Ibadan people are a people forged in war and courage.
As far back as the 19th century, during the era of intense conflict and warfare in Yorubaland, Ibadan emerged from the ashes of a turbulent period to become one of the most powerful political and military centres in the region.
Ibadan warriors did not only defend their territory. They also fought in other parts of Yorubaland and became feared and respected for their military strength and strategic ability.
As far back as 1829, Ibadan warriors were particularly renowned for their ability to mobilise, defend their homeland and withstand formidable opposition. The Ibadan-Ijaye War of 1860–1862 and the Kiriji War of 1877–1893 demonstrated the city’s military strength and endurance. The Kiriji War, which lasted about 16 years, involved Ibadan and the Ekiti-Parapo alliance, among other forces, before peace was eventually reached.
But beyond the battles themselves was something even more important – the Ibadan instinct to protect its own.
That spirit of courage, resilience and collective responsibility has become an integral part of the identity of the people.
This is why, in today’s political climate, with our governor and leader, Governor Seyi Makinde, facing what we regard as a critical political battle, Ibadan people must remember the mentality handed down by our ancestors: protect your home, defend your people and never surrender your territory without a fight.
The struggle today may not be fought with guns and swords, but the principle remains the same.
It is therefore thoroughly disgraceful that a son of Ibadan is aspiring to the highest political office in the land, yet some people – particularly traditional title holders who should understand and preserve our history – have chosen to make a declaration suggesting that the spirit of “Ọmọ Wa Ni Ẹ Jẹ O Se” is dead.
That declaration sounds almost like a taboo, considering our history of “No Surrender”.
It is a slap in the face of the heroic Ibadan warriors who fought to defend their people and their territory, many of whom paid the ultimate price.
How can “Ọmọ Wa Ni Ẹ Jẹ O Se” be dead when, in our own recent political history, Ibadan people stood by one of their own, the late Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, in his political contest against the late Chief Bola Ige?
Are we now expected to discard a tradition and spirit that have been passed down through generations? God forbid!
You may ask, why Seyi Makinde? Engr. Seyi Makinde has demonstrated that he is capable of aspiring to the highest political office in Nigeria. His administration’s record in Oyo State, in terms of infrastructure and development, speaks for itself. As a businessman, he has also demonstrated experience in the private sector, while his years in public service have given him exposure to governance.
Nigeria needs leadership capable of rebuilding confidence in the economy and addressing the hardship confronting ordinary citizens. This is why we support Makinde and why I believe the people of Oyo State should stand firmly behind him.
It is unfortunate that some traditional figures and Mogajis appear willing to abandon their heritage and history for what amounts to a whiff of porridge being cooked in a very distant kitchen.
But let me assure these elements of instability and enemies of progress that Makinde and the APM will surprise them with resounding, sweeping victories in the coming elections.
When that happens, where will they hide their heads?
The hunger and hardship ravaging Nigeria are also being felt in Oyo State. Our people must therefore be careful not to surrender their future to those whose political decisions are driven solely by what they can eat today also known as “stomach infrastructure”.
The old Ibadan spirit is not dead.
It lives in our courage. It lives in our resilience. It lives in our solidarity. And above all, it lives in our determination to stand by our own and defend the interests of our people.
“Ọmọ Wa Ni Ẹ Jẹ O Se” is not dead. It is an inheritance and no declaration can erase it.
•Dare Adeleke writes from Oja ba, Ibadan.
