Ooni of Ife, Oba (Dr) Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has given his royal endorsement to the activities marking the 140th remembrance of legendary Momodu Obadoke Aare Latoosa, a former Olubadan of Ibadan and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
The foremost Yoruba traditional ruler pledged his support for the upcoming celebration during a recent courtesy visit by the Aare Latoosa Dynasty Planning Committee.
Legendary Momodu Obadoke Aare Latoosa joined his ancestors on 11 August, 1885 at the Ibadan War Camp, Imesi-Ile during the Kiriji/Ekiti-Parapo war, marking the end of his over 14 years reign as the Olubadan of Ibadanland and Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland, (3 October, 1871 to 11 August, 1885).
As contained in a statement by Princess Feyisetan Hamzat and Jubril Arowolo-Are, the delegation visited the Ooni Palace in Ile-Ife to seek royal blessings and to formally inform the first-class traditional ruler of the week-long activities scheduled to honour one of the most revered military generals and political figures in Yoruba history, Aare Latoosa.
“In a moment that rekindled deep historical ties, the Aare Latoosa Dynasty Planning Committee reminded His Imperial Majesty of the strong friendship and alliance that once existed between Aare Asubiaro Latoosa, the 11th Ibadanland ruler and the 12th Aare Ona Kakanfo, and the Ooni’s great-grandfather, Orarigba Ayikiti, the 44th Ooni of Ife, who reigned between April 8th 1878 and 1880.
“Historical accounts confirmed that both leaders were influential in shaping Yoruba unity and defence, particularly at a time when the Ibadan military strength, under Aare Latoosa, significantly contributed to preserving peace and stability across Yorubaland,” it was stated in the statement.
Reacting to the reminder, Ooni Ogunwusi acknowledged that he was well aware of his ancestors’ heroic roles and the vital contributions of Ibadanland under Aare Latoosa, describing their era as one of unparalleled leadership and bravery.
A remarkable highlight of the visit was the presentation of an artistic frame of Legendary Momodu Obadoke Aare Latoosa to the Ooni, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
Visibly impressed by the artwork, the traditional ruler inquired how such an accurate image of Aare Latoosa, who passed on 1885, was obtained.
One of the family members explained that the description of Aare Latoosa’s appearance was revealed through a dream, reflecting the deep spiritual connection the family members maintained with their lineage.
Impressed by the gesture and the historical significance, the Ooni asked the delegation what they hoped to achieve with the remembrance.
The Head of the Committee, Prince Hameed Are Latoosa, explained that the programme, slated to run from 4 to 11 August, 2025, would include heritage site visits, family reunions, cultural exhibitions and a grand finale designed to celebrate Aare Latoosa’s legacy and also promote Yoruba unity.
In his response, Ooni Ogunwusi pledged his full royal support and expressed his readiness to be part of the event in order to honour the enduring friendship between his great-grandfather, Oba Orarigba Ayikiti and Aare Latoosa.
He then promised to personally select a convenient day during the celebration to participate and grace the occasion, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening historical bonds within Yorubaland.
The Aare Latoosa 140 Years “Remembrance is positioned to become one of the most culturally significant events in recent Yoruba history, as it not only pays tribute to a legendary leader but also rekindles the alliances that once unified the people,” it was added in the statement.
