Of Empires and Their Imperial Majesties in Yorubaland, by Niyi Aborisade

July 29 2026 was a day the historians and the Alatojubos ( those that take interest in other people’s affairs typified by Dr. Tunde Adegbola an engineer and linguist, who described himself as one) gathered at the citadel of learning , a place none other than the premier University of Ibadan at the Senior Staff  Club. The University of Ibadan was founded in 1948 and is the first and oldest University in Nigeria.

The above topic itself was borne out of necessity when during the coronation of Olubaban of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Arusa 1, Professor Toyin Falola the guest speaker delivered a new historical order that made many professors of history, like Akin Alao, Olutayo Adesina and, the host Segun Ajiboye who sought an assemblage of historians and the alatojubos not only to discuss about empires but also to discuss the newly preferred title of ‘ His imperial majesties’  in Yorubaland

 I, Mogaji Niyi Aborisade a lawyer and historian will not miss such historical gatherings chaired by eminent chief Bayo Oyero of Ibadan.

Professor Olutayo Adesina who delivered the keynote address agreed with prof. Toyin Falola that Ibadan was an empire particularly in the 19th century military power dominance after the collapse of Oyo empire. He cited the examples of the fact that there were many towns and villages paying tributes to Ibadan. Ibadan imposed their representatives known as   Ajele to rule over the places. It was a de facto emipre having gained military dominance over many yoruba towns ruled by Kings with beaded crown. Ibadan’s jurisdiction extended to the Eastern and Northern Yoruba. Ibadan operated under a unique military – led republican system and not a traditional hereditary system. This system remained so until 1893 when the British Colonial Administrations took formal control. Adesina maintained that the history of Ibadan as an imperial state therefore made it to be entitled to the title of ‘ Imperial Majesty’. Adesina said at the outset that history can create ‘Order and Disorder.

Prof Akin Alao disagreed with him and declared that Ibadan was never an empire. He confirmed that though Ibadan operated a republican system but was never an empire per se. He said Ibadan was usually led by Baales but they gained promotion to become Olubadan without an ancient crown  as recent as 1936. He spoke of how Oyo people gained control of Ibadan during the reign of Maye of  Ife and how Maye was driven out of the city  and later captured and killed.

Alao now released another banger when he declared that Ife in fact, had an empire before. A statement  that shocked all the guests present as it was something they had never heard before and was not taught in school.  He said that Ife Empire was the first empire that transceded the Yoruba land through commerce and trade. He stated how Oduduwa arrived at Ife and used his fighting prowess and wisdom to absorb other authochtonous group that had been in Yoruba land before his arival into his own group. These authochtonous group were all in Yoruba land from Idanre to Ijebu etc.  He maintained that some of the Obas that are bearing the title of his imperial majesties are not entitled to it. He confirmed that the Oni and Alaafin are entitled to it.

Dr Adegbola ( the self-proclaimed Alatojubo) who spoke after him was neither here nor there in terms of the empire but expressed his belief in the title of ‘his imperial majesty’ as transitional. He spoke of ‘transition’ in terms of title and that culture is dynamic.

There was a question time where prof Ajiboye showed his happiness about the discussions.  Another Professor asked for more clarification on Ife Empire as this was the first time he heard it.

I then took the microphone and commended all the speakers. I told the audience that I agreed with Prof Adesina on Ibadan empire, and that Ibadan was an empire de facto, they had also imposed king on Oyo  and supported Ife. Ibadan politically and militarily forced the installation of Alaafin Adelu on Oyo. Ibadan conquered many territories across Yorubba land including parts of Ijesha, Ekiti, and Akoko. I accept and concur with the submission of Professor Alao that there was Ife empire before. And not only in dominance of commercial activities and the absorption of the authoctonous group but the fact that  out of Ife came many kingdoms in Yoruba land. The Alaafin Of Oyo, the Alaketu of Ketu, the Orangun of Ila,  the Onipopo of Popo, the Olowu of Owu  the Oba of  Benin and Onisabe of Isabe.

I therefore made a a request that for the sake of clarity on conclusion of the subject matter,  another seminar should be organised since this meeting was inconlusuve. The requests was granted and a day will be announced soon.