Why Ogbomosho
Ogbomosho is a major urban center situated in Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria. It stands as the second largest city in Oyo State and ranks among the most populous cities in southwestern Nigeria, trailing only Lagos and Ibadan. Geographically, the area sits between Igbon and Iresa, bordered historically by districts such as Aresa to the west, Onikoyi to the east, Olugbon to the north, and Ede to the south. While Yoruba people form the primary inhabitant group, the city is also home to residents from various other parts of Nigeria and West Africa.
The founding of Ogbomosho dates to the mid-seventeenth century, initiated by Ogunlola, a hunter of Ibariba origin who built his dwelling by an Ajagbon tree. Ogunlola brought together nearby hunters to create the Alongo Society, which focused on organized hunting and defense against slave raiders. Following his actions in local conflicts, his authority grew, and his original compound eventually transformed into the Soun's Palace, establishing the traditional line of rulers known as the Soun of Ogbomosho.
Historically, Ogbomosho was a heavily fortified walled city featuring a surrounding moat and closely guarded gates. Because of its strategic location and strong defense systems, it became a major safe haven during nineteenth-century regional conflicts. Residents from roughly 147 deserted towns and villages sought refuge within Ogbomosho during these wars, which substantially boosted the city's population, defensive power, and regional influence.
Cultural heritage in Ogbomosho includes the historical worship of Orisapopo, a patron deity introduced by Ogunlola's wife, Esuu, whose followers wore white attire and distinctive white beads. The city is also renowned for the royal palace grounds, which served as the home of Alagba, a sacred tortoise brought to the site by a former ruler in the late eighteenth century. Regarded as a historic creature and host to generations of monarchs, Alagba passed away in October 2019, leading to efforts to preserve its body for historical records.
In modern times, Ogbomosho has expanded into a large municipality made up of five local governments and twelve local council development areas. Over time, the city adopted various modern civic institutions, incorporating early communication services, the Baptist Hospital, and numerous prominent primary, secondary, and training schools across its districts.
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