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The History of the Alákétu of Kétu Kingdom

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The Ketu Kingdom was the westernmost of the seven classical Yoruba kingdoms. According to Yoruba tradition, these kingdoms were founded by the descendants of Oduduwa, who migrated westward from Ile-Ife, the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba people. Oduduwa is revered in Yoruba cosmology as the progenitor of kings and, in mythic tradition, as the one commissioned by Olórun (the Supreme Deity) to create the earth.

Origins of Kétu

Tradition credits Sopasan as the first Oba (king) in the royal lineage of Kétu. Although the city itself did not yet exist during his lifetime, he led the migration from Ile-Ife of the people who would eventually settle there. It was the seventh king, Ede, who formally founded the city of Kétu.
The settlement was established on a plateau with very limited water sources, giving rise to the Yoruba saying:

“Water becomes honey in Ketu.”

Because of scarce natural springs, inhabitants relied on rainwater collected in cisterns and dry wells. While this limited the city’s population size, the elevated plateau provided formidable natural defense. Historically, Kétu was conquered only once.

Sacred Foundations and Fortifications

Kétu was built around a sacred Iroko tree, central to its spiritual identity. Oral tradition recounts that a human sacrifice was required to fortify and protect the town. A hunchback from a nearby Ewe community was sacrificed at the entrance, and from this legend came the name “Kétu,” linked to the Yoruba phrase:

“Ke ‘tu ike?” – “Who straightens the hump?”

The implication was that just as no one could straighten a hump, no one could destroy Kétu.
The fourteenth Oba, Sa, constructed a massive Iroko-wood gate called Idena (“Sentry”). From this gate stretched an immense clay wall encircling the city, reinforced by deep ditches and thorn hedges—making Kétu one of the most fortified Yoruba cities of its time.

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The Title: Alákétu

The ruler of Kétu bears the title Alákétu, meaning “Owner of Kétu.” From the twenty-fifth Alákétu onward, succession rotated among five royal houses:

Alapini

Magbo

Aro

Mesa

Mefu

This rotational system helped maintain balance among ruling lineages.

Wars with Dahomey

To the west, Kétu bordered Fon-speaking peoples who later founded the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey. Over time, Dahomey became Kétu’s fiercest rival. After numerous conflicts, Dahomey conquered Kétu in 1886.

Eventually, both kingdoms fell under French colonial rule and became part of modern-day Benin, while most other Yoruba kingdoms came under British control and later formed part of Nigeria.

Today, Kétu survives under the French-influenced name Ketou, where the Alákétu continues to serve as custodian of centuries-old traditions.

List of Alákétu (1795–2004)

Below is a historical list of rulers of Kétu from the late 18th century:

1795–1816 – Ajibolu

1816–1853 – Adebiya

1853–December 1858 – Adegbede

December 1858–1867 – Adiro

1867–1883 – Osun Ojeku

1883–1886 – Agidigbo Hungbo

1886 – Conquest by Dahomey

1893–1894 – Ida (Regent)

13 February 1894–1918 – Oyengen

1918–1936 – Ademufekun Dudu

1937–1963 – Alamu Adewori Adegibite

1964–2004 – Pascal Adeoti Adetutu

Historical Significance

The Alákétu dynasty represents over six centuries of Yoruba kingship, migration history, warfare, spiritual symbolism, and political resilience. Kétu stands as a powerful reminder of the interconnected histories of Yoruba and Fon peoples, and of the enduring legacy of traditional monarchy in West Africa.

Source

Yoruba oral traditions on Kétu Kingdom

Regional historical accounts of Dahomey–Kétu wars

Archival royal records of Ketou

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Ibadan indigenes warn politicians against disrespecting Olubadan

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The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on Monday, read a riot act to the politicians in Oyo State, especially in the ancient city, over disrespecting the sacred stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland, warning that any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.

CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, gave this warning in a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital, amid growing concerns over rising reckless  utterances and conducts in the state by some power-seeking politicians

He said recent actions by some political actors had crossed acceptable boundaries and posed a risk to the dignity of traditional institutions in Ibadanland.

Ajewole stressed that the council would not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at the Olubadan stool, warning further that the CCII would not sit idly by and watch the Olubadan throne desecrated for political gain.

CCII said, “The stool is sacred to the people of Ibadanland and must be treated with the highest respect at all times. Any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.”

The PG added that the Olubadan remains a unifying father figure to all indigenes and residents of Ibadan, regardless of political affiliation.

He said, “All politicians in Oyo are sons and daughters of the Olubadan. They must conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and absolute respect for the institution.

“Any attempt at casting aspersions on the person of Olubadan and the stool and turning around to tender any apology would not be tolerated any longer. You mess up with that stool, you must be ready to face the consequence(s).

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“The palace can never become any politician’s pawn; it is our symbol of strength and unity. This is the last time such nonsense will be condoned. Let politicians be warned, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. We will defend our tradition, our heritage, and our dignity,” the council warned.

It also reiterated that the institution is strictly non-partisan and has continued to maintain neutrality and respect for all political actors in the state.

The council expressed strong displeasure over incidents where politicians were seen raining curses on their opponents, describing such conduct as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Ajewole, therefore, urged political actors to exercise restraint, warning that political differences must never be allowed to escalate into attacks on cultural and traditional institutions.

He called for maturity in political engagement, saying, “Politics should never be reduced to insults, curses, or hostility. We urge all political actors to rise above bitterness and act in the interest of peace and unity.”

The CCII reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Olubadan stool and called on all stakeholders to ensure that respect, peace, and decorum remain central to political activities in the state.

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Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplet sons

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Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji, on Friday announced the arrival of his triplet sons with his wife and fellow actress, Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

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I take full responsibility, Sisi Alagbo’s husband apologises over leaked sex tape

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The husband of popular social media personality Eniola Fagbemi, known as Sisi Alagbo, Adesola Akeem, has issued a public apology over a leaked sex tape involving his wife, himself and another woman.

The video went viral on Monday and has since generated widespread controversy online.

The video, which depicted the trio in an intimate encounter, began circulating on WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels before spreading rapidly to gossip blogs, Instagram pages and explicit-content websites.

In the footage, Fagbemi is seen filming Akeem having sexual relations with the third woman while all three were unclothed. It remains unclear how the video made its way online.

Akeem, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, said he took full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the disappointment the incident had caused.

“I write with a deep sense of responsibility and sincere remorse to extend my heartfelt apologies to my family, friends, business associates, religious leaders, fans, loved ones, and the entire Nigerian public over the recent incident involving a leaked sex scandal.

“I acknowledge the disappointment, embarrassment, and concern this situation has caused, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote.

He added that his conduct had fallen short of the values expected of him by those who had trusted and supported him.

Akeem also directed specific apologies to family members, friends, business associates, and religious bodies.

“To my fans and supporters, I deeply regret letting you down,” he said.

He described the period as one of reflection and said he was committed to making better decisions and rebuilding trust.

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“I am committed to making better decisions, rebuilding trust, and upholding integrity in both my private and public life going forward,” he added.

Sisi Alagbo had on Wednesday also apologised on her verified Facebook account, saying she had been unable to eat or sleep since the video emerged.

“I own my mistakes, and I apologize with all sincerity for the video circulating online. I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me,” she wrote.

Fagbemi rose to prominence through her promotion of herbal concoctions and became a social media sensation after a viral video of her kneeling to greet Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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