By Prince Oluyedun Bello Babatunde Oyewumi JP
Ibadan Icon
The Disintegration of Old Oyo and the Collapse of Central Authority
The period between 1835 and 1893 marked a defining era in Yorubaland’s history. It was an age of disintegration, transition, and realignment of power. By 1835, the once-formidable Oyo Empire had begun to crumble under the weight of internal crises, external pressures, and the collapse of its central authority system.
Out of this collapse emerged successor states—most notably Ibadan, Ilorin, and Abeokuta. Among these, Ibadan quickly rose to prominence, becoming the most militarily formidable and politically influential power in Yorubaland.
By 1840, it was clear that Ibadan had become the most capable successor to the Oyo hegemony, particularly in defending the Yoruba people against Fulani incursions from the north. Its strategic location, strong warrior culture, and disciplined military structure positioned it as a stabilising force in a volatile era.
Ibadan’s Rise and Military Supremacy
Under warrior-statesmen such as Basorun Oluyole, Aare Latosa, and Ogedengbe Odunwoode, Ibadan expanded its territories and influence, building what historians have described as a 19th-century empire. This expansion was not merely territorial—it reshaped Yorubaland’s political order.
The victory of Ibadan at the Battle of Osogbo in 1840 marked a historic turning point. It confirmed Ibadan’s status as the dominant military and political power in the region and effectively ended the possibility of Oyo reasserting its old imperial authority.
As scholars like Prof. Toyin Falola and J.A. Atanda have noted, Ibadan became the de facto leader of Yorubaland—exercising power not through traditional kingship but through military organisation and political alliances.
Ibadan and the Alaafin: A Complex Relationship
Following the Eleduwe War, Basorun Oluyole became a central figure in shaping Ibadan’s political philosophy. Together with Kurunmi, he supported Prince Atiba’s ascension to the throne of the new Oyo at Ago d’Oyo.
In recognition of their support, Alaafin Atiba conferred the titles of Aare Ona Kakanfo on Kurunmi and Basorun on Oluyole. This alliance reflected a shift in power dynamics: Oyo no longer dictated terms—Ibadan negotiated them.
When Alaafin Atiba later attempted to curtail Ibadan’s growing influence by instigating Kurunmi against the city, it resulted in the Batedo War of 1844. The war ended inconclusively, but it further elevated Ibadan’s prestige and military reputation.
Ibadan’s Political Pragmatism
Ibadan did not seek to dominate Oyo directly. Instead, it often acted as a kingmaker.
Contrary to tradition, Ibadan warlords secretly supported Aremo Adelu (great-grandfather of the current Alaafin Owoade) to succeed his father, Atiba, before Atiba’s death in 1859. This was a radical departure from custom, reflecting Ibadan’s pragmatic approach to governance and stability.
In fact, Ibadan warlords reportedly organised a secret coronation ceremony for Prince Adelu, demonstrating the depth of their influence in Oyo’s internal affairs.
Aare Kurunmi opposed this succession, insisting on adherence to tradition. His resistance later sparked the Second Ijaye War (1860), in which Alaafin Adelu remained indecisive, despite privately sympathising with Ijaye.
Exile, Protection, and the Ibadan Sanctuary
In 1875, Ibadan again intervened in Oyo royal politics when Aare Latosa rescued Prince Lawani (great-grandfather of the current Alaafin Owoade) from persecution by Alaafin Adeyemi I.
Latosa escorted Prince Lawani and his family safely to Ibadan and settled them at Oke Aremon, where they lived in exile for nearly 30 years (1876–1905). It was from this exile that Lawani later emerged as Alaafin Agogoija, while his son, Siyanbola Ladigbolu, became Alaafin Ladigbolu.
This episode further illustrates Ibadan’s historical role as protector, stabiliser, and political arbiter in Yorubaland.
Key Historical Observations
Alaafin Atiba owed his throne to the support of Basorun Oluyole and Aare Kurunmi in 1837.
After Alaafin Adelu’s installation, Ogunmola usurped the title of Basorun from Gbenla, becoming Basorun around 1865–66.
Ibadan continued to serve as a political refuge for displaced Oyo royals well into the colonial era.
The British later formalised these realities through indirect rule, reinforcing existing power structures rather than restoring Oyo’s old supremacy.
Final Submission
Alaafin must understand this historical truth:
Ibadan is Oyo, and Oyo is Ibadan.
Their histories are inseparable. One cannot erase the other without erasing Yoruba political evolution itself.
Ibadan Agbe wa ooo.
Oyo ko ni daru ooo.
Sources:
Akin Alao, Department of History, OAU, Ile-Ife
Jide Fatokun, Facts and Figures
Oba I.B. Akinyele, Iwe Itan Ibadan
: Essential Facts for the Alaafin){kind=link}