The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has called upon the people of Oyo and all Nigerians to confront the nation's challenges with unwavering courage, drawing powerful lessons from the historic 1895 Ogun Pepe War where their ancestors successfully resisted British imperialist oppression.
The Historic Ogun Pepe Memorialization
Oba Owoade delivered this significant charge during the grand finale of the week-long memorialization of the 1895 "Ogun Pepe" (Pepe War) at the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo Town. The event attracted Nigeria's crème de la crème, gathering to honor a pivotal moment in Yoruba history when the then Alaafin, Adeyemi Alowolodu, and his subjects courageously fought against British oppressive rule.
The name "Ogun Pepe" originated from the distinctive sound of the Gatling gunboats used by British imperialists during their invasion 130 years ago. During this conflict, the monarch was shot and wounded but mysteriously escaped, remaining on Owinni Hill for six days before making a triumphant return to his palace.
Roots of the Conflict: Sovereignty Versus Imperialism
The conflict erupted when Oba Alowolodu refused to submit to British authority in a matter of local jurisprudence involving royal messenger Bakare, who served in the court of the Aseyin of Iseyin. Bakare stood accused of adultery with one of the king's wives, and according to customary practice, the prescribed punishment was castration.
Captain Bower viewed this traditional punishment as an affront to British authority and demanded that the Alaafin hand over both Bakare and the official who carried out the punishment, Kudeefu. Instead of complying, the Alaafin firmly asserted his sovereignty and judicial authority by ordering Bakare's execution and protecting Kudeefu.
This bold repudiation of British intimidation triggered the Pepe War waged against the Alaafin and Oyo people, becoming a defining moment in the resistance against colonial rule.
Modern Lessons from Ancient Courage
Speaking at the celebration, the Alaafin emphasized that "Ogun Pepe signifies the courage and resilience of the ancient Oyo monarch and his people" who stood their ground even when facing death, refusing to bow to imperialist threats.
Oba Owoade urged contemporary Nigerians to learn from this historical example of courage to confront today's national problems headlong without giving up, stressing that this approach remains essential for national progress and stability.
Dr. James Adesokan Ojebode, Chairman of the Ogun Pepe Memorialisation Committee and founder of Atiba University, Oyo, described the event as "a historic moment that brings together memory, heritage, unity and purposeful reflection." He emphasized that the legacy of Ogun Pepe has shaped the community and will continue to inspire future generations.
Ojebode highlighted four core values represented by Ogun Pepe:
- Courage in the face of oppression
- Sacrifice for communal good
- Resilience during adversity
- Unwavering pursuit of justice
He stressed that the memorialization ceremony demonstrates how stories of great men never truly fade but live on in the hearts of their people, serving as a foundation upon which future generations can stand.
Contemporary Relevance of Historical Resistance
Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, another key speaker, noted the timely coincidence of the 130th celebration of Ogun Pepe with recent threats of invasion by foreign powers. He maintained that if ancient Oyo could not be destroyed during the Pepe War, then modern Nigeria can overcome not just foreign invasion threats but also current security, socio-economic, and political challenges by emulating the resilience displayed during that historic conflict.
The memorialization committee included distinguished members such as Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi (Vice Chancellor of Atiba University), Princess Folasade Adeyemi (also known as Arewa), Mr. Segun Oke, Hon. Wale Ogunsola, Gbemisola Faleti, and several traditional chiefs, all working tirelessly to ensure the event's success and historical significance.
The week-long celebration featured elegant traditional displays and cultural flamboyance, reminding attendees that memorialization serves not only to preserve the past but also to use history as a guiding torch for building a better tomorrow.
