Nine months after the death of the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, the search is still on for his successor but the battle for the exalted throne will no doubt be fierce as it had always been. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the historic succession battles in Akure Kingdom and the significance of the ‘Adesida factor’ in its socio-economic and political development in the last ten decades.
It is an ancient city. The population is huge. Indigenes and non-natives live in peace and unity. Akure indigenes are very accommodating to strangers. It is customary to see indigenes and non-indigenes from neighbouring southwest states, as well as farther places like Kwara, Kogi, Hausa/Fulani, Ebira, Igbo, Edo, Ijaw and Nupe tribes cohabiting in the same compound in the metropolis. This mixture accounts for almost 250,000 registered voters in the city, which is 25 percent of the total number of registered voters in the entire Ondo State.
Migration to Akure increased geometrically, following the creation of Ondo State in 1976 and naming of Akure as the capital. But, during the colonial days, it was the headquarters of Ondo Province. The town was made popular by the pre-eminence of its famous paramount ruler, the late Oba Adesida Afunbiowo, whose four offspring inherited the exalted throne in quick succession, following his demise.
In the beginning, Akure, the land of Ajanpada, was an Ekiti town which played a noble role in the activities of the famed Ekiti Confederation, the Pelupelu. The town also played reconciliatory roles in those days of yore in Yorubaland, although in later years, it was locked in a protracted land dispute with Idanre, its neighbour. The town maintained intimacy with Edo, Owo, Akoko, Ekiti and Ijesa. Oba Olofinlade Adesida Adesida 1, arguably the oldest Yoruba monarch of his days, was a father figure. Throughout his reign, he was responsible for the advantageous position of his kingdom in Yorubaland. When the British requested for facts on how to settle the protracted land dispute between Ido-Ajinare and Efon-Alaaye, it was the royal father who provided the historical facts. Although the colonial District Officer at Ado requested the much younger and educated Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the late Oba Anirare Aladesanmi, to speak on behalf of the Obas, he turned it down in reverence for Oba Adesida, who played the role. Since then, the colonial masters interacted more with the Akure monarch.
One good turn deserves another. Oba Adesida was happy with Oba Aladesanmi, who honoured him in the presence of the colonial masters. He returned the honour and generosity later. When Ewi Anirare was temporarily sent packing from the palace by Ado people in the days of civil strife and rancour, it was to Deji Adesida he turned to for refuge. From Akure, he normalised his strained relations with his people and the District Officer. Also, when the riots led by Mrs. Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti led to the temporary abdication of the Egba throne by Alake Gbadebo, he ran to Akure for safety before he later regained his exalted seat. When the people of Jebu Owo faced persecution at home, they sought refuge in Akure. The then Deji settled them at a location which became known as Oke-Jebu till today
Historians recall that, following the supremacy quarrel that broke out between Deji Adesida and the Alaaye of Efon,the late Oba Samuel Adeniran Kekereata, the esteemed monarch, already advanced in years, decided to pull out of the Ekiti Confederation. He convinced the Resident, who was domiciled in his domain, that Akure, Ilaramokin, Isarun and other villages were ready to follow suit. The Resident granted his request and Akure and its environs-Ilara, Isarun, Ogbese and Oba-Ile- severed the umbilical cord with Ekitiland. Akure grew in leaps and bounds afterwards.
The Adesida factor:
Akure is a great town. Historically, it can be argued that the town also achieved greatness because of the Adesida factor. Five Dejis of Akure have reigned from the Afunbiowo Adesida clan of the wider Ojijigogun Ruling House for almost 100 years. Townspeople who have continued to pay tribute to their memory, acknowledging that these esteemed monarchs ruled with dignity and grace. None of them was trailed by controversy, which exposed royalty to ridicule. As Akure grew in leaps and bounds under their rulerships, people savoured collective prosperity. Oba Adesida Afunbiowo 1, the progenitor, gave birth to many children. The lineage has produced five Dejis in succession-Alayeluwa Afunbiowo Adesida, Oba Ademuwagun Adesida, his elder brother, Oba Adenegan Adesida, his younger brother, Oba Adebobajo Adesida and Afunbiowo’s grandson, the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida Afunbiowo 11. In the last 100 years, the Osupa Branch of the single, extended ruling house has only produced one monarch, Oba Oluwadamilare Adesina, who was deposed. He spent five years on the throne.
Alayeluwa Afunbiowo Adesida 1:
Oba Adesida 1, who reigned for six decades, from 1897 to 1957, was from the only ruling house, the Asodeboyede Ruling House. He was the 41st Deji. He was held in awe by the British colonial masters, who met him on the throne. In 1956, when Queen Elizabeth of England visited Nigeria, he was given recognition by the government. He could be described as the founder of modern Akureland. When Akure was still part of the Ekiti Pelupelu, Adesida was a reservoir of knowledge and experience. Whenever other Obas could not resolve a puzzle, he was the last resort. He was already advanced in years in the thirties and forties. The old Deji was always calm. The colonial District Officers and representatives of the Resident, who were usually present at the pelupelu meetings always listened to him and followed his advice in the resolution of problems. His rich experience and sense of history were invaluable. For example, when the British wanted to lump Mobaland with the Northern Province, he and the Ewi Aladesanmi cried foul, explaining that the move would further balkanise the Ekiti Confederation. Being an old man, the colonial officers listened to his pleas. His advice that Otun, the territory of the Oore, a descendant of Oduduwa, should remain in Ekiti, was followed by the officers.
Oba Adesida’s disposition to strangers made Akure to enlarge its coast. He was very accommodating. When communal conflict rattled Owo, many people came from the town to seek refuge under the monarch. He gave them land to settle and did not demand for the customary Isakole (royalty) from the strangers. He believed that Yoruba was one. Oba Adesida 1 was also a great traditionalist who maintained intimacy with the Benin Kingdom. The late President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Oba Ereduwa, was always fond of him. Adesida was not lettered, but, he had a cosmopolitan disposition. Even, when Akure and Idanre were locked in a protracted land suit, he did not ignore the option of peaceful resolution along the path of custom and tradition.
Deji Adesida was greatly missed in Ekiti Confederation when he pulled out of the arrangement. He opted out because he could no more endure the embarrassment and recalcitrant attitude of Alaaye Adeniran of Efon Kingdom, who did not accord respect to his age and status during discussions. Oba Adeniran was said to be a pompous and arrogant monarch. A war of words broke out between the aged Deji and the youthful Alaaye, apparently over traditional seniority as descendants of Oduduwa. The former took exception to the arrogance of the later. He cautioned Alaaye against arrogance of power, saying: “The world of honey, which we elders try to lick with our finger is what you have approached with a big wooden spoon.” In years to come, Alaaye’s youthful exuberance led to his waterloo.
When Deji Adesida returned to Akure, he reported the incident between him and the Alaaye to the Resident and persuaded him to carve Akure and environs out of Ekitiland. The Resident obliged him and the chord was severed. Akure ceased to be an Ekiti town. That was how it later became the headquarters of the defunct Ondo Province and later, Ondo State.
When the great monarch was approaching his grave, it was said that he assembled his children to pray for them. Many of them were literate. He gave them his parting words, which underscored his sensitivity and lack of selfishness. Community historians recalled that the Oba requested that his children should not succeed him. He noted that, as the representative of the esteemed royal house, the gods and ancestors had been kind to him by honouring him with long life and prosperity. He said Olodumare had answered his prayers to rule the kingdom, in spite of two futile attempts in the past. Oba Adesida 1 reigned for a long time spanning primitive and modern times. He was a father figure who understood tradition, custom and natural justice. During his reign, there was no tension between Akure and Isinkan, where the Aralepo, is the overlord. He and the Osolo of Isolo and other high chiefs also enjoyed intimacy. The great ruler was humble. But, he was also traditionally powerful. At 120 years, his then 19-year-old youngest wife had sued for a divorce, claiming that he could not satisfy her. When his evidence was being taken in the palace by court officials, he pleaded with them to appeal to her not to go because he loved her. The king did not intimidate the teenager. When a prominent lawyer who crossed examined him in court put him on the edge in the witness box, he protested the affront on his royal dignity. As the lawyer was coming out of the court, he fell down. The lawyer knew what was wrong. He sent emissaries to the Deji to beg him.
Akure mourned the demise of a great ruler who presided over a peaceful and glorious era, a decent royal father who could not hurt a fly. However, his children did not heed his advice not to struggle with another branch of the single royal house for the prestigious throne. As educated elite, they perceived it as a special inheritance. The town was also divided over succession. When the next branch of the expanded ruling house was making preparations to select a successor, the educated elite were rooting for one of Adesida’s sons, the highly charismatic Prince Ademuwagun Adesida, a fearless lawyer and an apple of his father’s eyes. He became Oba Adesida 11. Townspeople could not confirm whether the prince was around when his father advised his siblings not to vie for the crown.
Oba Adesida 11:
Oba Agunsoyebioyibo Ademuagun Adesida 11 was the first educated Deji. He ascended the throne at the age of 32. He was the youngest aspirant. He was very popular among Yoruba Obas and elite. He also earned much respect from the government as a monarch who endowed the stool with visibility, honour and respect. As an educated person, he needed no interpreter or any intermediary between the palace and the government. The monarch continued in the footsteps of his illustrious father. Akure expanded during his reign and more social amenities were provided by the government. Unfortunately, his reign was very short. Townspeople were alarmed when news of his untimely death broke out. The royal household wailed. Oba Adesida 11 was a promising ruler. But, he could not reach his full potentials. He spent barely 16 years on the throne. He died at the age of 48. His daughter, Princess Adebusola, became the regent after his demise.
Oba Adelegan Adesida 111:
Oba Otutubiosun Adelegan Adesida was the elder brother of the departed Deji. For 11 years, he presided over the rapid growth and development of Akureland. The city rose to its zenith as the hub of social, economic, and political activities. The Akure musician of the period was the youthful Wale Glorious, who wax some records on the city’s social life. During his reign, more schools and colleges sprang up. Heath facilities were also expanded. When Akure became the capital of Ondo State in 1976, more people trooped into the town from Ibadan, Ekiti, Owo, Akoko, Ikale, Ilaje, Nupe and Ijaw enclaves. The boom in commerce robbed off on indigenes and the settlers. Industries, firms and trading flourished. Apart from hosting the seat of government, the Federal University of Technology was sited in the town. The institution honoured Oba Adesida 111 with an honorary degree. Akure’s name was imprinted on the world map. He was a gentle monarch. He was a man of peace. He daughter, Princess Aina, became the regent after his death.
Oba Adebobajo Adesida 1V:
Following Oba Adelegan Adesida’s death, his younger brother, Prince Adebobajo, a retired senior police officer and successful businessman, mounted the throne. He became Oba Atayese Adesida 1V. One of his business legacies is the Adebobajo Motors Company, Akure. He supported his brother while he was alive. In fact, it was said that, when Deji Ademuwagun Adesida joined his ancestors, prominent people in the town wanted him as the successor. But, the amiable prince waited patiently for his time and it came. As a senior police officer, he had ploughed back to the society. Indeed, the prince had helped many indigenes. He avoided controversy like poison. Therefore, he did not soil his image as a prince. He was loved by many people. The monarch rallied the lesser Obas-Osolo, Aralepo, and other chiefs-Elemo, Aro, Odopetu-to forge ahead in the patriotic task of development. However, he did not become a king as a youth. Therefore, he was slowed down by illness on the throne, which diverted his attention. On some occasions, there were rumours that he had passed on. The central market, a stone thrown from the palace, dispersed abruptly. The people were sad because Oba Adebobajo was a good man. But, his high chiefs dispelled the rumour. Many people did not believe until few days later when he was discharged from the hospital. When he emerged at the palace, many trooped in to pay him homage. Smiles lit the face of all. But, the joy was shortlived. Less than a year after gloom enveloped the capital of Ondo State. Adebobajo had passed on in dignity. The news was confirmed by his high chiefs. His daughter, Princess Adeyinka, became the regent after him.
Succession battle:
Following his demise, a succession battle broke out. Some controversies were to be resolved by Akure chiefs. The descendants of Adesida were still interested in the throne. But, people from other branch of the ruling house, Osupa, resisted their ambition. Should another Adesida succeed Oba Adebobajo Adesida? Many influential people in Akure canvassed the doctrine of royal justice, stressing that the Osupa Ruling House should nominate a successor, in accordance with the recommendation of the judicial panel on Akure Obaship. On moral ground, the descendants of Adesida reluctantly conceded the throne and the children of Osupa begun the scramble for the stool.
One of the candidates for the throne was Adelabu Adegbola, a businessman. He is hardworking and owns many properies in the city. He is also an employer of labour. But, Akure people understand themselves. Obviously, Adegbola was diplomatically rejected by the people and chiefs. However, luck smiled on another aspirant, Prince Adepoju Adesina.
Oba Adesina:
Oba Adesina was the choice of the Osupa Ruling House. He was crowned by his high chiefs and the governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, presented a staff of office to him. Akure entered a new era. However, the expectation of the people was dashed. From his first year on the throne, people started to express nostalgic feelings for the Adesida years.
Shortly after he ascended the throne, crisis broke out between Oba Adesina and his chiefs led by Folorunso David, a retired major. The monarch was accused of unruly behaviour, disrespect for tradition, non-completion of coronation rites, thuggery, repression and high handedness. The street fight involving the monarch and one of his wives was the last straw that broke the back of the camel. The media feasted on the royal absurdity. The governor was inundated with complaints by community leaders. Fed up with the recurrent embarrassment, the monarch was removed by the government. He was deposed on June 10, 2010.
Oba Adebiyi Adesida V1:
Since Oba Adesina mounted the throne, it was evident that the only ruling house, Ojjigogun, had split into two royal houses. While Adesida became a ruling house, the second royal house belonged to descendants of Osupa and Odundun. With the deposition of Oba Adesina, traditional power shifted to the Adesidas.
Oba Adebiyi Adesida, who succeeded the deposed king, was the grandson of Oba Afunbiowo Adesida. His uncles were Ademuwagun, Adelegan and Adebobajo. His father was Prince Josiah Adegboye Adesida. He was selected as the traditional ruler on August 13, 2010. He was presented with the staff of office by Governor Mimiko. His rival at the monarchial primaries was Prince Ademola Adegoroye, a lawyer and politician. Eight high chiefs backed Adesida while seven supported Adegoroye. Before he mounted the throne, he was former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s aide. He died on November 30 last year. His daughter, Princess Adetutu, has been acting as the regent.
Who becomes next Deji?
To an average Akure indigene, there is no difference between the two ruling houses, which originated from the same source, despite the demarcation for traditional and political expediency. Naturally, princes from the seemingly two divides are throwing their hats into the ring. But, reminiscent of the struggle for the stool between Adesida clan and Osupa/Odundun clans, another epic scramble is in the offing. If it is resolved in favour of the latter, there will be another internal struggle between the descendants Osupa and Odundun.
The deposed ruler, Prince Oluwadare Adesina, is the first contender. He has apologised for his mistakes while on the throne and promised to turn a new leaf. But, there is no evidence that Akure has forgiven his misdemeanor.
Community sources said that prominent politician Prince Derin Adesida is interested. He is a former member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).
Friends and associates are also encouraging Prince Adegoroye to revive his ambition. So far, it is doubtful, if he is giving it a thought.
Eminent son of the soil, Prince Adelabu Adegbola, may also vie for the prestigious stool. He had gone through the traditional rites in the past before the crown eluded him.
