The Mogaji of the Ogunelu Aare Alasa Dynasty in Ibadanland and Founder and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Olagoke, has appealed to the Olubadan-in-Council to integrate the Oguelu Aare Alasa Dynasty into the Jagun line of the Olubadan chieftaincy system, citing its historical contributions to the development of Ibadanland.
Olagoke made the appeal on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, at his palace along Old Ife Road, Ibadan, as part of ongoing consultations with traditional rulers to secure support for the dynasty’s recognition and integration into the succession structure.
He described the Aare Alasa Dynasty as a notable family with deep historical roots and significant contributions to Ibadanland, arguing that it deserved recognition within the traditional institution.
According to him, the dynasty, which he said was established in 1800 and is now in its fourth generation, had a legitimate claim to Ibadan chieftaincy but had been omitted from the succession line over the years.
Tracing the family’s history, Olagoke recalled that his forefather, Ogunelu , a powerful warrior from Saki, came to Ibadan in 1876 during a period of inter-tribal wars.
He said Ogun-Elu fought gallantly to defend and expand Ibadanland, earning his descendants the prestigious Aare Alasa title in the Olubadan ascendancy.
The scholar and religious leader stressed that his campaign for the dynasty’s integration was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to secure a rightful place for future generations of the family.
“At 70, I am not doing this for personal interest. I am doing it for upcoming generations in the lineage so that they can have a place and take their rightful position in Ibadanland,” he said.
Making a direct appeal to the traditional institution, Olagoke said: “I am appealing to the Olubadan institution through Kabiyesi to look into how Ogunelu Aare Alasa dynasty can be integrated into the Jagun line of Olubadan chieftaincy.“
“We have paid our dues in the history and development of Ibadanland and we want the Olubadan-in-Council to accord the Aare Alasa dynasty its due recognition in Ibadanland,” he added.
During the visit, Olagoke presented some of his books to Oba Ajibade, including My Roots, Companionship in the Voyage of Life, Ileoye Museum and The Bloodline.
He explained that The Bloodline traces his ancestral lineage from Saki through Otamokun, Songbe and Ejigbo to Ibadan.The books, he said, were products of his curiosity, research and personal experience, aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of Ibadanland and the state at large.
Responding, Oba Ajibade commended Olagoke’s efforts, describing him as a respected scholar and religious leader whose commitment to the progress of Ibadanland was commendable.
The monarch assured him that the request would be conveyed to the Olubadan-in-Council for due consideration.
He also urged Olagoke not to relent in his contributions to humanity.
