AKINWALE ABOLUWADE The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has urged the people of Oyo and Nigerians at large to confront the country’s challenges with courage and resilience, stressing that progress and national stability can only be achieved when citizens bravely face prevailing problems.
The monarch gave the charge on Saturday in Oyo Town during the grand finale of the week-long memorialization of the 1895 Ogun Pepe (Pepe War), a historic conflict triggered by British imperial aggression. The event, held at the Old Oyo National Park, attracted dignitaries from across the country.
The term Ogun Pepe originated from the rapid “pepe-pepe” sound of the Gatling gunboats deployed by British forces during the invasion 130 years ago.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has urged the people of Oyo and Nigerians at large to confront the country’s challenges with courage and resilience, stressing that progress and national stability can only be achieved when citizens bravely face prevailing problems.
The monarch gave the charge on Saturday in Oyo town during the grand finale of the week-long memorialization of the 1895 Ogun Pepe (Pepe War), a historic conflict triggered by British imperial aggression.
The event, held at the Old Oyo National Park, attracted dignitaries from across the country.
The term Ogun Pepe originated from the rapid ‘pepe-pepe’ sound of the Gatling gunboats deployed by British forces during the invasion 130 years ago.
During the assault, the then Alaafin, Oba Adeyemi Alowolodu, was shot and wounded but miraculously escaped. He reportedly hid on Owinni Hill for six days before making a triumphant return to the palace.
The conflict began when Oba Alowolodu refused to submit to British interference in a local judicial matter involving Bakare, a royal messenger serving under the Aseyin of Iseyin. Bakare was accused of adultery with one of the Aseyin’s wives—a crime punishable by castration under customary law.
Captain Bower, representing British authority, demanded that the Alaafin surrender Bakare and Kudeefu, the official who carried out the punishment. In defiance, Alowolodu ordered Bakare’s execution and shielded Kudeefu, asserting his sovereignty and the supremacy of traditional jurisprudence.
The resistance led to the infamous British attack later known as Ogun Pepe.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oba Owoade said the memorialization symbolized the bravery and unyielding spirit of the Oyo people in the face of colonial oppression.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the courage of their forebears, insisting that the nation’s challenges—whether economic, social, or political—must be confronted boldly rather than avoided.
“The Ogun Pepe episode signifies courage and resilience,” he said. “Even in the face of death, our ancestors stood their ground. Nigerians today must similarly confront national problems headlong and refuse to give up.”
Chairman of the Ogun Pepe Memorialization Committee, Dr. James Adesokan Ojebode, described the commemoration as a moment of unity, reflection, and historical pride.
He said the legacy of Ogun Pepe continues to inspire generations, representing sacrifice, justice, and unwavering resilience.
“This memorialization is not just an event, it is a foundation for future generations to stand on,” Ojebode said, adding, “Great men’s stories never fade; they live on in the hearts of their people.”
Ojebode, who is also the founder of Atiba University, Oyo, expressed gratitude to the Alaafin and committee members, including Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Prof. Sunday Olawale Okeniyi, Princess Folasade Adeyemi (Arewa), Mr. Segun Oke, Hon. Wale Ogunsola, Gbemisola Faleti and several traditional chiefs.
Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu drew parallels between the 1895 invasion and current global tensions, citing a recent threat of invasion by the United States. He said Nigeria must learn from the resilience shown during Ogun Pepe, insisting that the nation can withstand external and internal pressures if its people remain courageous and united.
“If ancient Oyo could not be destroyed despite the firepower unleashed on it, then Nigeria too will prevail against foreign threats and the socio-economic challenges it currently faces,” he said.
The event featured cultural performances, including dances by the queens of the late Alaafin Adeyemi III, traditional displays by various groups, the iconic Sango dance, and a fundraising segment, adding colour and depth to the historic commemoration.
