History of the Family

The turbulent journey

Deposed, restored, and never forgotten

The autobiography of Oba Sikiru Adetona (Ọgbagba II), published by Mosuro Publishers in 2010 to commemorate his 50 years on the throne, gives a powerful account on pages 3–4 of the turbulent journey of Oba Ademolu Fesogbade — a son of Oba Anikilaya Figbajoye Agboogunsa (1821).

As referenced by Oba Sikiru Adetona, Oba Ademolu's accession to the throne came after the Odi's disqualified two candidates from the Tuwase ruling house due to ineligibility. However, his reign was cut short within eight months due to colonial interference and internal power struggles.

Through the intervention of influential figures — including Reverend Johnson — Oba Ademolu was reinstated in 1916, returning to the throne he had been forced to leave for Lagos. He went on to reign for nine more years until his passing in 1925.

This is more than a story of an Ijebu kingship tussle. It is a story of resilience, of Ijebu identity, and of the complex intersection of tradition and colonial interference.

The Remo annexation of 1917

In 1917 the Akarigbo of Remo's quest to wear a beaded crown without Awujale Oba Ademolu's approval hit a dead rock, with both parties deciding to annex all Remo lands with Ijebu-Ode. It was a declaration that they were not two separate nations, but one powerful entity.

The crown that came back to Ife

However, the heart of the Akarigbo was eagerly with the beaded crown, as he desired a crown as a symbol of his own royal autonomy. In 1924 he sent emissaries south — not to the Awujale, but to the Ooni of Ife — to request a crown for himself. The Ooni, honouring the request, sent his own emissaries north with the crown.

As was customary, the emissaries stopped in Ijebu-Ode to pay homage to the paramount ruler of Ijebuland, the Awujale Ademolu. During their audience, they revealed the purpose of their journey.

Upon hearing this, the Awujale Oba Ademolu's expression hardened. A deep, cold anger filled the palace. The act was a challenge to his supreme authority, a breach of the sacred bond of 1917. He did not raise his voice, but his word was law. He promptly sent swift messengers to the Akarigbo, summoning him to the palace immediately.

The Akarigbo, fearing the wrath of the Awujale, arrived with haste. He was met not only by the Awujale's cold gaze but also by British officials, Messrs. H. D. Lamuth and T. B. Dew, the Counsel-General, who were there to calm the situation. They chastised the Akarigbo for his audacity, explaining the severe breach of protocol.

Appealing to the Awujale for patience and understanding, they managed to soothe the king's anger. The Ooni's emissaries were sent back to Ife with the crown, and a humbled Akarigbo was sent home to Remo to perform the appropriate rituals. He had been reminded that even a crown must come through the Awujale. The Awujale's power had been acknowledged, and the matter was settled for a time.