28 Unsung Heroes in Yorubaland

Do you know that when we think of Unsung heroes in Yorubaland, we mostly refer to popular figures around us? We frequently placed emphasis one over the other. Hence, we may be more familiar with one story and oral tradition than another. It’s not that these other people did not have an impact on history.

Similarly, when it comes to heroic deeds in Yoruba land, we must understand that they go beyond fighting a physical battle for the people’s freedom. Most of the time, these unsung heroic actions could be an early connection with civilization, bringing education to the people, spiritual attributions such as long life and prosperity, which their community taps into, and so on.

Relax and take a seat because you are about to learn about 28 unsung heroes in Yoruba land and the unique roles that each played in history. Besides, this article aims to celebrate these heroic figures.

28 Unsung Heroes in Yorubaland

Here are 28 Unsung heroes in Yorubaland.

1.   Bashorun Oluyole

Bashorun Oluyole was a respected and powerful warlord, farmer, and chief. He was born in Old Oyo to the polygamous family of Olukoya. Chief Oluyole rose to prominence after receiving the title of Basorun. During his lifetime, he fought and won wars.

Oluyole rose to prominence during a period when chiefs were divided over who should fill the vacant seat of Alaafin. He first gained respect after becoming a member of those who won the Owu war. Oluyole as one of the unsung heroes in Yorubaland was appointed Areago of Ibadan as a result of his victories in wars such as the Ẹgba war, the Owu war, and others. He later rose to the position of Osi-Kakanfo of Ibadan land (third in command of the army).

After many successful wars, he was crowned the Basorun of Ibadan land. Chief Oluyole was also a successful farmer, owning vast tracts of land dedicated to tuber crops and vegetables. During his lifetime, he owned one of the largest farmland plantations in Ibadan.

He was a successful farmer as well as a warrior. His estate, known as the Oluyole estate, still stands in his honor in Ibadan today.

2.   Eshugbayi Eleko

Eshugbayi Eleko was the Oba of Lagos from 1901 to 1925 after succeeding Oba Oyekan. He ruled again from 1931 to 1932.

The British government proposed pipe-borne water in Lagos in 1908 to improve sanitary conditions. They proposed that Lagosians must pay heavily for the water scheme.

As one of the unsung heroes in Yorubaland, Oba Eleko was against the scheme, claiming that Lagosians could live off well water. He said the Europeans in Lagos needed piped water since they couldn’t survive by their water. Hence, they should pay for the water project instead. The colonial government opposed his viewpoint, then Eleko organized a protest of about 15,000 Lagosians outside the Lagos Government House. He emerged victorious.

Eleko became a hero for his people through this struggle and legal victory over the British colonial government. It also represented a major struggle in Nigeria between indigenous rights and colonial rule.

Oba Eshugbayi Eleko died on October 24, 1932, and was laid to rest at Iga Idunganran.

3.   Obalufon Ogbogbodirin

Obalufon Ogbogbodirin, one of the unsung heroes in Yorubaland, is said to be Ile Ife’s fourth king. His reign made him a hero to his people, particularly the royal families. The incoming kings of Ile Ife pray to Olodumare (the Supreme Being) through Obalufon for long life during their reign.

Obalufon Ogbogbodirin is said to have lived the longest. As a result, he was given the nickname Ogbogbodirin, which means “one who lived for a very long time.”

Obalufon Ogbogbodirin is said to have reigned for centuries before transforming into a metal figurine and eventually becoming a deity as he aged.

Every Ooni who reigns after Obalufon goes to his statue to pray for a long life as he did before being crowned.

Though Obalufon has its shrine, Ooni Ogunwusi recently brought him closer to the people by ordering a portrait of him to be positioned in the Enuwa palace where he resides.

4.   Isaac Babalola Akinyele

Isaac Babalola Akinyele was born on 18 April 1882. He was Ibadan’s first educated Olubadan and the 2nd Christian who ascended the throne.

Isaac Babalola Akinyele followed the lead of his elder brothers by pursuing an education. He excelled academically, which caused the people of Ibadan to take education more seriously. This made the ruler at that time issue a proclamation in 1910 requiring every family to send at least a child to school or pay a five-pound fine. The fear of paying heavily made people send their ward to school.

In 1914, he joined the Egbe Agba O’Tan, a frontline 19th-century association of educated Yorùbá members dedicated to fighting for the cause of their tribe, clearly a forerunner of the Egbé Ọmọ Odùà in the Yoruba social context, and that of the Ibadan Progressive Union in Ibadan.

He was only in power for ten years but left a lasting legacy. He passed away in May 1965.

5.   Lagelu Adio

Lagelu Adio, the grandson of Orunto and a war chief from the Dalegu compound in Ile-Ife, founded Ibadan. While still in Ife, he led the Ife army into battle. The battle was to aid the children of Olofin Ogunfunminire in their fight against the Benin army, which had invaded Iddo Island near Lagos. The war continued for  a very long time, and they  were unable to defeat the Benin Army.

In 1829, Lagelu led a group of men, women, and interested people to establish EBA ODAN, a new settlement at the intersection of forest and grassland (present-day Ibadan.)

6.   Alexander Akinyele

On September 5, 1875, Alexander Babatunde Akinyele was born. He founded Ibadan Grammar School, the city’s first secondary school.

Shortly after his education abroad, Alexander was ordained a Deacon on June 6, 1909. He was assigned to Ibadan as an assistant priest. Because of the difficulties he encountered while learning, he persuaded the Church Missionary Society to establish a grammar school in Ibadan.

On March 31, 1913, Ibadan Grammar School was established, with Alexander Akinyele as its first principal. During his twenty-year administration of the school (1913–1933), he used a fair admission policy and did not discriminate. The people loved him for his impartial nature.

He was honoured with the chieftaincy title of the Aare of Ibadanland. It was done in recognition of his valuable contributions to the advancement and development of Ibadan.

7.   Sọun Ogunlọla

Sọun Ogunlọla was a great hunter who assisted the old Ọyọ Empire in killing Elemọshọ and bringing his head to Alaafin. Alaafin was at odds with the head of Eso (the palace’s guard), also known as Elemoso, who lived in the palace at the time.

The conflict flared up, and the chief of the Eso was banished from the palace. Elemoso was angered by Alaafin’s actions. On market days or special occasions, Elemoso organised Guerilla Warfare. Elemoso would strike at random and kill market women and children. It sparked outrage and fear among Oyo residents. Alaafin directed his new Eso’s Chief to arrest Elemoso and bring him to Afin alive or dead. The search was ineffective.

Shoun was mentioned to Alaafin. When Shoun arrived, Alaafin was sceptical that he could capture Elemoso. Shoun begged Alaafin to entrust him with the task. Shoun embarked on the campaign to capture Elemoso with his invisible juju after Alaafin finally yielded. Shoun discovered Elemoso’s tactics after several weeks. Elemoso would climb up on the trees during the day and descend at night. Elemoso climbed a tall palm tree near Oja Akesan on one of the market days. He was all set to strike as usual. Shoun spotted Elemoso and struck first with an arrow before Elemoso hit innocent citizens. Shoun rushed to Elemoso, pulled out his sword, and beheaded Elemosho.

Shoun carried Elemoso’s head back to the palace. Shoun’s bravery became known throughout the Yoruba country. Alaafin lavished him with praise, and people travelled long distances to see this young hunter who had beheaded Elemosho. As more people arrived, they nicknamed Shoun “Ogbori Elemosho” (the one who cuts Elemoso’s head). People were no longer afraid of danger.

8.   Òrìṣàráyíbí Ògúndàmọ́lá (Ogedengbe of Ilesa)

Ogedengbe of Ilesa was born in the small village of Atorin in 1822. In Yorubaland, he was a Yoruba chief and warrior.

Before Ogedengbe was born, the Ifa oracle predicted that he would be Ijeshaland’s saviour. Ogedengbe waged several campaigns against the Ibadan people, who oppressed and attacked the Ijesha people. He was captured and taken to Ibadan during one of these campaigns. He was released and trained in the Ibadan Army until he reached the rank of senior military commander before returning to fight and lead the Ijesha forces. Then after that, he gathered a large army of Ijesha young men and engaged in several bitter battles against the people of Ibadan. He sold a large number of them into slavery.

At Oke-Imesi, the Ibadans once again engaged the Ijeshas and Ekitis in a fierce battle. The Ijeshas and Ekitis had to persuade Ogedengbe to come and lead them because his unrivalled exploits had become a legend throughout Yoruba land. He agreed and went to the battlefield to quell the Ibadan people’s excessive ambition.

The battle lasted about nine years. He eventually won the battle. All of these characteristics were what made him a local hero in his town. Ogedengbe went on to become one of the most influential men in the history of Yorubaland, Nigeria.

9.   Ogbe Baba Akinyelure, Warrior of Ibode

Ogbe was born in Ibode. According to oral tradition, no warrior in the west was greater than Ogbe of Ibode. Only the greatest champions from other towns ever faced Ogbe, and they all fell to his sword. In fact, no one remembers who ever dared to challenge Ogbe.

Except for Ogbe, no warriors in Ibode drank palm wine when the country was at war because it made men’s steps slow and their spears blind. The palm wine had no effect on him. In battle, he remained swift.

He adored Akinyelure the most out of all his sons. As a sign of affection for his son, he called himself Ogbe Baba Akinyelure (Ogbe, Father of Akinyelure).

One morning, word came that an enemy force was on its way and would soon attack Ibode. Ogbe and his men were preparing for battle, and Akinyelure begged to fight alongside him. Ogbe saw in his son the hunger for testing and glory that was the mark of a boy ready to become a man, and he agreed.

Ogbe and Akinyelure moved together on the battlefield, fighting as one. Ogbe’s battle axe sparkled, and Akinyelure’s sword flashed. The enemies screamed and fell, then turned around and fled into the bush. The men of Ibode celebrated their victory. Then Ogbe looked around for Akinyelure, but he was not there.

Ogbe searched the fields and discovered Akinyelure among the dead. He threw his weapons to the ground. He stood speechless in front of his son’s body. He threw his weapons to the ground.

Ogbe took root right where he was and turned into an iroko tree. As a result, once a year, the people of Ibode offer sacrifices at the foot of the iroko tree in memory of Ogbe Baba Akinyelure.

10.  Ogborogan Obanta

Ogborogan, a grandson of Olu-Iwa was born in Ile-Ife. Ogborogan led the third and most significant migration wave to the Ijebu Kingdom.

Before his death, Olu-Iwa requested that his grandson, Ogborogan, rule after him. When Ogborogan reached adulthood, he made the decision to leave Ife for the throne left to him by his maternal grandfather. A large crowd of supporters decided to accompany him.

Ogborogan travelled peacefully until he arrived in the village of Igbo. The village chief (Olu-Igbo) refused Ogborogan and his entourage passage, and it was decided that the issue would be resolved through a wrestling match. Ogborogan defeated Olu-Igbo and entered the village.

Ogborogan was given the nickname Amujaile as a result of his victory in Igbo (One who understands the art of wrestling on land). Following the defeat, all of Olu-Igbo’s followers chose to follow Ogborogan instead.

When Ogborogan arrived in Ijebu, his supporters yelled, “Oba wanita!” (The king is outside). As a result, Ogborogan is also known as Obanta. Ogborogan as one of the Yoruba unsung heroes was adored by his people and hailed as a hero for safely guiding them to Ijebu.

11. Aare Latoosa of Ibadan

Aare Obadoke Latoosa of Ibadan was the 12th Kakanfo. He is notable because he was the Kakanfo in office when many parts of Yorubaland were at war — the Kiriji War, which was fought for 16 years from 1877 to 1893 and is said to be the longest civil war in global history.

When a group of administrators known as Ajele ruled with oppression in Oke-Imesi (Present-day Ekiti State.) An  Ajele raped a woman returning from the farm. The woman turned out to be Fabunmi, the wife of an Oke-Imesi prince. Fabunmi drew his sword, marched to the Ajele’s quarters, and beheaded him and his guards after the defiled woman told her husband about her ordeal in tears. Ajele’s entourage fled for their lives and returned to Ibadan.

When the Kakanfo heard what had happened, he saw the report at Oke-Imesi as an act of disrespect to his authority and declared war on the perpetrators. He underestimated the determination of all states and towns that had Ajeles to preserve them.

Oke-imesi formed alliances with other villages and towns to aid them in battle because they refused to follow Latoosa’s orders. Thus, the series of battles known as the Kiriji Wars began in 1877 and lasted for 16 years. It is said to be the world’s longest civil war. He is remembered as the ruler who ended Yorubaland’s inhumane treatment of slaves and individuals.

12. Olutimehin

Olutimehim was a great hunter in the nineteenth century. There was a severe famine in his community, and the entire river dried up. When Olutimehim came across a river while hunting one day, he returned home with joy to break the news. He relocated his entire community to the bank of the newly discovered river (Osun River)

The goddess (Osun) appeared from the water in front of Olutimehin and asked him to lead people to a special location (present Osogbo town). In exchange for an annual sacrifice to her, the goddess promised to protect and prosper the entire group. The proposal was accepted by the group. Today, the Osun Osogbo Festival symbolises the annual sacrifice to the Osun River Goddess, but little is said about Olutimehin, who discovered the river.

13.  Erinle

Erinle was a great hunter who transformed into an orisha. He is said to have defended the people of the town against Fulani’s incursions.

When Ilobu town was still a virgin forest, the founding father of Ilobu was known as Ayonu, a brave hunter who was the first to build his hut on the land.

On a hunting trip, Ayonu comes across Erinle. Erinle reveals his supernatural power to Ayonu during the course of their friendship. He shows Ayonu his massive underground palace and mansion. Erinle promises to assist Ayonu in transforming the hut into a great town in which Ayonu is the king.

Erinle also protects the people of Ilobu from war and external aggressions. That is the cord between Orisa erinle and Ilobu.

Erinle also protects the people of Ilobu from war and all forms of external aggression. That is the link that connects Orisa Erinle and Ilobu.

Instead of dying naturally, Erinle becomes a river known as the Erinle River, which gets its water from the Osun River.

14. Aganju Sola

Aganju is one of the unsung heroes in Yorubaland, a deified warrior king from the town of Shaki in Nigeria’s present-day Oyo State. Aganju was Oyo’s fourth Alaafin. Alaafin Aganju Sola was said to have spiritual powers and to be a man of the people. It was adored and adored by everyone. He ruled after his brother, Sango.

He was a great warrior. He was said to work with a sword and to fight by firing fire.

He was an animal and nature admirer. He was known to spend days in the wilderness. He returned with a Leopard, which he domesticated and kept in his palace at the time. One of the things he hated was oppression. He was well-known for liberating the oppressed and severely punishing oppressors.

He was no ordinary man living among men. Even in that era, he was able to create designs fit for an emperor.

He, like Sango, fought wars for his people and established an excellent reputation for Oyo.

Even as king, he was eulogised and revered as a deity.

15. Balogun Ìbíkúnlè of Ibadan

Balogun Ibikunle of Ibadan was born in 1809, and reigned for 13 years. Balogun Ibikunle was the son of Ijade, a skilled blacksmith of an unknown origin who had settled in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Ibikunle joined the army at a young age to fight the Fulani invasion. Because of his bravery, he had become an influential member of Ogbomoso’s war council by his twenties. Ibikunle eventually left Ogbomoso for Ibadan. He had the good fortune to meet the then-Ibadan war chief, Toki Onibudo, who served as the Seriki of Ibadan at the time ( A well-respected title in Ibadan). Toki was already an elderly man who could no longer attend meetings of respected chefs when Ibikunle met him. Ibikunle attended the meetings in his absence and became acquainted with the Ibadan council.

After the death of Toki Onibudo, Ibikunle became the Seriki. He left Ibadan to fight, and he won. He risked his life in so many numerous wars e.g, the Ìjàyè first and second war, Ara war, Ẹgba war, etc.

16. Baṣọ̀run Ògúnmọ́lá

Basorun Ogunmola was a fearsome and respected warlord who rose to become the ruler of Ibadan. He ruled as the Basorun of Ibadan from 1865 to 1867.

His birth date is unknown, but according to legend, Basorun Ogunmola became an oracle diviner at the age of ten. He was from the Alawe compound in Iwo town. He travelled from town to town as part of his priesthood duties until settling in Ibadan.

When he arrived, he went straight to the now-named Mapo market. According to legend, it was a den of wild creatures, but Ogunmola defeated them and settled there. After a while, he relocated to a new location, where his family compound is still located today.

Basorun Ogunmola was a fearsome warrior who won twenty-one of the twenty-three battles he fought for Ibadan territory. Basorun Ogunmola’s death was ruled a homicide, according to history. He was said to have been killed by a deadly measles charm known as Igbona in Yoruba. Despite people’s pleas for him to accept a cure, he refused and died as a result. He was laid to rest in his family compound, near his shrine, which houses his masquerade and other historical artefacts.

Bashorun Ogunmola’s tomb, gun, and other historical artefacts are now tourist attractions, and a statue of him was erected in his honour at the Mapo market.

17. Olùgbóde

Oyesile Olugbode hailed from a town called Kuta. He was a Powerful, fearful, Influential, and courageous warrior in Ibadan. In 1824, he fully settled in Ibadan. He was appointed Baale of Ibadan land in 1851 and ruled until 1864. The reign of Baale Oyesile Olugbode was peaceful, with no economic problems. Ibadan rose to prominence during his reign.

Among the wars he fought and won during his reign were the Ijero war, the Aro war, the Koro war, the Efon war, and the jàyè war.

In 1851, Christianity was brought to Ibadan during his reign, according to history. He warmly welcomed the Evangelists and was also converted. He also gave them land on which to construct their churches.

Baale Oyesile Olugbode died peacefully and at an advanced age during the kuteje war of 1862-1864.

18. Balogun Oderinlo

Balogun Oderinlo was a warlord during his reign. There was no record of his birth, but he was known as a warlord in Ibadan. He rose to prominence as the Ọtun Balogun to Bankole Aleshinloye, the first Balogun appointed by Bashorun Oluyole.

Oderinlo succeeded Aleshinloye as Balogun after his death. Throughout his life, he fought in numerous wars. Following the death of Basorun Oluyole, he was considered to be the next Baale of Ibadan land, but he declined on condition. He expressed his desire to attend the Oke Ogun war, which he had planned to attend before receiving the invitation. He went to war and won, bringing back a large amount of war loot.

He accepted the offer following the war’s victory but died miraculously before being named the Baale of Ibadan land. Nobody knows the exact cause of his death, but many speculate that he was poisoned.

Balogun Oderinlo has been honoured with a statue in Béèrè, Ibadan, not far from Mapo market.

19. Ọ̀rangún

Orangun was Oduduwa’s first grandson. Oduduwa is said to be one of the Yorubas’ mythical ancestors, and he was the first king of Ile-Ife, Osun State. Fagbamila, Oduduwa’s first grandson, was born to his oldest son, Okanbi. Fagbamila was given the nickname Orangun, which means “perfect situation.”

The details of his birth and death are unknown, but it was said that Oduduwa bestowed a crown on each of his grandchildren. He instructed them to journey into the world in search of their kingdoms. Oduduwa’s first gift to Orangun was a massive cutlass known as Ogbo. It was supposed to clear his way on his journey. This Ogbo is said to be the origin of the Nigerian town of ‘Igbomina.’ This translates as “My Ogbo knows the way.”

Orangun is still used as a title for kings in honour of the first man who founded the town of Igbomina in the northern central part of Yoruba southwestern Nigeria.

20. Ajibosin

Ajibosin was the first Olowu of the Owu Kingdom. He was born to Obatala and Iyunade. His grandfather, Oduduwa, bestowed the throne on him when he was a child. This act gave rise to the name ‘Asukungbade,’ which translates as “the one who cries to receive a crown.” When he reached the age of majority, his mother encouraged him to leave Ile-Ife, where his grandfather was the king. Because a community cannot have two kings, he left Ile-Ife in search of greener pastures.

Ajibosin, one of the Yoruba unsung heroes, first settled in his father’s hometown of Tapas in the Empe region. He was given lands south of the Niger River to farm and establish his kingdom, just below his father’s cotton farmlands. It earned him his second nickname, ‘Omo Olowu,’ which translates to “son of the cotton farmer.” This name refers to an ancient Owu annual festival celebrated by the Owu people. This Owu settlement was eventually subdivided into smaller communities.

Oluwo is still used as a title for the kings who rule over the Owu Kingdom, and they are known as Olowu of the Owu Kingdom.

21.    Oníketu

History didn’t record much about Oniketu. His birth and death circumstances are unknown. Oniketu was one of the sixteen princes of Oduduwa who were given crowns to establish their kingdoms. Oniketu established the Ketu Kingdom in the Benin Republic.

The title ‘Oniketu of the Ketu Kingdom’ is given to kings who bear the name ‘Oniketu.’

22. Chief Stephen Olusesan

On April 28, 1929, Chief Stephen Olusesan was born in Ilesa to Late Pa Daniel Elabiyi. Chief Stephen Olusesan received his First School Leaving Certificate in 1951 from St. John’s School in Iloro, Ilesa.

While in Lagos, Late Chief Stephen Olusesan took on the burden of assisting his family and the other men in Ijesha land. He provided proper education to both his immediate family and the less fortunate.

He was not only the father of his immediate family but also of his entire community.

23. Fabunmi Ishola Oraralada

Fabunmi was born to Prince Adesoye in July 1850. For three years, his mother carried his pregnancy. He had a set of teeth in his mouth when he was born. His birth, along with other strange natural occurrences, added to his mother’s concerns, who was ready to abandon her first child. Because she is afraid of the unknown evil that may befall her as a result of her unusual birth, she conspires with her husband and dumps him on a dunghill called LATOPA in Okemesi. Fabunmi was discovered by a passerby and taken to the palace, where he was given the name Fabunmi (the god gifts me)

Fabunmi relocated to Motagogoro following the Kiriji war. There, he turned to war and became a mercenary. He fought in many wars for Ekiti as part of a group. In 1901, he was invited to reign over Imesi ile in Osun State. He died in 1902, and his son Ladokun Adefeuwa succeeded him.

24. Alaafin Abiodun

Abiodun was the third Alaafin of Oyo, and he was the one who put an end to Basorun Gaa’s tyranny. The wise king bore no resentment for the infamous Basorun Gaa’s ways. The cup of the Basorun’s iniquities, as well as his sons’, was now full, as they killed for pleasure and flaunted their undisputed authority, taking revenues where even the King is not due. Despite Abiodun’s careful dealings with Basorun Gaha, it became clear that his life would not be spared, as the warlord had grown tired of his evil doing. Abiodun went out of the capital city disguised one night and met with his subordinate from a smaller town, who perfected a plot with him. On an appointed day, the kingdom rose up against and slaughtered Basorun Gaa’s children. Finally, the tyrant who terrorized even the king was forced to prostrate in front of everyone. He was mocked and murdered, and his memory serves as a stark warning to all usurpers and abusers of power.

25. Ooni Luwoo

Ooni Luwoo was the 21st Ooni of Ife’s supreme traditional ruler. She was succeeded by Ooni Lumobi after Ooni Giesi. After the death of Ooni Giesi, she became the first and only female Ooni.

Ooni Luwoo was a pretty woman who took pride in her physical looks and surroundings. As a result, she assigned the entire town of Ife to the task of keeping the town clean and beautiful — both men and women.

She was also known for commissioning the unique Yoruba practice of building decorative pavements and open-air courtyards paved with pottery shreds. To punish anyone who committed an offence, the streets of Ile-Ife were paved with quartz pebbles and broken pottery. The offenders were told to bake the clay, then break it up with their bare hands and place it on the floor for the queen to walk on.

26. Ṣàngó

Ṣàngó was Oyo’s third Alaafin, after Oranmiyan and Ajaka. He brought prosperity to the Oyo Empire.

Despite being a violent ruler, he won many battles while ruling Oyo. He reigned for seven years, during which he waged continuous campaigns and fought numerous battles. His reign came to an end when lightning struck his palace and destroyed it.

27.  Tìmì àgbàlé ọlọ́fà iná

Timi of Ede was born in Ede around 1817 to the Royal family of Oduniyi Olagunju. He was given the name Abibu Sangolami Olagunju. He was the first Muslim Timi produced by Ede. In 1817, his family was driven out of his hometown of ile-Ede, and they founded the current Ede. He was given the name ‘Sangolami’ because his parents were Sango (a Yoruba deity also known as the god of thunder) devotees.

Timi was born with a piece of paper ( with Quranic inscription) in his right hand with a thunderstone in his left. Concerning the circumstances surrounding his birth, the Ifa Oracle was consulted. The family was told that Timi was born to rule and that he would follow a different religion than his father. The prophecy enraged the ruling king, who ordered the child’s beheading, but his father intervened. Timi left Ede for Ilorin at a young age to practice Islam. He was crowned king upon his return to Ede.

Timi was Ede’s youngest and longest-serving King. He reigned for 60 years and was deposed three times. He died in his hometown at the age of 90.

28.  Olúkòyi

Olukoyi was a trader turned general during the reign of Oranyan, the first Alaafin of Oyo. He made him lord over 1469 warriors tasked with protecting the kingdom.

Olukoyi was regarded as the first warrior, and his descendants became rulers of Ikoyi town in Alaafin’s Oyo empire.

Final Thoughts

There are many others unsung Heroes in Yorubaland who did great things that inspired a positive change in Yoruba history. If you have anyone that has inspired you, kindly drop his/her name on the comment section, let celebrate them