Olugbabi Awalona: The Brave Akogun of Owu

Born in Owu Ipoole (now Orile Owu in present-day Osun State), Olugbabi Awalona was a man of destiny. His birth was unusual—his mother went into labor while traveling, and he was delivered hurriedly on a footpath. This circumstance earned him the name Awalona, meaning a child born on the roadside.

Olugbabi was the Akogun (military commander) of Owu when the last stronghold of Owu, known as Owu Ogbere, fell in 1825. His legacy is tied to both his bravery and the chain of events that led to the Owu War of 1821–1825.

During his time, the Olowu Akinjobi appointed him as the overseer of Apomu market following appeals from the Alaafin of Oyo, Toyeje of Ogbomoso, and Adegunlola of Gbogun, the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo of Yoruba forces). Their request stemmed from concerns over the rampant kidnapping of Oyo citizens, who were being sold into slavery at Apomu market. The leaders sought Owu’s intervention to end this practice.

While fulfilling this duty, Olugbabi unknowingly made enemies among some neighboring states, particularly Iwo and Ife. Tensions escalated when a dispute between an Owu man and an Ijebu woman at Apomu market turned into a full-blown conflict. Olugbabi’s attempt to restore order only aggravated the situation, triggering a war that saw the Ijebu, Ife, and Oyo forces unite against Owu in a brutal five-year conflict.

In the early battles, Olugbabi led Owu forces to victory, forcing the coalition troops to retreat. However, in a decisive encounter, despite his valiant efforts, he was fatally struck down. His death was a devastating loss to the Owu people, who revered him for his courage and leadership. In mourning, they composed a dirge:

“What a loss we have suffered; Olugbabi is gone to heaven, never to return.”

His contributions to Owu’s history remain undeniable—his bravery immortalized in the annals of Yoruba warfare.

 

Olafimihan Olufakun: The First Warlord of Owu in Abeokuta

After the fall of Owu, a new generation of leaders emerged, and among them was Olafimihan Olufakun, the first recorded warlord of Owu in Abeokuta. Born around 1780 in Owu Ipoole, Olufakun played an active role in the Owu War (1821–1827), a period that shaped his military prowess.

When the Owus settled in Abeokuta, he became their first Balogun (war commander), succeeding his predecessors who had held the title of Akogun. Alongside Laara, who served as the civil leader, Olufakun skillfully navigated Owu through its formative years in Abeokuta.

Life in Abeokuta during those early days was perilous—warfare was constant, and survival was uncertain. As a result, military leaders like Olufakun held more influence than their civil counterparts. His closest contemporary was Oluwole Agbo of Ojoo, the Balogun of the neighboring Gbagura people. The two men formed a strong alliance, leading to the saying:

“Agbo lo ni Gbagura, Olufakun lo l’Owu” (Agbo rules over Gbagura Quarters, while Olufakun commands Owu Quarters).

This era demanded courage and strategic brilliance, and Olufakun proved equal to the task.

One of his defining moments came when Owu citizens were being kidnapped and sold into slavery. The blame was placed on Sodeke, the de facto leader of Abeokuta at the time. Unlike others who feared confronting him, Olufakun boldly challenged Sodeke, accusing him of complicity. His audacity impressed Sodeke, who, rather than retaliate, honored Olufakun with gifts, including a gun, a sword, a velvet cloth, and a bundle of cowries (currency of that era). Sodeke also returned Olufakun’s horse, which had been seized earlier by his men.

Olufakun further demonstrated his military prowess during the Arakanga War of 1834, in which the Ibadan forces attacked Abeokuta. Leading the Egba warriors, he repelled the Ibadan army and pursued them to Olokemeji, securing a decisive victory. His legacy as a fearless warrior remains an integral part of Owu’s history in Abeokuta.

 

Oyesile Olugbode: The Owu Ruler of Ibadan

Among the Owu leaders who left an indelible mark on history was Oyesile Sangosokun Majolagbe Adenipo Olugbode, the first Owu man to rule in Ibadan. Originally from Kuta, an Owu settlement in present-day Osun State, Olugbode rose to prominence due to his military prowess. His battlefield achievements earned him a steady rise in Ibadan’s hierarchy, eventually culminating in his appointment as Baale (ruler) of Ibadan.

His reign was marked by an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity. Although Ibadan engaged in warfare during his rule, they emerged victorious in all battles. Unlike his predecessors, his leadership was defined by stability—there was no civil unrest throughout his reign, an extraordinary feat in a time of frequent conflict.

One of his most significant contributions was welcoming Christianity to Ibadan. Under his rule, Rev. David Hinderer, the first missionary to step foot in Ibadan, was granted land at Kudeti to establish the Anglican Mission, a pivotal step in the city’s religious and educational development.

During his reign, Ibadan’s third and final city wall was constructed, a fortification that stood for many years. Unlike many traditional rulers, he was neither greedy nor oppressive, earning him widespread respect.

Though childless for many years, he sought spiritual guidance from an Ifa priest, who advised him to offer sacrifices to Oke Ibadan (Ibadan Hill). To fulfill this, he invited Olumo Rock worshippers from Abeokuta to settle in Ibadan and serve as Aboke (priests). This led to the establishment of the annual Oke Ibadan festival, a tradition that persists today.

Oyesile Olugbode’s reign was long and fruitful. He died in 1864, leaving behind a legacy of peace, development, and progress in Ibadan.

 

Richard B. Blaize: A Pioneer in Printing, Trade, and Philanthropy

Born in 1845 in Sierra Leone to Egba captives, Richard B. Blaize had a strong Owu heritage through his mother. He received an early education in Freetown, where he later trained in printing, mastering the craft.

In 1862, Blaize moved to Lagos, where he quickly put his printing expertise to use. His skills and dedication earned him the prestigious position of government printer, a highly respected role at the time. However, he did not limit himself to printing—he ventured into trade, where his sharp business acumen propelled him to great success. Within a short time, he became one of Lagos’ leading merchants, operating a large warehouse and accumulating significant wealth.

Despite his prosperity, Blaize remained committed to helping others. He was a generous philanthropist, funding several welfare initiatives. One of his notable contributions was a £500 donation (equivalent to millions in today’s currency) to the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in England. His wealth and influence were evident—he acquired a horse-drawn carriage and employed both a coachman and a footman, a rare luxury in Lagos at the time.

In 1874, Blaize resigned as government printer and transitioned into publishing. By 1880, he had established his own printing press and launched the Lagos Times and Gold Coast Colony Advertiser, a widely read newspaper. Through this platform, he advocated for African education and pushed for greater African representation in the governance of what is now Nigeria and Ghana.

Though based in Lagos, Blaize maintained strong ties to Abeokuta, where he extended his philanthropy. His largest contribution came upon his death, when he bequeathed £3,000 from his estate for the establishment of the Abeokuta Industrial Institute at Ibara. The institute, which opened on February 14, 1908, provided four years of training to apprentices and granted each successful trainee an additional £6 for tools. Although the institute has since become defunct, it stood as a testament to Blaize’s vision for skill development and economic empowerment.

Blaize was also a respected figure in Yoruba leadership circles. In 1904, he accompanied Alake Gbadebo on a historic visit to England. Sadly, he passed away shortly after the journey. A trailblazer in printing, business, and philanthropy, Richard B. Blaize’s legacy remains a powerful reminder of the impact of education, enterprise, and generosity.

The Owu people have produced formidable warriors, visionary leaders, and influential rulers who have left their marks on history. From Olugbabi Awalona’s sacrifice in battle to Olufakun’s fearless leadership in Abeokuta, Olugbode’speaceful reign in Ibadan, and Richard B. Blaize’s business and philantropic excellence, their legacies continue to inspire.

This is only the beginning of our journey to uncover more illustrious Owu achievers. As we celebrate Odun Omo Olowu, let us honor these great ancestors and the rich heritage they have bestowed upon us.