Ogedengbe Fiesta 2026: Descendants of Yoruba War Heroes Reunite, Advocate Warlords Heritage Association
By Femi Alufa
ILESHA, Osun State – Descendants of legendary Yoruba war heroes came together in a historic reunion at Ogedengbe Fiesta 2026, where they called for the establishment of a Yorubaland Warlords Heritage Association to preserve the legacy of the great military leaders who defended the Yoruba nation during the nineteenth century.
The call was made during the grand finale of the three-day Ogedengbe Fiesta 2026 held at the Oba Adekunle Aromolaran Civic Centre, Ereja Square, Ilesa, Osun State. Participants described the gathering as a remarkable reunion of the families of Generalissimo Saraibi Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ijesaland and other renowned Yoruba heroes, 116 years after the death of the celebrated war commander.
The proposed association is expected to protect and promote the heritage of illustrious Yoruba warlords, including Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ijesaland, Aduloju of Ado-Ekiti, Aare Latoosa of Ibadan, Fabunmi of Okemesi-Ekiti, Ajayi Osungbekun of Ibadan, Olomofe Otirigijuda of Ijero-Ekiti, and other distinguished warriors who defended Yorubaland during the nineteenth century.
The guest speaker, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, represented by Dr. Seyi Olubanjo, joined descendants of the fallen heroes in making the appeal.
According to Senator Bamidele, repeated attempts by northern invaders to subjugate the Yoruba people were successfully resisted through the extraordinary bravery and military exploits of heroes such as Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ijesaland, Aare Latoosa of Ibadan, Aduloju of Ado-Ekiti, and Ajayi Osungbekun of Ibadan.
He further stressed the need for individuals with exceptional spiritual and traditional endowments across Yorubaland to unite in safeguarding the region against the recurring attacks of bandits and insurgents.
In his goodwill message, the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, represented by the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoyeto, advocated making History a compulsory subject in schools to ensure that future generations remain connected to their heritage.
The monarch also urged Yoruba families to preserve their ancestral homes instead of selling them, describing such homes as invaluable historical monuments that should be maintained for posterity.
He commended Arole Tayo Ogedengbe, Founder of the Ogedengbe Legacy Foundation, for bringing together descendants of the legendary warlords whose sacrifices secured the freedom enjoyed by present-day generations.
Delivering the welcome address, Festival Director of Ogedengbe Fiesta 2026, Femi Alufa, said the festival had created a unique opportunity to reconnect with history, celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, and strengthen the bonds among descendants, admirers, and custodians of the Ogedengbe legacy.
Founder of the Ogedengbe Legacy Foundation, Arole Tayo Ogedengbe, explained that the three-day festival was organised to commemorate 116 years of the enduring legacy of Generalissimo Saraibi Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, one of Yorubaland’s greatest military icons.
The Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, was represented by Chief Ogunniyi Morakinyo Kayegbo, while the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, was represented by Chief (Rev.) Betty Ogedengbe-Wellington.
Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, popularly known as Sàráíbí Agbógungbórò, served as the Seriki (Commander-in-Chief) of the Ekiti-Parapo forces during the Kiriji War (1877–1893). He also played a prominent role in the Jalumi War against Fulani forces and remains one of the most celebrated military figures in Yoruba history.
Presenting the Vote of Thanks, Chairman of the Ogedengbe Fiesta 2026 Planning Committee, Chief Mrs. Iyabo Ogedengbe Daniels, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for granting a successful celebration.
She thanked the royal fathers, traditional rulers, government officials, distinguished guests, members of the Ogedengbe Dynasty Worldwide, the Board and members of the Ogedengbe Legacy Foundation, and all participants for contributing to the success of the event.
She also commended members of the Planning Committee for their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork, noting that their sacrifices made the successful hosting of the fiesta possible.
Chief Mrs. Daniels congratulated all recipients of the Ogedengbe Fiesta 2026 Awards and encouraged them to continue serving humanity with excellence, integrity, and dedication.
She urged participants to uphold the enduring ideals of Saraibi Ogedengbe Agbogungboro—courage, patriotism, sacrifice, unity, honour, and selfless service—while preserving Yoruba history, strengthening cultural identity, and promoting peace and development across their communities.
She concluded by inviting everyone to an even bigger and more impactful Ogedengbe Fiesta 2027.