The Mogaji Olugbode and the Traditional Head of Owu Descendants in Ibadanland, Chief Tesleem Abiodun Olugbode, has declared that Ibadan served as the temporary capital of Owu Kingdom after the dispersal more than two centuries ago.

Olugbode made this declaration while speaking at the Odun Omo Olowu Ibadan 2025.

The event was attended by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, who was represented by Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Monsuru Arulogun, Balogun of Owu Kingdom, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Oba (Professor) Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta and HRM Olowu of Owu Ikosi, Lagos State, Alayeluwa Oba Nelson Obayomi Aderemi Ogunlari Ogundalu 1

Others are Chairman of the occasion, Prince Kayode Dosumu, President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Abduljelil Adegboyega Sani.

Odun Olowu is a cultural festival among Owu descendants who have settled in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for the last two hundred years.

It was learnt that there are about 300 family compounds from Owu in Ibadan.

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.

Baale Oyesile Olugbode was the one who introduced the Otun Olubadan line as part of the two lines in the Olubadan Chieftaincy arrangements.

This year’s celebration, which attracted families and descendants of Owu in Ibadan, was held at the frontage of Baaale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode palace in Ita Baale area of Ibadan on Saturday.

Olugbode, while addressing the gathering, declared that Ibadan served as the temporary capital of the Owu Kingdom after the dispersal and witnessed a significant influx of Owu people, who became well integrated with the heterogeneous population of Ibadanland.

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, at home and in the diaspora, to celebrate their rich heritage, foster unity, and deliberate on issues that will advance the progress and development of the Owu Kingdom.

He said, “It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of honour that I warmly welcome you all to this year’s Odun Omo Olowu celebration in Ibadanland. As history records, Ibadan was the first major settlement encountered by Owu migrants and served as the temporary capital of the 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 the Owu people in Ibadanland and indeed the entire Owu Kingdom.” (Daily Independent)

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