History

  • 1

    Origins

    Owu tradition traces the kingdom to Ajibosin, a grandson of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba, and to Obatala, Oduduwa's chief priest and Ajibosin's father. The tradition holds that Ajibosin was the first of Oduduwa's offspring to be crowned, which is the source of the saying that Owu was the first kingdom created. Oduduwa sent six trusted nobles, the Iwarefa, to guide the young king and help him administer his kingdom. They also served as the original kingmakers

  • 2

    Expansion and migration

    Owu people prospered and expanded in the region towards old Oyo, and later moved south and settled at Owu Ipole, where they built a formidable fortress.

  • 3

    The Owu War (1821–1827).

    A dispute at the Apomu market escalated into a war against a coalition of Ife, Ijebu and Oyo forces. The siege lasted about five years, and the Owu escaped their fortress around 1826.

  • 4

    Settlement in Abeokuta.

    The main body of Owu people reached Oke Ata near Abeokuta around 1828 to 1829 and, persuaded by the Egba leader Sodeke, joined the Egba in settling in Abeokuta. They later fought alongside the Egba against Dahomey. Oba Pawu was crowned at Oke Ago Owu, Abeokuta, in 1855.

  • 5

    The ruling houses.

    The throne rotates among six ruling houses: Amororo, Otileta, Ayoloye, Akinjobi, Akinoso and Lagbedu. Oba Matemilola reigns as Oluyalo Otileta VII.

  • 6

    Symbols of Owu.

    Anlugbua symbolises Owu courage, the Epe (a short brass cutlass) symbolises authority and military might, and "Oduru" is the epithet that Owu people share as descendants of the Olowu.

Past Olowus of Owu | Owu Anthem and Oriki
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