER won a battle against the Benin Empire. As rugged as the Ibadan warriors were they never dared Benin and as rugged as the Fulani jihaddist were they were stopped at Auchi.

Get your facts right,Ogedengbe wanted blessings and he was given to stop the Ibadan warriors who became bandits.

Even me.was curious how that part got squeezed into the Ogedengbe story. I am just hearing that too for the first time.

Born2Breed:
"He also went as far as the present day Edo state. The Oba of Benin had to appease him before he desisted from waging war against his domain. He gave Ogedengbe presents of beads, slaves and other valuable articles."


You have started with this silly lies again. What year did Ogedengbe step foot in Benin and was appeased?

Go and read the account of one of the Benin chiefs caught during the British invasion who got angry at the Yoruba soldiers for betraying Benin after training some of them during the Kiriji war.

Ogedengbe never step foot in Benin and was never appeased,appease him for what? No tribe I repeat no tribe in Nigeria EVER won a battle against the Benin Empire. As rugged as the Ibadan warriors were they never dared Benin and as rugged as the Fulani jihaddist were they were stopped at Auchi.

Get your facts right,Ogedengbe wanted blessings and he was given to stop the Ibadan warriors who became bandits.

You forget that no Yoruba tales by moonlight is complete or sweet without the mighty Benin Kingdom included in it.
Truth is Ogedengbe was actually a bandit and he did venture into Benin territory but he fled when he heard the a small contingent of Benin soldiers were marching towards him to capture him.

He was never appeased. It was even his fighters that advised him to flee or be killed. They reminded him that Benin have never been and cannot be defeated in battle.
Yes Benin trained Yoruba fighters during the kiriji wars and also fought for them against Ibadan.

Born2Breed:
"He also went as far as the present day Edo state. The Oba of Benin had to appease him before he desisted from waging war against his domain. He gave Ogedengbe presents of beads, slaves and other valuable articles."


You have started with this silly lies again. What year did Ogedengbe step foot in Benin and was appeased?

Go and read the account of one of the Benin chiefs caught during the British invasion who got angry at the Yoruba soldiers for betraying Benin after training some of them during the Kiriji war.

Ogedengbe never step foot in Benin and was never appeased,appease him for what? No tribe I repeat no tribe in Nigeria EVER won a battle against the Benin Empire. As rugged as the Ibadan warriors were they never dared Benin and as rugged as the Fulani jihaddist were they were stopped at Auchi.

Get your facts right,Ogedengbe wanted blessings and he was given to stop the Ibadan warriors who became bandits.

Benin is the Salt of their story. If e no dy, d story no go sweet. Yes, that little insignificant Benin that they keep dragging along with themselves. The only foreign power that ever set foot in Benin before the British came were the Igalas during the time of Oba Esigie. Me I don't know where their story is coming from

odigbosky:



Benin is the Salt of their story. If e no dy, d story no go sweet. Yes, that little insignificant Benin that they keep dragging along with themselves. The only foreign power that ever set foot in Benin before the British came were the Igalas during the time of Oba Esigie. Me I don't know where their story is coming from

No mind them.. small ogedengbe that was a thief raiding small farming villages is who yorubas are calling a hero..
even the Benin general in charge of the soldiers sent to capture ogedengbe was executed by the palace for failing to bring ogedengbe head..
the general not wanting to fight because he wanted to be home with his family sent a messenger to ogedengbe to inform him that Benin is coming for his head.. he knew ogedengbe will flee like a coward and save everyone the stress of fighting.. but the palace wanted only ogedengbe’s head so the general was executed for failing in his task..

A grown up lies

Nice write up. Yoruba's are great people

Yoruba cant tell their history without including Benin.
very annoying people trying to make noise of what they are not.

Ogedegbe was jus like a normal bandit that sneaks in and out stealing and kidnapping but when he discovered that the king of Benin has sent troops against him,he ran away as usual like a normal coward

They keep circulating this ogedegbe shit of an history just because he invaded some part of edo
State with that alone they are happy circulating it,

Ogendegbe came to edo state, the auchi areas in search of slaves, words getting to benin on his raids, an esan warrior was dispatch to stop him,
He was driven out by the esan warrior, from edo north, he later returned to his hometown were he was captured by the British force


That is the original history of ogendegbe in edo, the begging ish, na maggi from yorubas to spice his history against benins for their egoistic reasons


The question is , what would they have appeased him with that if he had conquered he wont get a 10x fold

Edeyoung:
They keep circulating this ogedegbe shit of an history just because he invaded some part of edo
State with that alone they are happy circulating it,

Ogendegbe came to edo state, the auchi areas in search of slaves, words getting to benin on his raids, an esan warrior was dispatch to stop him,
He was driven out by the esan warrior, from edo north, he later returned to his hometown were he was captured by the British force


That is the original history of ogendegbe in edo, the begging ish, na maggi from yorubas to spice his history against benins for their egoistic reasons


The question is , what would they have appeased him with that if he had conquered he wont get a 10x fold

Yoruba always hide the truth that Ogendengbe was executed by hanging by the British for theft.. Didn't die in battle or die a warrior's death but died like a thief.

davidnazee:


You forget that no Yoruba tales by moonlight is complete or sweet without the mighty Benin Kingdom included in it.
Truth is Ogedengbe was actually a bandit and he did venture into Benin territory but he fled when he heard the a small contingent of Benin soldiers were marching towards him to capture him.

He was never appeased. It was even his fighters that advised him to flee or be killed. They reminded him that Benin have never been and cannot be defeated in battle.
Yes Benin trained Yoruba fighters during the kiriji wars and also fought for them against Ibadan.

You should know by now that must of these posts by our Yoruba brothers/sisters wouldn't go behold one page without they looking for ways to smuggle Benin into their stories. Infusing Benin into their tales excites and give them erections. Watch and see how this post grows into several pages in no time. It's an art the Igbos have not quite mastered, that is why you hardly see much about Igbo history being debated like Yoruba on nairaland.