Lifestyle
History: Oba Olateru Olagbegi II — The King Who Fathered Over 140 Children
When Prince Olateru Olagbegi was just six years old in 1916, he was taken to a revered oracle in Owo. The prophecy was striking: in 25 years, he would become the Olowo (king) of Owo, reign for another 25 years, be deposed, and return to the throne exactly 25 years after that.
Amazingly, history unfolded just as foretold. In 1941, precisely 25 years later, Prince Olateru Olagbegi was crowned the Olowo of Owo. He ruled for another 25 years until the political crisis in Western Nigeria led to his suspension in 1966 and eventual deposition in 1968.
A King in Exile
Oba Olagbegi spent the next 25 years in exile in Ibadan, where he became an active member of the Ibadan Tennis Club. Then, in a twist of fate aligning with the old prophecy, he was reinstated as Olowo in 1993 by Ondo State Governor Bamidele Olumilua. The oracle’s prediction had come full circle.
Royal Roots and Political Rivals
The Olowo of Owo holds a unique place among Yoruba monarchs, considered a royal brother to the Oba of Benin. Oba Olateru Olagbegi II was not only tall and athletic but also known for his charm and charisma. His love for sports, especially tennis, and his vibrant personality made him a prominent figure.
A key part of his legacy was his complex relationship with Chief Michael Ajasin, his cousin and a future political heavyweight. Ironically, it was Olagbegi who sponsored Ajasin’s education in Sierra Leone in 1945, enabling him to become the first principal of Imade College, Owo, in 1949. Their friendship, however, eventually turned to rivalry.
In 1951, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his allies formed the Action Group (AG) party at the Olowo’s palace. Both Oba Olagbegi and Ajasin were enthusiastic hosts. However, a decade later, Olagbegi aligned with Ladoke Akintola against Awolowo, while Ajasin remained loyal to Awolowo. This political rift sparked a violent crisis in Owo, forcing Ajasin to flee for his life.
Oba Olagbegi’s close alliance with Akintola earned him leadership of the Western Region’s House of Chiefs, a powerful position. But with the military coup of 1966, which resulted in Akintola’s assassination, Olagbegi lost his political shield. His appeals to the new military leadership were unsuccessful, and he was formally deposed in 1968 by Colonel Robert Adebayo.
Knighted and Reinstated
Despite his political downfall, Oba Olagbegi was honored internationally. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 for his services to the British Empire and was thereafter known as Sir Olateru Olagbegi.
In 1993, history once again aligned with prophecy. Oba Olagbegi returned to the throne—25 years after his removal—following the death of his successor, Oba Ogunoye. Governor Olumilua made the decision, marking a powerful closure to the decades-long saga.
A Legacy Like No Other
Oba Olateru Olagbegi II passed away in 1998, leaving behind an enormous legacy—including a vast royal family. He fathered over 140 children, 117 of whom are documented. Among his descendants were:
35 lawyers (including 10 High Court judges)
25 medical doctors
23 engineers
22 chartered accountants
Over 100 university graduates
His son, Oba Olateru Olagbegi III (SAN, CFR), a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria, succeeded him as Olowo.
Oba Olateru Olagbegi II’s life was one of prophecy, power, exile, and a triumphant return. His reign saw political upheaval, cultural evolution, and historic reconciliation. As a father of over 140 children, he not only left behind a massive royal lineage but also a remarkable story of resilience and legacy in Yoruba history.
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Renowned actor and voice artiste EyiyemiOlivia Rogbinyin has been unveiled as the host of the maiden edition of the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit, scheduled to hold on August 12, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited, publishers of QEDNG, Olumide Iyanda.
“Actor and voice artiste, EyiyemiOlivia Rogbinyin, has been announced as host of the inaugural QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit holding on August 12, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos,” the statement partly read.
He noted that with over 30 years of experience in theatre, film, and radio, EyiyemiOlivia is widely admired for her versatility and poise on screen and stage. She is best known for her roles as Iya Onidiri in Itura (M-Net Africa Magic) and Hajia Malaika Doherty in Dust.
He explained that she has featured in acclaimed productions by a host of celebrated creatives such as Bunmi Davies, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ego Boyo, Biodun Stephen, Steve Gukas, Omoni Oboli, and many more.
“With a career spanning over three decades, EyiyemiOlivia is celebrated for her dynamic presence across theatre, film, and radio. She is widely recognised for her captivating performances as Iya Onidiri in Itura (M-Net Africa Magic) and Hajia Malaika Doherty in Dust. Beyond her acting talent, she has won the hearts of many for her strong advocacy for professionalism, humility, and courtesy on set, particularly in how cast and crew members are treated.”
“She has delivered stellar performances in theatre and film productions directed and produced by a long list of accomplished creatives, including Bunmi Davies, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Daniel Oriahi, Dipo Abdul, Ego Boyo, James Omokwe, Biodun Stephen, Hadizat Ibrahim, Momo Spaine, Tosin Igho, Steve Gukas, Dotun Olakunrin, Wande Thomas, Rogba Arimoro, Wumi Fosudo, Mide Glover, Omoni Oboli, Chris Odeh, and many others.”
Iyanda described the choice of EyiyemiOlivia as symbolic of the summit’s creative depth and emotional resonance. He further noted that her calm voice, commanding presence, and magnetic hosting style make her an ideal fit for the event.
He stated, “EyiyemiOlivia is more than a host. She is a storyteller who connects deeply with her audience. Her presence brings warmth, elegance, and a unique energy that perfectly aligns with the spirit of this summit.
“Known for her smooth voice and engaging personality, EyiyemiOlivia has built a reputation as a charismatic compere and voice artiste. She co-anchored radio shows such as Weekend Nigeria on Spirit of Nigeria Radio and The Praise O’Clock Show on Praiseworld Radio. Her ability to host with wits, grace, and empathy makes her a natural fit for the Creative Powerhouse Summit.”
Iyanda added, “Her collaborative spirit and respect for behind-the-scenes contributors make her compassionate and relatable to event attendees. From radio to stage to screen, EyiyemiOlivia has left a lasting impression everywhere she’s performed.”
The summit, he explained, will convene stakeholders from across Nigeria’s creative, policy, and financial sectors to explore actionable strategies for strengthening the country’s creative economy. The summit will feature two panel sessions moderated by veteran journalist Steve Ayorinde and broadcast expert Anike-ade Funke Treasure.
Previously announced guests include Udeme Ufot, Group Managing Director of SO&U, as chairman, and Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, founder of The Africa Soft Power Group, as keynote speaker
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Godwin Alabi-Isama (born 24 December 1940) is a Nigerian retired military officer, author and statesman who served as chief of staff to Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle of the 3 Marine Commando during the Nigerian Civil War.
Alabi-Isama was born on 24 December 1940, in Ilorin, Kwara State, to a Ukwani (Delta State) father and a Yoruba (Ilorin) mother. He attended Ibadan Boys High School. In 1960, he joined the Army and attended the Mons Officer Cadet School in the United Kingdom and the Senior Tactics School and Staff College in Quella, Pakistan. Alabi-Isama was a tactics instructor at the Nigerian Military School in Zaria, Nigeria and the Nigerian Military Training College (now Nigerian Defence Academy) in Kaduna prior to the civil war.
Brigadier-General Alabi-Isama served as the commander of the troops stationed at the Niger Bridge in Asaba, He was subsequently transferred by the Army Headquarters to the 3 Marina Commando, 3MCDO, operating on the Calabar front during the war. Alabi-Isama led forces against the Biafran Republic, successfully liberating various locations including Odukpani, Ikot-Okpora, Iwuru, Akunakuna, Itigidi, Ediba, Ugep, Obubra, Afikpo, Oban, and Ekang. He also “closed” the international border with Biafra at Nssakpa, as detailed in his book, The Tragedy of Victory.
In April 1968, Alabi-Isama and his 3MCDO men embarked on a mission to recapture Creek Town, Itu, Uyo, Ikot-Ekpene, Oron, Eket, Opobo, Abak, Etinan, Bori-Ogoni, Akwete, Afam, Aletu Ekene, Elelenwo, Okrika, and Port-Harcourt, successfully completing the operation the following month.” After the war, Alabi-Isama assumed the role of the Nigerian Army’s Principal General Staff Officer. In 1973, he served as the Acting Governor of the Mid-Western Region, where he notably received the first group of National Youth Service Corps members, as recounted in his autobiography. Following his retirement as a Brigadier-General from the Army in 1977, Alabi-Isama relocated to the United States.
Alabi-Isama played a pivotal role in leading the troops that successfully liberated the remaining parts of Cross River State following Colonel Adekunle’s amphibious sea landing at Calabar. Furthermore, he commanded the 3 Marine Commando troops that effectively captured the present-day states of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa. His strategic planning, specifically the implementation of the Pincer 2 strategy, played a crucial role in bringing an end to the Nigerian Civil War.
The Tragedy of Victory: On-the-Spot Account of the Nigeria-Biafra War in the Atlantic Theatre is a sequential narrative of the war that lasted from 6 July 1967 to 15 January 1970 which was published in 2013. By Godwin Alabi.
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Until he left the world on February 17, 2018 at 78, Professor Akinwunmi Isola championed and promoted the Yoruba culture and language with his literary works. In 1986, he wrote and composed the college anthem that is currently sung in Wesley College Ibadan.
Among his works are:
Agogo Eèwò (2002) as Ifa Priest.
Sawo-Segberi (2005).
The Campus Queen (2004) as Professor.
Thunderbolt: Magun (2001) as Professor.
Brass Bells (1999) as Babalawo.
Efunsetan Aniwura (1981).
Efunsetan Aniwura (2005).
Isola was born in Ibadan on December 24, 1939, he studied at the University of Ibadan, earning a B.A. in French and was appointed professor at Obafemi Awolowo University in 1991. Isola wrote his first play, Efunsetan Aniwura around 1961-62 while still a student at the University of Ibadan. This was followed by a novel, O Le Ku.
He ventured into broadcasting at a time, creating a production company that has turned a number of his plays into television dramas and films.
On May 4, 2015, his book Herbert Macaulay and the Spirit of Lagos was staged at the Performing Arts Theatre of the University of Ilorin in Kwara State.
In 2000, in recognition of his immense contributions, he was awarded the National Merit Award and appointed a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Georgia.
BEAUTIFUL MOMENT HE PASSED AWAY
A day before his passing, his wife, Mrs Adebola Isola, said he ate amala and gbegiri and finished everything. The next day, around 9am after his bath, Mrs. Isola fed him with custard.
However, unlike before, he only took a little and continued saying: “Thank you, my wife.” She didn’t take it seriously at first because he had always appreciated her that way. But when he continued non-stop, she had to call his doctor and the children who were in Lagos.
She and the nurse who had bathed him earlier, decided to move him from the chair to the bed. Immediately his body touched the bed, he departed the world.
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