Yoruba Kiriji War: Descendants Reunite 140 Years On
Descendants of Yoruba warriors who fought in the 16-year-long Kiriji War have reunited, 140 years after the conflict ended. The unification ceremony, themed “Aare Latoosa 140 Years Remembrance”, was held on Sunday, 11 August, at the ultra-modern Lekan Are Hall, Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan. It drew together prominent Yoruba figures from various walks of life. Speaking to The PUNCH, Alhaji Hameed Latoosa, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the anniversary, explained that the event was aimed at fostering unity among all Yoruba people. It also served to honour Aare Latoosa, a renowned Yoruba warlord, who died at the Kiriji War Camp on 11 August 1885 in the struggle for Yoruba unity.
“This programme is important because we are remembering the day our progenitor, Obadoke Iyanda Oyatoosa, died at the Kiriji War Camp. The offspring of his associates during his lifetime, such as Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ilesa and Fabunmi Okemesi, alongside all the warlords from Ibadan, are here. This event is for the unity of all Yoruba people,” he said. The planning committee also visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, as part of the remembrance activities. Arole Olutayo Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ilesa, a traditional ruler and grandson of another Kiriji warlord, described the reunion as historic, noting that their forefathers had never held such a gathering after the war ended in 1885.
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“This unity is worthy of celebration because we are not here to fight but to advance the prevailing peace and harmony across Yorubaland,” he said. Similarly, Fabunmi Akin urged Yoruba sons and daughters in the South-West to embrace the peaceful spirit underpinning the event for the progress of Nigeria, remarking on the high regard in which the Yoruba are held internationally.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards reconciliation. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Adedamola Are, said the event was as much about reconciliation as it was about celebrating Aare Latoosa’s legacy, drawing parallels between Aare Latoosa and the late Lekan Are as leaders of vision and determination. The ceremony also featured an awards presentation to several distinguished personalities, including Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Oba Fabunmi Oke Mesi, Arole Olutayo Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ilesa, the Owa Oye of Imesi Ile, and Aare Afe Babalola. Dignitaries in attendance included the Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland (representing the Olubadan-in-Council), Chief Arulogun, Imam Oke Are Tirimisiyu, traditional rulers, Mogajis, and other prominent figures.
