History of the Family

The turbulent journey

Acceded, Deposed, Restored, and Reigned Till Death

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.

Ijebu High Chiefs Letter To Deputy Governor In Lagos

On October 14, 1916, a letter was sent from Obun Eko Street, Lagos, addressed to His Excellency the Deputy for the Governor. Its authors were not ordinary citizens, but the most senior chiefs of Ijebu-Ode The Olisa, Aki, Apena, Agoon, Lapoekun, and Kakanfo. Their grievance was clear and urgent: the wrongful deposition of their constitutional ruler, Awujale Ademolu, and the unlawful imposition of Adekoya by colonial officials.

The chiefs declared Awujale Ademolu was guilty of no fault or crime, insisting that his summary removal violated ancient custom, tradition, and the entire history of Ijebu-Ode. Adekoya, they argued, had been handpicked solely by the Commissioner and District Officer, backed by policemen and prisoners rather than traditional rites an unprecedented spectacle in Ijebu land. They detailed multiple constitutional violations, Adekoya was not appointed by the traditional kingmakers (Odis, Lamuren, Oshugbo, Pampas, and the people), was not born after his father attained the throne, had a slave mother (disqualifying under custom), and suffered from a disqualifying physical malformation.

Beyond the illegitimacy of Adekoya's selection, the chiefs reported widespread harassment and intimidation. Adekoya and his supporters were penalizing loyalists who travelled to Lagos to protest, fining sympathizers and threatening severe punishment. Some individuals were forced to flee to Lagos for safety. The chiefs made it clear they would not compromise or accept Adekoya, seeking assurances that colonial officers would not force them to recognize or serve him upon their return.

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.

Awujale Declined Akarigbo Crown From Oni Of 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.