Ogbomoso: A Historical City Founded in the Mid-17th Century in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Ogbomoso: A Historical City Founded in the Mid-17th Century in Oyo State, Nigeria.

The town of Ogbomoso lies between Ilorin and Oyo Town in the south western region of Nigeria. The town was founded in the mid-17th century by Ogunlola, a brave hunter of Ibariba descent.

 History has it that Ogunlola migrated to the present site of Ogbomoso around 1650 in pursuit of his hunting career.

Ogbomoso (also Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́) is a city in Oyo State, south-western Nigeria. It was founded in the mid 17th century. It is the second largest city in Oyo State and also among the most populated in Nigeria. It is the 2nd most populated city in South Western Nigeria after Lagos and Ibadan. Although the principal inhabitants of the city are the Yoruba people, there are people from other parts of Nigeria and other West African countries who are residents in the city.

 The population was approximately 454,690 in the 2006 census. It is the second largest city in Oyo State and also among the most populated in Nigeria. 

Although the principal inhabitants of the city are the Yoruba people, there are people from other parts of Nigeria and other West African countries who are resident in the city.

Ogbomoso, where the legendary tortoise lumbers about in the palatial grounds of the king, it is almost a sacrilege to refer to Alagba as a mere tortoise. The tortoise played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past.

The sacred tortoise, which was believed to the oldest in Africa, was sick for a few days before her demise on 5 October 2019.

The palace household, Ogbomoso community and stakeholders in the tourism sector are reportedly mourning[when?] Alagba's passage because of the great impact left behind. Plans are underway to preserve Alagba's body for historical records.

The founder of Ogbomoso, Soun Olabanjo Ogunlola Ogundiran, was the first Soun of Ogbomoso. He had 5 sons, Lakale, Kekere Esuo, Eiye and Jogioro. 

He was later succeeded by his youngest son, Erinbaba Alamu Jogioro, who was the second Soun. 

The 5 royal houses of Ogbomoso are descended from the 5 sons of Soun Ikomeyede, the third Soun of Ogbomoso (and son of Jogioro), Toyeje, Oluwusi, Baiyewu, Bolanta Adigun, and Ogunlabi Odunaro. The title of Soun was originally a Baale (minor chief) as Ogbomoso was a small village within the realm of the Oyo Empire. In 1952, the title was changed to Soun and they became recognized as a monarch.