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The Historic Palace of Aare Latoosa in Ibadan: A Living Monument to Yoruba Martial Heritage

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The Palace of Aare Latoosa, with its bold inscription “Aafin Aare Latoosa” etched above the entrance, stands as a silent witness to Ibadan’s 19th-century military glory. Located in the Beere–Oke Are axis of Ibadan, Oyo State, this palace was once the home and power seat of Aare Obadoke Latoosa, the feared and admired Ibadan warlord who rose to become the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland—the supreme military commander of the Yoruba nation.

Aare Latoosa: Warrior, Statesman, and Kakanfo

Aare Obadoke Latoosa became Aare Ona Kakanfo in 1871, following the death of his predecessor Ojo Aburumaku. His appointment placed him at the head of the entire Yoruba military confederacy at a time when Ibadan had grown from a refugee settlement into the dominant military power in Yorubaland.

Latoosa’s tenure coincided with one of the most turbulent episodes in Yoruba history: the Kiriji War (1877–1893). This long and bitter conflict pitted Ibadan against the Ekiti-Parapo coalition—an alliance of Ekiti, Ijesa, and other eastern Yoruba groups resisting Ibadan’s military dominance.

Latoosa led the Ibadan forces during the early and most intense years of the war. His military acumen and political authority secured Ibadan’s position as the leading force in southwestern Nigeria. However, he died in 1885, before the war ended. His death marked a turning point: the conflict lost some of its initial ferocity and eventually ended in 1893, when British colonial officials brokered a peace treaty.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

The Aafin Aare Latoosa is more than a royal residence—it is a symbol of Ibadan’s martial aristocracy. Built in the traditional Yoruba architectural style of the 19th century, the palace served as both a military headquarters and a political hub.

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Strategic Hub: War councils and military deliberations were often held within its walls, making it the nerve center of Ibadan’s regional campaigns.

Ayeye Court: Nearby, the Ayeye Court functioned as a seat of justice and administration, where disputes were settled and community matters resolved.

Although the palace has undergone repairs and modifications over the decades, the historic entrance gate and the bold “Aafin Aare Latoosa” inscription remain visible—a tangible link to the days when Ibadan’s generals commanded respect across Yorubaland.

Legacy of a Fearless Leader

Aare Latoosa’s reign cemented Ibadan’s image as the military capital of Yorubaland. His leadership during the Kiriji War not only defined the power dynamics of the late 19th century but also set the stage for the eventual colonial restructuring of the Yoruba nation.

His death before the war’s conclusion left a vacuum that changed the course of the conflict, yet his influence endured. Today, the palace stands as a reminder of indigenous Yoruba governance and military organization before the advent of British colonial rule.

For visitors and historians, the palace is not merely an architectural relic—it is a living monument to the courage, strategy, and complex politics that shaped Yoruba history in the pre-colonial era.

Sources
Johnson, Samuel. The History of the Yorubas: From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the British Protectorate. Lagos: CMS, 1921.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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18 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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