140 Years After Kiriji War, Descendants of Yoruba Warlords Reunite in Historic Ibadan Gathering
Over a century after the end of the Kiriji War, descendants of prominent Yoruba warlords have reunited in Ibadan for a landmark reconciliation and cultural celebration.
The war, which lasted 16 years, ended in 1885, but no such gathering of the descendants had taken place until now.
The event, themed “Aare Latoosa 140 Years Remembrance,” was held on Sunday, August 11, at the newly renovated Lekan Are Hall, Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre. It brought together Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, cultural custodians, and community members from across the South-West to honour the memory of Aare Latoosa, a key figure in the conflict, and to promote unity among Yoruba communities.
Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Alhaji Hameed Latoosa, said the gathering was aimed at fostering unity among all Yoruba people while commemorating the death of his ancestor, Obadoke Iyanda Oyatoosa, who died at the Kiriji War Camp on August 11, 1885.
He also noted that descendants of other historic figures such as Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ilesa and Fabunmi Okemesi were in attendance.
“This programme is important because we are not only remembering our progenitor but also celebrating the inspiration he and his contemporaries left behind,” Latoosa said, adding that the organisers had earlier paid homage to traditional leaders including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I.
Arole Olutayo Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ilesa, a grandson of another warlord, described the ceremony as a long-overdue reunion that transforms the spirit of past battles into present-day cooperation.
“Our fathers never had any reunion of this nature after the war. Today’s gathering shows that we are here to advance peace, not conflict,” he said.
Another participant, Fabunmi Akin, urged Yoruba sons and daughters to embrace the peace mission of the event, stressing the historical significance of Yoruba heritage and its enduring respect globally.
Representing the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Barr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, praised the organisers for their role in strengthening cultural bonds.
“This is more than a commemoration—it is a statement of unity across Yorubaland,” he remarked.
Host of the venue, Adedamola Are, CEO of Kakanfo Inn, linked the renovated hall’s reopening with the spirit of the event. “It’s all about reconciliation and unity,” he said, likening the leadership spirit of Aare Latoosa to that of Lekan Are, for whom the hall was named.
The ceremony featured awards to notable individuals, including Governor Oyebanji, Oba Fabunmi Oke Mesi, Arole Olutayo Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, the Owa Oye of Imesi Ile, and Aare Afe Babalola.
Also in attendance were the Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, representing the Olubadan-in-Council, as well as chiefs, Mogajis, clerics, and dignitaries from across the region.
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