The Akure Kingdom, located in present-day Ondo State, Nigeria, is one of the historic Yoruba polities. According to oral tradition, the modern royal dynasty was founded by Prince Omoremilekun Asodeboyede, a descendant of Oduduwa, the mythic progenitor of the Yoruba people. He is said to have migrated from Ile‑Ife and established his rule over several autonomous settlements in the region.
These early settlements reportedly included Upalefa, Igan, Odopetu, and Ileru. Oral history describes Asodeboyede as uniting these communities under a single monarchy. While these accounts are widely recounted in Akure, they remain unverified by archaeological evidence. The title borne by the rulers evolved over time, with early monarchs referred to as “Ajapada,” and the title Deji of Akure becoming standard in later generations.
Oral tradition assigns the dynasty’s founding to around 1150 AD, but historians caution that this date is traditional rather than independently confirmed. Nevertheless, the lineage of the Deji of Akure has been continuously recognised within the community, providing a framework for cultural continuity and governance.
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Oba Ademuwagun Adesida II
Oba Ademuwagun Adesida II ascended the throne as the 42nd Deji of Akure in 1957, during a period of political transformation in Nigeria, two years before independence in 1960. In 1959, the renowned photographer Eliot Elisofon captured a photograph of Oba Adesida II in the palace courtyard, on assignment for Life magazine.
In the photograph, the Oba wears the traditional Yoruba beaded crown, known as the ade, with a veil partially covering his face. The crown symbolises the monarch’s spiritual authority and his connection to ancestors, an enduring element of Yoruba kingship. The image reflects both the continuity of the Akure monarchy and the visibility of Yoruba royal tradition to the international community at a time of national transition.
The Palace and Oral Tradition
The palace of the Deji has historically served as a centre of governance, ceremonial activity, and cultural preservation. Oral histories emphasise its symbolic role, linking past and present. Local accounts describe multiple courtyards and ceremonial spaces used for festivals, coronations, and chieftaincy matters.
While oral tradition claims the palace’s origins trace to the dynasty’s founding around 1150 AD, there is no empirical evidence that the current palace structure dates to that period. The palace has likely undergone cycles of renovation and reconstruction, reflecting a pattern common to Yoruba royal compounds. Its designation as a heritage site acknowledges its cultural and historical significance, rather than providing verification of its age.
The Akure–Benin War of 1818
The Akure–Benin War of 1818 is a pivotal event in the kingdom’s history. According to historical accounts, the then-Deji, Arakale, allegedly killed a Benin emissary, prompting a military campaign by the Benin Kingdom under Oba Osemwende. Akure was defeated, parts of the palace were destroyed, and political authority was restructured under Benin supervision.
Following the war, Osupa I was installed as Deji under Benin influence. Oral histories provide additional details regarding tribute, palace destruction, and changes in governance, though these are not independently verified. This war demonstrates the historical connections and conflicts between neighbouring Yoruba polities and the Benin Kingdom.
Colonial Era and the Role of the Deji
By the mid-20th century, Akure was part of British colonial administration. Traditional rulers, including Oba Adesida II, retained cultural authority and served as intermediaries between the colonial government and local populations. Sources indicate that Oba Adesida II encouraged the introduction of modern amenities such as electricity and piped water, reflecting a pragmatic approach to leadership while maintaining traditional authority.
The 1959 photograph symbolises the coexistence of centuries-old tradition with emerging modernity in Nigeria, illustrating the enduring role of Yoruba monarchs during political transformation.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Akure monarchy exemplifies the resilience of Yoruba political and cultural institutions. Despite wars, subjugation, and colonial influence, the kingdom’s traditions have persisted. The Deji and the palace remain custodians of heritage, sustaining festivals, rituals, and community governance alongside modern state structures.
The 1959 portrait of Oba Adesida II is a visual record of continuity, illustrating the ceremonial regalia, palace authority, and the enduring cultural role of the Deji. The image bridges oral history and historical documentation, providing evidence of Yoruba royal tradition in the 20th century.
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Author’s Note
Oba Ademuwagun Adesida II and the Akure monarchy embody centuries of Yoruba political and cultural history. While the founding date and early history remain rooted in oral tradition, verified sources confirm the 1959 photograph, the 42nd Deji’s reign, and the 1818 conflict with Benin. These elements collectively illustrate the resilience of the Akure monarchy and its cultural significance, demonstrating the continuity of tradition in modern Nigeria.
References
- “Oba Ademuwagun Adesida II, the Deji of Akure, in courtyard of Akure palace, Akure, Nigeria.” Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, Smithsonian Institution.
- “Deji of Akure’s 869-Year-Old Palace: A Cultural, Historical Masterpiece.” Nigerian Tribune, 2019.
