Basorun Ogunmola, the Warrior of Warriors
The history of Basorun Ogunmola is quite a fascinating one as his life and time were riddled with lots of interesting stories ranging from being an oracle diviner at age 10 and later to a warlord. He was one of the foremost warriors, the Yoruba race ever produced. Despite his small stature, he was a terror to many kingdoms during his lifetime. He did not only fought and won several wars but also went ahead to become a ruler in Ibadan.
Ogunmola was fearful, fearless, hardworking, daring, dedicated, resourceful, creative, crafty, and a just leader. He was a good and reliable friend of Colonial Governor, Carter. He contributed immensely to the acceptance of Christianity in Ibadan. It was said that when Basorun Ogunmola ruled Ibadan, warriors were more honored than farmers.
According to history, Basorun Ogunmola later died as a result of what could best be described as a conspiracy. His bed was laced with measles (Igbona). Due to his braveness, when perpetrators of the evil act were identified and people wanted to appeal to them for the cure, Ogunmola rejected the offer and died afterward.
It is also worth knowing that anyone born into the Basorun Ogunmolaās family must not drink pap made of millet nor bathe with hot water regardless of how cold the weather is. This was said to be a result of the fact that the family is descendants of Osun (the sea goddess). The family also has a tradition where every child born into the family is made to drink from seven different calabashes, regardless of where the child was born, to ascertain whether the child is legitimate or not.
It has been established that Ogunmolaās remains and that of his children (Oshun, Omosa, and Ilori) all of whom were also warriors, were buried right in the premises near his shrine, where the familyās masquerades and other historical artifacts are kept.
… Culled from Oyo Affairs Report.
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