The Senate Leader Bamidele Taps Ogedengbe’s 19th-Century Playbook For Nigeria’s Security, Governance Crisis
By Morakinyo Kayegbo
At Ilesa lecture marking 116th anniversary of Ekiti-Parapo commander, Senate Leader links courage, coalition-building and community policing to modern nation-building, honours Afe Babalola
ILESA, Osun State — Nigeria does not lack heroes. What it lacks, Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele said Friday, is the will to apply their lessons.
Speaking at the Owa Obokun Civic Centre through his Personal Assistant, Ereja Square, llesa to mark the 116th anniversary of Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, the legendary commander of the Ekiti-Parapo Confederacy, Bamidele argued that the Yoruba warlord’s principles of courage, integrity and shared leadership offer a blueprint for tackling today’s terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and institutional decay.
The lecture, titled “Ogedengbe Agbogungboro Legacy: Leadership, Security and Statecraft for Modern Governance in Nigeria,”
The event also honoured Aare Emmanuel Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, Founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti and the Arole Fabunmi of Okemesi-Ekiti, for what Bamidele called “the living continuation” of Ogedengbe’s ideals through institution-building.
From Kiriji War to National Assembly
Ogedengbe, born Orisarayibi Ogundamola around 1822 in Atorin near Ilesa, led the Ekiti-Parapo alliance through the 16-year Kiriji War from 1877 to 1893. Bamidele said his significance went beyond battlefield victories.
“His campaigns were inspired not by conquest or personal ambition, but by the pursuit of justice, collective security, and the preservation of the political independence of Yoruba communities,” Bamidele told the crowd. “He understood a timeless truth: military victory without political stability, justice, and reconciliation cannot guarantee lasting peace.”
The Senate Leader distilled three core lessons. First, courage — the moral kind required to push difficult reforms. Second, integrity — “trust remains the greatest currency of leadership.” Third, coalition building — Ogedengbe united rival kingdoms instead of seeking personal domination.
“That is what modern Nigeria requires,” Bamidele said. “Constructive engagement across political parties, ethnic nationalities, religious communities, traditional institutions, civil society and the private sector.”
Security As Everybody’s Business
The most direct policy call came on security. Bamidele said the federal government alone cannot defeat today’s threats and urged Nigerians to embrace Ogedengbe’s model of community-driven defense.
“Security is a collective responsibility,” he said. “It requires intelligence, prevention, community participation, and institutional collaboration.”
He used the platform to back the creation of State Police, describing it as “long overdue in view of the prevailing security realities.” He called on state governments, Houses of Assembly, traditional rulers and religious institutions to build a national consensus across ethnic and political lines.
As Leader of the 10th Senate, he pledged legislative support for policing reforms, better intelligence coordination and improved welfare for security agencies.
Traditional institutions, he added, remain “indispensable partners” because of their legitimacy and closeness to communities.
Education, Youth and the Fabunmi Link
The lecture also turned to nation-building through institutions. Bamidele praised Babalola’s work in education, healthcare and agriculture, citing ABUAD and the Afe Babalola Multi-System Hospital as examples of private vision serving public good.
He drew a historical thread between Babalola’s title, Arole Fabunmi, and Prince Fabunmi of Okemesi, Ogedengbe’s wartime ally. “Separated by more than a century, both generations were united by a common purpose — the advancement of their people through sacrifice, vision, and selfless service.”
For young Nigerians, Bamidele said the two figures offer contrasting but complementary models: Ogedengbe for courage and patriotism, Babalola for discipline, enterprise and excellence.
He applauded organizers of “Ogedengbe Fiesta 2026” for dedicating proceeds to building an Ogedengbe Museum and ICT Centre in Ilesa — “a fitting tribute to a hero whose legacy continues to illuminate the path of progress.”
A Personal Note
Bamidele closed with a personal reflection. He was born on July 29, exactly 53 years after Ogedengbe died on July 29, 1910.
“I have always regarded this coincidence not as an act of destiny, but as a constant reminder that every generation bears a solemn responsibility to preserve the legacies of its heroes,” he said.
He ended by reciting praise poetry for the warrior and praying for continued peace and unity: “May the courage of Ogedengbe continue to inspire our leaders. May the accomplishments of Aare Afe Babalola continue to inspire our youth. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace, security, justice, and prosperity.”
The event was part of activities marking Ogedengbe Fiesta 2026 in Ijesaland.