By Adeleye Kunle
There are indications that Ogbomoso, the second largest city in Oyo State, South West Nigeria may not have a new king soon.
This is owing to fresh controversies trailing the appointment of a new monarch.
Ogbomoso, a city situated at the northern part of the present Oyo State was founded by Oba Olabanjo Ogundiran Ogunlola, a warrior who conquered Elemosho, an invader and a terror who troubled some parts of the old Oyo empire for many years.
Based on available historical facts and evidence, Soun Ogunlola was the first Soun of Ogbomoso.
Ogunlola reigned between 1659 and 1714.
He was succeeded by Oba Erinsaba Alamu Jogioro 1741β1770.
Other monarchs who reigned in Ogbomoso based on the available historical facts are Oba Ikumoyeje Ajo 1770β1797, Oba Toyeje Akanni (Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland) 1797β1825, Oba Oluwusi Aremu 1826β1840, Oba Jaiyeola Are Arolofin Alao 1840β1842, Oba Idowu Bolanta Adigun 1842β1845, Oba Ogunlabi Odunlaro 1845β1860, Oba Ojo Aburumaku Adio (Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland) 1860β1869, Oba Gbagungboye Ajamasa Ajagungbade 1 1869β1871 and Oba Laoye Atanda Orumogege 1871β1901.
The rest are Oba Majengbasan Elepo 1 1901β1907, Oba Adegoke Atanda Layode 1 1908β1914, Oba Itabiyi Olanrewaju Ande 1914β1916, Oba Bello Afolabi Oyewumi Ajagungbade 11 1916β2/18/1940, Oba Lawani Oke βLanipekun 1944β3/19/1952, Oba Olatunji Alao Elepo 11 1952β1966, Oba Olajide Olayode 11 1966β7/1/1969, Oba Salami Ajiboye Itabiyi 6/4/1972β6/2/1973 and Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111 1973-2021.
The traditional council in Ogbomoso also known as (The Ilus- Awon Ilu) is made up of 7 chiefs, among whom are six males and a female. They are headed by the Areago. The traditional council consists of Areago, Jagun, Bara, Ikolaba, Abese, Balogun and Iyalode.
Other chieftaincy titles in Ogbomoso are the Baale of Ijeru, Baale of Isapa, Baale of Masifa, Baale of Pakiotan, Baale of Okelerin, Baale of Osupa and Aare Alasa