Gbagura Warlords

In the process of forming a primary Egba Federation, Gbagura emerged as the largest entity in the whole of Egba forest and played a major commendable role in the struggle by the Egbas to free themselves from the truancy of the Ilaris who were the emissaries of the Olooyo (The Alaafin of Oyo). The Ilaris were stationed in each Egba town during the Yoruba civil was of conquest.

A glaring example was the garrison stationed on the outskirts of the Egba forest now known as Ayetoro-Budo and Osiele. The garrison was led by Akoka Budo and Akanshi, a great warlord from Ibadan section of Gbagura. Presently, the Ayetoro-Budo is occupied by the Federal University of Agriculture while Akanshi has enlarged into a large Gbagura settlement with a Baale. Also, Osiele have installed their Oba as the Olu of Osiele and Ayetoro-Budo and Osiele have remained as Gbagura settlements in Egbaland.

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During the Yoruba civil wars, the Gbagura warlords fought alongside other Egba warlords. It is no gain saying that Gbagura warlords played prominent roles and distinguished themselves during battles. Among the great Gbagura warlords was Oluwole Agbo, the Balogun of Ojoo who offered his pregnant wife as a sacrifice during the war. Other great Gbagura warriors include Akila from Iddo, Anoba, late Balogun of Ika, Dada Ojigan, the first honorary Aare in Egbaland, Akingbala from Owe, Aare Oluseye from Ika, Olalekan, late Balogun Iddo as well as Madam Efunroye Tinubu from Ojokodo. All of these Gbagura warlords were so outstanding that, if not for other arrangements, Akila of Iddo could have rightly been acclaimed as the first Osi of Egba – Commandant of the left wing of Egba Army, Anoba of Oka would have assumed the title of Balogun Egba reserved for Igbein Township. However Anoba was permitted to use the extra constitutional title of Aare Onakakanfo Oluyole Ibadan.

During the war, Gbagura occupied the area next to Ogun River and they became force to reckon with the Egbado, Ijebu as well as the Awori wars until they Abeokuta an impregnable fortress that even the invincible Dahomey warriors could not conquer.

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As a people, Gbaguras distinguished themselves in all endeavors. That bravery and indomitable spirit of their ancestors manifested in their contribution to providing solutions to Egba problems.

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