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BALE MASIFA OF OGBOMOSO, HIGH CHIEF GBADEBO OYEBODE ADEOBA, TRANSITS TO THE ANCESTRAL REALM 3 days ago
BALE MASIFA OF OGBOMOSO, HIGH CHIEF GBADEBO OYEBODE ADEOBA, TRANSITS TO THE ANCESTRAL REALM By: Adewuyi Adegbite. The entire Ogbomoso community has been thrown into mourning following the transition of the Bale of Masifa, High Chief Gbadebo Oyebode Adeoba, a revered traditional leader, seasoned herbalist, and custodian of Yoruba heritage. High Chief Adeoba, who passed away at the ripe age of about 85 to 90 years, was widely respected not only for his traditional wisdom but also for his deep knowledge of Ifa divination. His passing marks the end of an era for the Masifa community in Ogbomoso and for the traditional institution as a whole. Having known him for decades as a close friend of my late father, I recall that during my father’s lifetime, he often purchased planks from him. Following my father’s demise, Baba Adeoba continued to maintain a cordial relationship with me, sustaining a friendship that had spanned generations. It was, therefore, with deep sorrow that I received the news of his transition to the land of the spirits. Though his death calls for celebration, given his age and achievements, it is always difficult to part with a loved one. In the Yoruba worldview, however, such a man is not considered dead but rather transformed into an ancestor. As a monarch and traditionalist, Bale Adeoba lived a fulfilled and exemplary life worthy of emulation. A professional herbalist and seasoned Babalawo, he was deeply versed in the Odu Ifa corpus. His expertise in divination took him beyond Nigeria’s borders to South America, particularly Brazil, where he not only practiced Ifa divination but also lectured adherents on its rudiments. Masifa, the community where he reigned, holds a unique historical position in Ogbomoso’s evolution. It was one of the 143 towns and villages that converged in Ogbomoso during the early 19th century as part of a strategic move to ward off invasions from Ilorin and other enemies following the fall of Oyo-Ile, the capital of the ancient Yoruba Empire. The Masifa people originally migrated from present-day Osun State, specifically the Ejigbo Local Government Area. Other towns that migrated alongside them included Agurodo, Isudunrin, Ola, Aye, Iwata, and Opete. While many of these towns later returned to their original settlements after hostilities ceased, some—like Masifa, Agurodo, and Olorasoko—remained in Ogbomoso, duplicating their traditional institutions but maintaining familial and cultural ties with their homesteads. I had the privilege of interviewing Baba Adeoba some years ago while gathering materials for “The Genesis: The History of Okeelerin,” authored by His Majesty, Oba S. B. Amao, the Aale of Okeelerin. During the interview, I asked him how their ancestors came to settle in Ogbomoso from Masifa-Ile. When I jokingly suggested that they might have sought refuge during the Fulani invasion, the outspoken monarch was quick to correct me. He vehemently debunked that claim, insisting that the Ilorin war never reached Masifa or its environs. He asked rhetorically, “How could the war that did not affect Ejigbo, which is only a few kilometers from Masifa, reach us? Did the Ilorin army use fighter jets to bypass Ejigbo and strike Masifa?” According to him, a prominent Oba in the Oyo Empire had invited their forebears, along with other communities, to settle in Ogbomoso as a strategic military move to defend the remnants of the empire from Ilorin’s incursions after the fall of Oyo-Ile. He also challenged the popular historical account of the 1835 Eleduwe War, often attributed to Oluewu and his Ibaruba ally. He asserted that his ancestor, Alajiki, for whom a major street in Masifa is named, actually led the war. His submission revealed the shortcomings of historians who rely on limited or single sources of information. Baba Adeoba further explained that if their people had indeed fled to Ogbomoso as refugees, they would not have had the confidence to settle at the outskirts of the new town—close to Ilorin’s frontier—where communities like Agurodo, Alapa at Taraa, Ajaawa, Ayegun, Osupa, and others were strategically positioned as defenders. “These towns,” he emphasized, “did not run from war; they formed the protective shield of Ogbomoso.” His position aligns with the account of Reverend N. D. Oyerinde in his classical text, “Iwe Itan Ogbomoso,” which acknowledges the military significance of these frontier settlements. Despite lacking formal Western education, High Chief Adeoba was a man of great native intelligence, courage, and decisiveness. As a ranking chief under the Soun dynasty, he was exceptionally loyal and humble. While many sought beaded crowns and undeserved titles, he proudly bore the simple but dignified title of Bale Masifa. During his reign, Masifa witnessed remarkable progress. He mobilized indigenes at home and abroad—including notable figures such as L. A. Gbadamosi, Justice Afolabi Adeniran, Barrister Dapo Atanda, Hajj Rasak Gbadegesin Kareem, and Hon. Wumi Ladeji—to contribute to the community’s development through the Masifa Progressive Union. Beyond his developmental strides, Bale Adeoba elevated the spiritual and cultural stature of Masifa through his mastery of Ifa. He will be remembered for his cordial relationship with all Ogbomoso monarchs, his detribalized nature, his patriotism, and his commitment to sustaining the bond between Masifa in Ogbomoso and their ancestral home in Osun State. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III), the Soun of Ogbomoso, members of the Soun-in-Council led by High Chief Otolorin, other Soun High Chiefs, the Aale of Okeelerin, Oba S. B. Amao, the Aresa of Iresa (Pupa), the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran (Lagbami Osekun III), members of the Masifa Progressive Union, indigenes of Masifa at home and in the diaspora, the Ola Aresa of Masifa, and particularly the Adeoba Royal Family, on the passage of this illustrious patriarch. May the ancestors receive him with open arms, and may his legacy of wisdom, humility, and progress continue to inspire generations to come. 3 days ago
BALE MASIFA OF OGBOMOSO, HIGH CHIEF GBADEBO OYEBODE ADEOBA, TRANSITS TO THE ANCESTRAL REALM 3 days ago
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Judiciary

Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi: An Exemplary Jurist at 60

ScoopChase
2 months ago
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Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi: An Exemplary Jurist at 60

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By: Adewuyi Adegbite

Hon. Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi, a distinguished jurist of the Oyo State High Court, celebrates his 60th birthday on August 21, 2025. From humble beginnings, Ajayi has risen through hard work, perseverance, unwavering purpose, and deep faith in God to become a pillar in Nigeria’s judiciary. Beyond his judicial accomplishments, Ajayi has also excelled in various fields, including community leadership, authorship, and contributions to the Lord’s vineyard.

Sworn in as a judge of the Oyo State High Court in 2013 during Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, Ajayi has built an illustrious career rooted in integrity, legal insight, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His judicial decisions, many of which have been upheld by the Court of Appeal, span civil, criminal, and electoral matters. His influence extends far beyond the bench, having significantly contributed to shaping jurisprudence and reinforcing public trust in Nigeria’s judiciary. Known for his uncommon integrity, Ajayi has upheld values such as fairness and excellence in every aspect of his work.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), Ajayi’s contributions to the Nigerian judiciary have been widely recognized. He has been appointed to several judicial arbitration bodies at both the state and federal levels. His notable roles include serving as a member of the Oyo State Local Government Election Tribunal (2019) and the Oyo State Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal (2022). At the federal level, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Governorship Election Tribunal in Nasarawa State (2023).

A philanthropist at heart, Ajayi has been a beacon of hope for the less privileged and vulnerable in society. His efforts have primarily focused on supporting youth in their pursuit of education and career advancement, as well as welfare initiatives. As a community leader in his native Ogbomoso, Ajayi has been widely acknowledged for his contributions to community development, integrity, and professionalism in his service to the nation. His dedication has earned him several accolades, including the Integrity Award from the Ogbomoso Pivotal Club and the Distinguished Service Award from the Ogbomoso Valiant Club in 2023. He is also the author of the book Who is Who in Ogbomoso Township (1993), which chronicles the lives and contributions of Ogbomoso natives who have impacted their community.

Born on August 21, 1965, into the renowned Abese Lagbedu Chieftaincy family of Ogbomoso South Local Government, Ajayi is the son of Pa Emmanuel Ajayi Binutu and Madam Ayoka Olalonpe Ajayi. His educational journey began at Methodist Primary School, Arowomole, Ogbomoso (1972-1978), followed by secondary school at Soun High School, Ogbomoso (1972-1978). He earned his Higher School Certificate (HSC) at the Federal School of Arts and Science, Suleja, in 1987. Ajayi proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he obtained his LLB from 1986 to 1992. He then attended the prestigious Nigerian Law School in Lagos, where he completed his B.L. in 1993.

Ajayi’s legal career commenced at Agbo Olaleye and Co. in 1994, before he established his own firm, Yemi Ajayi and Co., in 1998. His exemplary practice at the bar contributed to his appointment to the bench in 2013.

Now, at 60, Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi has lived an exemplary life—both as a barrister, a judge, and a community leader—worthy of emulation by his contemporaries, as well as aspiring lawyers and judges. His legacy continues to inspire those seeking success in the legal profession.

 

By Adewuyi Adegbite

ayekooto05@gmail.com


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