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.
FOLLOW US ON:
