The city of Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ is located within Oyo State, south-western Nigeria. It is close to a forest region that was an area of indigenous iron mining and smelting. The towns in this region are home to the largest concentration of Ògún festivals in Yorubaland, Ògún being the Yorùbá god of iron, blacksmithing, tool making, hunting and warfare. More poetry about Ògún can be found here.
The village was founded in the 17th century by hunters who formed a mutual assistance community, Egbe Alongo (Alongo Society), that also served as a military pact to defend against slave raiders. The village grew as refugees fleeing slavers, and later the Fulani Jihad in the 19th century, were offered shelter in Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́. The town established a reputation as a birthplace of warriors that continued through the 20th century when soldiers from the region became famous during the Nigerian–Biafran War.
One of the indigenous genres of music that originates in Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ is Ìjálá Ọdẹ, a style of oral poetry mythically and ritually associated with the worship of Ògún. Ìjálá poetry was historically composed by hunters to describe the characteristics of the animals they hunt and to eulogise hunters and warriors at their funerals.
The poet Ògundáre Fóyánmu was born in Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ in 1932 and died on the 13th October, 2012 at the age of 80. Introduced to oral poetry through his father, an Egúngún chanter, Fóyánmu became instrumental in the evolution of Ìjálá Ọdẹ in Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́.
This rendition by Ògundáre Fóyánmu was recorded on Saturday the 25th August 1978 and performed before the traditional ruler of Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́, Ọba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, who is here referred to as Akano Oladunni.
Here, the poet lists the lineage of kings who ruled Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ since its founding by the hunter Olabanjo Ogunlola Ogundiran and his wife Esuu in 1659. We hear Fóyánmu praising the successful battles of the early leaders, before moving on to celebrate the traders, musicians, farmers, soldiers and other indigenes of contemporary Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́.
The performance ends with Fóyánmu encouraging the citizens of Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ to join the cooperative society, reflecting the mutual assistance pact made by the founders of the city in the 17th century.
My thanks to Adéjọkẹ́ Yéwándé Olúwájọbí for the translation that follows.
Ogbomosho
Akano Oladunni, (1)
always remember your progenitors in all your endeavours.
The king of Ogbomosho!
Because paying homage is important.
As the spirits of predecessors will on this note support the successors.
Ogunlola bears the name of the first king. (2)
Truly!
Soun Keeetan, the spirit of Laberinjo,
the greatly feathered peacock,
the highly-armoured warrior.
All these greetings belong to the First Soun!
The one who brings elephant to town.
The one who fights with all bravery.
The one who strikes in the battle like thunder.
The powerful one who is always daring.
The one who has armoury all over him.
The one for whom drums made from brass were massively beaten.
May you get home safely!
He will always support you as a father supports his child.
And Jogi Oro Apati who does not fear war at anytime. (3)
He challenges both the oracle and the idols.
Welcome!
He who does as he wishes.
All hail the king!
He will also support you.
And Ikumoyede Ajao, (4)
the one who possesses royal semen,
the endowed king of Bambi.
Welcome!
The king who had five wives,
each of them had one child for him,
and every of the child became king.
Oh Foyanmu, you are versed in history!
Ikumoyede was the husband of Agbo-in,
the daughter of Alaafin of the Old Oyo empire.
And she bore Toyeje, the fiery general. (5)
Ikumoyede was the husband of Balusoke Adubo.
Adubo was a native of Ajase-ipo town.
She was the mother of Oluwusi Aremu, (6)
the one who was slim and possessed long plaited beads.
Welcome!
Ikumoyede was the husband of Aina.
Truly!
She was the mother of Lawyer Gbadewuwon,
the envy of all royal men.
Ikumoyede was the husband of Asande,
a native of Irawo town.
Welcome!
Asande ogun was the mother of Idowu Ibolanta (7)
Welcome!
Ikumoyede was the husband of Ogunrun.
Ogunrun was a native of Agun town.
Bravo!
She was the mother of Akintunde,
the one who enjoyed eating snakes.
Ibikunle of Ibadan did not let us mourn.
As he always emerged with valour.
He was indeed a pride of the ancestors.
Oh Foyanmu, may the spirit of the king support you!
May he support you as a father supports the child.
Amen!
Ikuyajolu, Ojo the infallible, also named Adio,
who was known for great weapons (8)
The great general.
Long live the general!
May he also support you as a father supports the child.
And Gbagunloju Iku,
the one who disappears and appears mysteriously. (9)
Ajase olu aja, the child of eesiki.
He was a great general.
Indigenes of Ogbomosho should pay attention!
He would fight even a masquerade.
And chase an outcast away fearlessly.
Next was Atanda Ogunwende Olaoye (10)
The tender-skinned and little-bodied.
The general with an horizontal tribal mark.
May you arrive safely!
Next was Mojengbasan Adigun (11)
Ajibola the amazing king who always fuelled battles.
Truly!
Next is Adekununke Adegoke,
the husband of Pate Layode,
the daughter of Egungun Oko (12)
Atande Adegoke! The son of the spirits.
More blessings!
They shall all support you as a father supports the child.
Amen!
Next is Isa Olonso the son of Omidele,
the friend of Osu (13)
The one who never frights at the sound of war.
Yes!
He was also known as Ina wole.
He was a no-nonsense!
They shall support you.
Amen!
Next is Oyewumi, also known as Alabi Okin,
Oladimeji Ladejo, Afolabi,
Bankole, the son of the spirits of Ajikobi (14)
Long live the king!
Deji Alabi the great warrior.
He joined in fighting the Dahomey battle.
Welcome!
He and his men were shooting endlessly within the forests of Cotonou,
till he got to Agbomukalafi.
We witnessed it all, even if I was young.
I was old enough not to be oblivious of the events.
Foyanmu! My master, like how old were you at the time?
If a child does not know history, he would surely learn from tales.
Truly!
I was yet to be born during these times.
But my immediate younger brother witnessed all these events.
This is incredible!
Next is Lawani Amoo Okin,
also known as Olaonipekun,
the one who possessed stupendous wealth (15)
The father of Oyewusi.
Welcome!
He esatablished massive wealth in the palace before he passed away.
Oh Yes!
Next is Olatunji Alao, the son of Oyeladun. (16)
Welcome!
Please do not stagger on me as whoever Latunji staggers upon will die.
He was the father of Mopelola, Bioye, and Aweni.
Welcome!
He was famous for his great love of alcohol as he used to drink at all times.
The husband of Oyeladun,
he never had a particular taste as he drank all classes of alcohol.
He drank so perfectly that he never causes nuisance out of intoxication.
The man loved cups!
They shall support you.
Kingship in Ogbomosho has been for a long time.
Okay…
One could notice that we were not quick to have an educated king like Ajagbe the father of Ilufoye. (17)
That is referring to Olajide!
The king who was once a teacher, his characters are juvenile.
He was also once a forest guard.
He was an expert in hunting.
Ajagbe was lastly a senior house inspector before he eventually became king.
He mounted the podium.…
Welcome!
Just so did the son of Oderonke…
Yes!
The white man has never prostrated for the King at Soun’s palace before.
But the white man was lying flat at the front of Oderonke’s son.
He was that civilised!
May Orimadegun support you.
Amen!
My Ajala, Ajiboye, Ajagbe the father of Oyetayo (18)
You claim not to be too senile for kingship.
The father of Feyintola, Ayoka the who is perfectly cared for.
You claimed that we should amass more wealth with kingship.
Truly!
You claimed that kingship would make us leave a prestigious name for our offspring.
As the children would uphold our legacies when we are no more.
That’s right!
The husband of Jokotade has reserved the best for his children.
Ajagbe the father of Oyelayo.
Welcome!
May your children take your wealth from where you stopped.
Amen!
Oh Akano Oladunni, all the 16 ancestors are fully in your support (19)
Amen!
The children of Apo compound, the children of Ofo Safi.
The children of Sapoyoro, the children of Osifon perin.
The custodians of Sapo pouch, you are the famous arrow shooters.
You hail from Ibaruba, the dark legged people.
Within the lineage of Layinka and Agberinse.
The brave warriors.
More blessings!
Ariyike shall help you, Lobanika shall make it popssible for you.
Amen!
Shall we chorus to the panegyrics of Ogun?
Yes, we shall!
The young and the old should honor the king.
May we not face the wrath of the king
The young and the old should cherish the king.
May we not face the wrath of the king
The young and the old should honor the king.
May we not face the wrath of the king
The young and the old should honor the king.
May we not face the wrath of the king
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Lagos state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Ogun state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Ondo state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Oyo state.
Kudos on the building of Ogbomosho palace.
May the King’s reign be long.
Your financial commitments are appreciated.
Thanks to the Association of Ogbomosho indigenes.
May the palace continue to be our joy.
May all our endeavors be always successful.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Kwara state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Niger state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Sokoto state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Kaduna state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Kano state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Bauchi state.
Your spendings are highly appreciated.
May the king’s reign be long.
And may the palace be a joyful abode.
May our wealth not perish by the grace of God.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Borno state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Gongola state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Plateau state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Anambra state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Benue state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Cross-River state.
Your spendings are acknowledged.
May our wealth not perish.
And may we always be successful.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Imo state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Edo state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in Rivers state.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes in the diaspora.
Association of Ogbomosho indigenes all over the world.
We greet you all, for the financial commitments.
May our wealth never perish.
May God bless our handiworks.
May the businessmen be successful.
May the farmers make huge harvest.
May the civil servants not be implicated.
May the businessmen always gain profit.
May we all musicians also never go wrong in our lyrics.
We appreciate your spendings.
May the palace be a joyful abode.
More blessings to this drummer.
Oh Akano Oladunni, always do good and not bad.
Be generous, and believe in destiny.
Oh king of Ogbomosho, hope you can hear!
Akano, the destiny favored, the husband of Alhaja.
The one who fought for the throne.
Your destiny has truly favored you and has made you victorious.
Welcome!
Oh Akano, the husband of Laronke.
Tread with care and be watchful of your steps.
Truly!
If we entrust a oracle diviner.
He would entrust it with the oracle.
If we entrust a native doctor.
He would entrust the spirits.
Oh yes!
If we entrust an Islamic cleric.
He would entrust almighty Allah.
If we entrust a Christian.
He would entrust Jesus christ, the saviour.
That’s true!
If we entrust the affairs of Ogbomosho with Akano Oladunni.
He would entrust them with Olodumare, our creator.
He merries in God’s grace!
The great hero, who does not go back and forth in his ways.
Truly!
Akano Oladunni, the straightforward one.
He does not speak with deceit.
He does not get angry easily.
As he replicates the characters of Oyewumi, his father.
He does not speak without acceptance.
Flip the horse-tail at them!
Ajagungbade is a special creature of God.
As he was born mysteriously.
May God preserve him!
Akano the son of Daodu Laleye Wonuola, the son of Baba Lagada.
Akano Olaleru, the fierce one.
Welcome!
Come and see how Akano’s fame is gaining a heavy momentum all around.
Truly!
It is very true, so it is.
Oladunni, Olaniyonu, Akano Olaleru,
the fierce one, Akano, whose wealth takes the town aback.
May God not destroy the wealth
The one whom we fear but is never scared of himself .
As he trusts in God!
When the king wakes up,
he wears the crown,
holds the royal horse whip,
and ascends the throne.
With all royalty.
I took time to ask for the reason.
Really?
Ajagungbade replied that his father’s legacy must not be abandoned.
That is wrong!
The famous one who shines like the moonlight everyday.
May you reign long!
The shining light of Ogbomosho, Akano Oladunni, may you not die suddenly.
The son of Ajagungbade Onidugbe.
The shining light.
Welcome!
The son of Ajagungbade the all-aware.
He is control of the nooks and crannies.
Oh Yes!
He gets information whenever he wants.
Akano, the honorable chief.
Welcome!
The son of Ajagungbade, who makes wealth so attractive.
Akano, who dominates wealth.
Your wealth has now turned to crescent shining upon us.
Keep flipping the horse-whip!
Since a rich king cannot be grudged, he is rich and well-connected.
May God not depreciate you!
Your wealth is now flowing like a river.
Akano, the paramount king who enthrones based on virtues.
Welcome!
A king who spends money as he likes.
He destroys the conspirators.
He does not like conspiracy at all!
A king who abhors conspiracy against all odds.
A king who refuses to be misled.
Welcome!
A king who acts insensitive to rumors.
A king to whom people speak.
But never deliberates with anyone.
He is always discrete just as an elder.
He always received first hand information.
He is the only one competent to be king.
Truly!
The great one who is compassionate and invincible.
He does not hold grudges with anybody.
He smiles all the time with his face ever radiant.
He only cares about the progress of his town.
May God make it possible!
Akano Oladunni, a king who loves his town more than any other thing.
He is too busy to realise anyone’s absence.
The rich and affluent.
The king who apprehends thieves massively.
May God not destroy Him!
He has houses in both Ibadan and Ogbomosho.
Welcome!
He is also cosntructing a terminus in Osogbo.
Truly!
As the white man builds houses close to the beach.
So did Akano build an edifice close to Jagun market.
He also built a garage, just as he built the house.
Truly!
Also did the son of Ajagungbade build houses.
For the children and the queens.
He built a house so magnificient.
That even the opponents became bewildered.
Only the witnesses can tell!
Truly, that is it.
Akano Oladunni also built large kitchens for the women.
Kitchens which are larger than another king’s palace.
When i saw the toilet of Oladunni, it is larger than another king’s palace.
It is so beautiful!
He who is yet to visit Makkah should visit the palace of Soun.
Welcome!
He who has seen the palace of the king of Ogbomosho has entered paradise.
That’s true!
Woe unto that person making a refutational gesture.
Amen!
He who does not enter paradise should refute my claims.
As for me, I am a dweller of paradise!
Anyone who falsifies this claim is surely a dweller of the hell fire.
Akano Oladunni, the son of Ajagungbade, the ladies’ favorite.
Ajagungbade is not their husband but they find him attractive.
He is the husband of the fair skinned plump Alhaja.
Yes!
Today is Saturday, 25th August, 1978.
Welcome!
By the grace of the almighty God of all ages.
Welcome!
Akano Oladunni, as we celebrate the house-warming,
may the house be peaceful.
And may the new house harbor health and wealth.
Amen!
Akano Oladunni is a lover of comfort.
Yes!
May your home be filled with plenty children.
Amen!
May the house always be filled with serenity.
May the pregnant put to bed safely.
And may the barren be blessed with fruit of the womb.
So shall it be!
May the youths and everyone of us live.
To witness many more years in sound health.
Amen!
Shall we chorus, Akano Oladunni.
Shall we chorus to his song or not.
Yes, we shall chorus from the studio
May the king’s reign be long.
Amen!
Akano Oladunni, your life is sweeter than honey.
My father, Akano has all that it takes to live well.
Truly!
May your life be filled with all goodness.
Amen!
Akano has digested all these golden words already.
May your reign soothe us
We do not greet the king while standing in our town.
We prostrate to greet our king
We do not greet the king while standing in our town.
We prostrate to greet our king
We do not greet the king while standing in our town.
We prostrate to greet our king
We do not greet the king while standing in our town.
We prostrate to greet our king
We do not greet the king while standing in our town.
We prostrate to greet our king
We do not greet the king while standing in our town.
We prostrate to greet our king
The corrupt ones initially thought we were referring to them.
The bad doers are really conscience-pricked.
The betrayer friend who dishes out bad deeds, even in speech.
Oh Yes!
Behold! How deceitful he can be.
No matter his amount of pretense, he can never be real.
He has nothing to defend!
Ogundare Foyanmu sings like a jerk.
But his level of wisdom is immense.
Yes!
Their attitude of underrating has just caused them a havoc.
They only got what they bargained!
I cannot let an evil doer cheat on me.
That is not appropriate!
You all shall develop a sickle cell.
As the evil doers shall never be found wanting in the hospital at all times.
You all shall always be one distress or the other.
Who are they?
The “busy bodies” who take delight in the downfall of others.
And when things did not go as they expected.
They were all put to shame.
God is not like man!
Both their superiors and inferiors were put to a big shame.
Welcome!
God humiliated the backbiters and those who vilipend.
All the people of contempt and hatred suffered great humiliation.
God’s doings are incomparable.
Part of my songs that caused contempt for them.
Is that whoever is not pleased by my presence shall always be miserable.
Truly!
They should go to hell if they are so pained.
It is not by my might but God’s doing.
As the lyric of the talking drum goes.
All the enemies of Dare should go to peril.
Can you hear? Try another luck!
I greet all the indigenes of Ogbomosho, both home and abroad.
We are all related in a way or the other.
We are famously known as Ogbori Elemosho.
We have mastered the art of war the same way we mastered other skills.
Truly!
Ogbori elemosho is the saviour of all and sundry from danger.
Also known as Oba Ajilete,
who saved a paramount king and his whole family from defeat.
Hence, we named Ogbori Elemosho as Oba Ajilete,
the brave one who delivers other kings from danger.
Long live the sons and daughters of Ogbomosho
The fierce one who is heavily fortified with charms.
So cordial is he with the spirits that they always avenge external oppressions for him.
Welcome!
Truly, Ajilete is always fortified at all times.
He never fights a battle without emerging victorious.
Ogbomosho knows his ally even though he is silent about.
Ogbomosho is the silent killer.
The calmness is intense!
Truly, just as the devil does not take sides.
The son of Ajilete is only concerned about his duties.
That is true!
The indigene of Ogbomosho acts discretely.
And he remains silent like a coward.
Yet, he is only waiting for the right time to strike.
Ogbomosho is indeed a town for the brave.
Do not tag my town as coward.
Take heed!
Ogbomosho will fight you tactically.
Such that you might not realize if you are not wise enough.
They are so tricky and tactful.
Yes!
Truy, the stage always favors Ogbomosho in all battles.
We do not condone nuisance!
Just like the warrior dies in the battle field,
and a swimmer dies in the ocean eventually.
Welcome!
Just as a driver might die of an accident.
So does Ogbomosho has four heroes who have fallen.
Two more are still alive and active.
Who are they?
Sir Akintola died a hero without going to the battle field. (20)
SLA!
Colonel Shittu Alao died in the battle field as he left to return no more. (21)
The chief of air staff!
Indeed, a communal riot is against the town.
Our King, Olajide Olayode Ajagbe Okin, the father of Ilufoye,
died as a result of the tax revolt. (22)
The father of Oyenike!
So did Brigadier General Ibrahim Adetunji Ayinde,
the son of Taiwo, die heroically in Ilorin town. (23)
The military governor of Kwara state!
Then the remaining two who are alive and active.
Okay…
Brigadier Generals Adekunle and Adeniran were disbanded. (24)
They did not leave service out of their own will.
May God not forsake us!
One who used to have a job, with a wife and children,
then later got fired, hence becoming jobless.
And he who is jobless will be penniless.
Truly!
And he who is poor is like a living dead.
May God not make us impoverished!
Ogbomosho has been gaining relevance for ages.
Welcome!
Ogbomosho indigenes work hard but earn less.
They just bear high titles.
May God grant you profit!
It is more like we are working for the gain of others.
We cannot keep our arms crossed while we get cheated by the corrupt.
That is not good!
We are just working round the clock like a watch.
May God bring profit!
Whenever I think of this issue, as an indigene of Ogbomosho.
It would seem like we are the only ones that do not profit from the government.
We shall profit by the grace of God
Ogbomosho should abandon enmity.
And unite for progressive ideas.
We should beseech the government to give us our share of the national cake.
Self-centeredness is the genesis of this enmity.
Oh Yes!
Yet we are carrying rumors of the affected all about,
while we do not know whom it might be tomorrow.
Every one has been giving the “I don’t care attitude.”
Do not be nonchalant!
We give more concern to the external parties.
And all of us take joy in corruption.
Only God can rectify everything!
No one is born without a fault.
The fault of Ogbomosho indigenes lies in caring more for one another in the diaspora than home.
Truly!
They do not love themselves at home as in the diaspora because of rumors and false information about Ogbomosho.
Oh yes!
That is why I usually sing that whatever religion you may practice.
Welcome!
Whatever your marital status may be.
You should desist from gossips and rumors.
I want to be brief about everything.
That is appropriate!
Ogbomosho, let us keep guard of our matters.
Let us desist from irrelevant rumors and gossips.
Welcome!
Ogbomosho, let us make proper investigations and hold on to the fact.
Hope that is clear!
Indeed, we should always hear from both ends before passing judgements.
Let us not place our judgements on unverified information.
Oh yes!
I plead with whoever I might have offended in Ogbomosho.
Welcome!
You should forgive me for the sake of my mother.
Speaking wrongly does not matter as much as misconception.
Kindly take a critical look at this issue so that you don’t implicate me.
Hope you hear that!
The truth hurts like a thorn.
Truly, the truth is good and bitter.
Hence, we should not deceive ourselves.
That is true!
Since I am an indigene of Ogbomosho,
I am familiar with my town’s attitude,
I know what the people of Ajilete can do and I know my characters also.
You are welcome!
If we cannot do business, we can work for money.
We shall not rob in our town!
We can do business, and we are hardworking.
We shall not rob in our town!
We can farm to wealth, and we can hunt to become rich.
We shall not rob in our town!
I beseech all indigenes of Ogbomosho at home and abroad to come closer as we have a matter to discuss.
No matter your financial status, your academic level, or your marital and natality status.
Whatever influence and affluence you might possess as an indigene of Ogbomosho.
Endeavor to contribute to the progress of your town.
You all should observe all other famous towns like Ogbomosho.
You would realize that they invest all their influence into developing their towns.
Oh! Indigene of Ogbomosho, use your influence to develop your town.
If you have an issue with anyone.
Please put all that aside.
And use all your power to develop your town .
I appeal to you, the indigene of Ogbomosho.
We plead with you by the Popo idol. (25)
We plead with you by the Ilasa idol.
We plead with you by the invading war spirit.
We plead with you by Ariyeke.
We plead with you by Oranyan.
We plead with you by Ogun.
Oh! Indigene of Ogbomosho, please come to develop your town.
Do not listen to unverified information.
Unverified information causes damage.
I plead with you, indigenes of Ogbomosho.
Indigene of Ogbomosho, please come to develop your town.
It is your hometown, so is it mine.
We should use all our influence to develop the town.
Prevention is better than sacrifice.
And taking heed is more precious than gold and silver.
May God not destroy our properties.
Whatever wealth you might possess, invest in it to develop your town.
You too should come to establish a firm in your town.
No condition is permanent.
Remember all that happened abroad the other time.
Oh! Indigene of Ogbomosho, you should come to keep your wealth at home.
May God not destroy our properties.
May we not labor in vain.
Oh! Indigene of Ogbomosho, let us overlook our differences.
May God not let us go into penury.
It shall always be well with us.
May we not fail in our endeavors.
May our properties not go into damage.
A man of God, Akanbi the son of Deure,
the husband of Ruth,
the husband of Awobimpe,
may our properties not go into damage.
The friend of Ruth Asabi, it shall be well with us.
Akangbe who will become the Onideure in the future,
welcome, may our properties not go into damage,
You are pleasant to me.
Money is seasonal,
it might come and go at any time,
may the nature always favor us.
Amen!
Because it is better to live a life of riches than a life of struggle.
Only the rich can truly boast of enjoyment with pride.
May we all not be in its lack!
Money would make one celebrate weekends happily.
He would eat to satisfaction before deciding to step out!
That is indeed the truth.
People flock around the rich.
The poor is usually rejected by all.
That is true!
A poor man is like a stranger,
everyone wants to associate with the rich.
When they go bankrupt, they become snubbed.
He would be acting harshly!
May God not let us lack money.
Amen!
Because money fuels possibilities, we can’t find it with haste.
Neither could it be gotten by force.
Welcome!
Whoever seeks money by force should expect the wrath of government.
Yes!
Those who seek money with haste have gone to world beyond.
Those who seek money by force and fraud are now in jail.
Truly!
As God almighty is all aware and ever compassionate.
Welcome!
The hopefuls are still optimistic of becoming rich while living a modest life.
I took time to ask them why.
Really!
Whoever seeks money in haste.
Shall die in haste.
Truly!
That was why I said whoever acts cheerfully to me on stage.
And cracking jokes with me without giving me money.
Welcome!
It would seem to me like he is making a mockery of me.
As it is strange to exchange pleasantries with me.
Without any monetary value.
That’s an unpleasant pleasantry!
The power of money cannot be overemphasized.
Welcome!
Wealth makes one struggle for it endlessly.
Truly!
May wealth be for us and not against us.
May God not deprive us of wealth!
Wealth in its amount does not matter.
Its possession harbors grace and lack of it fetches disgrace.
Welcome!
That is true, actually, money changes ideas within the twinkle of an eye.
That is true, actually, money changes the phase of things.
Truly!
Money makes one salute his younger one.
Money is attached to names like Owonikoko, Owoyemi, Owodunni, Ajetunmobi, Owonifaari.
Everyone needs money, the rich do not want stress.
The names are beautiful!
Also called Kudi, also called ego.
The emigrants of Ghana also refer to money as Shikabebere.
Truly!
A poor elderly man will never be respected, only the rich get eulogised.
What else do we want?
Money brings comfort and sweetness, it is the paramount solution.
There is no problem on earth that money cannot solve.
Yes!
And nothing can be compared to money.
You are welcome!
Money bears endless names to us.
Such as Olowolagba, Olowookere, Olowoporoku,
the rich will always have a say in all matters.
As the poor is regarded as mere noise maker.
Yes!
Even if the rich gossips, people will confirm it as the truth.
Welcome!
And when the rich speaks wisely, they make use of it immediately.
Poverty makes one lack purchasing power!
Truly, money disrupts friendship, money makes one wander off.
When two friends are cordial, it is because they have not had an issue with money.
Welcome!
They will oppress you with money.
And they will keep deceiving you while you go back and forth for the money.
Truly!
Until the matter becomes a bone of contention.
Yes!
When bosom friends give themselves false hopes on money.
And they eventually disappoint themselves!
Just when he hears that his best friends who wants borrow is on his way.
Welcome!
He would quickly hide in his bedroom and ask to tell him that he is not around.
He would ask that he be told to come back the next day.
May God not put us to shame!
When he happens to meet the potential debtor, he fakes sorrow.
And he begins to make mockery of him when he leaves.
Welcome!
He who is not as wise as one would always hurl insults that one is extravagant.
And that lavish spending is the cause of one’s poverty.
And that he is not frugal.
You are welcome!
They will accuse him of excess alcohol.
Endless betting sprees.
And extreme fornication.
Oh yes!
They have forgotten that only God can crown one’s efforts.
May God not put us to shame!
Truly, as it is.
Some situations are not remedial.
The one who is in penury is usually tagged as stupid.
His confusion of hopes would eventually make him subservient to the rich.
Oh yes!
Truly as it is, the wise becomes listed among the fools.
I will only plead to God who does not give in credit.
Welcome!
That he should provide us with enough wealth to take care of our needs.
Amen!
If a rich man does not want to help you financially.
You should also try to join a government approved cooperative society.
So long as you are not begging a rich man to give you money.
You can seek loan to start a business.
That is the role of cooperative societies!
If you seek from a rich man close to you and he did not yield.
The cooperative society is there to help you.
Welcome!
They give agricultural loans, they also give automobile loans for drivers to get vehicles of their own.
Those are the roles of a cooperative society!
They give loans to businessmen to enable them purchase goods.
They are groups that give loans for productivity.
Oh Yes!
Therefore, I advise everyone.
Welcome!
That we should unite and collate our ideas.
Welcome!
We should also join the cooperative society so that we can have a large share.
Because it would not be possible to get loan from there without being an executive member.
That is true!
They will refuse to give loan on any of the following seven occasions.
What are they?
They will refuse to give a loan to fund the marriage of one who wants to snatch the wife of another.
Secondly!
They will not give loan for societal funerals.
They do not give loan to buy ceremonial attires.
Thirdly!
They do not give loan to cover insurance.
Fourthly!
They do not give loans for coronations.
Fifthly!
They do not give loans for birthday anniversaries.
And they do not give loans to a political aspirant for campaigns.
They only give loans for business.
You are welcome!
Nobody knows a shortcut more than the early morning farmer.
You are welcome!
Save the cab man who knows the nooks and crannies.
And the truck driver who knows how shelve corners.
Hope you are listening!
My friend, if you want to cut corners to become rich.
Then you should join the cooperative society immediately.
You are welcome!
Do not engage in highway robbery.
Neither should you engage in human blood rituals.
When you take a loan from the cooperative.
You would not be at pressure to refund hastily.
Yes!
You can refund them after you have invested the money in a business and made profit.
Welcome!
Do not be fraudulent or default in repayment.
As minor defaults matter a lot.
He who defaults in the previous loan will not be able to get another loan.
Kindly pay up in time when you take a loan to enable you get another loan.
Welcome!
The cooperative society is for you.
We shall all join the society!
The cooperative society is for you.
We shall all join the society!
The cooperative society is for you.
We shall also join the society!
by Ògundáre Fóyánmu,
Ọlátúbọ̀sún Records
Translated by Adéjọkẹ́ Yéwándé Olúwájọbí.
Footnotes
- Refers to Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagbungbade III who was the traditional ruler at the time.
- Refers to Olabanjo Ogunlola Ogundiran, who later later became known by the name Soun, meaning ruler (ruled from c.1659 — c.1714).
- Refers to Soun Erinsaba Alamu Jogioro (son of Ogunlola) (ruled from c.1741 — c.1770).
- Refers to Soun Ikumoyede Ajo (son of Jogioro) (ruled from c.1770 — c.1797).
- Refers to Soun Toyeje Akanni Alebiosu, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Oyo (son of Ikumoyede) (ruled from c.1800 — c.1825).
- Refers to Soun Oluwusi Aremu (son of Ikumoyede) (ruled from c.1826 — c.1840)
- Refers to Soun Idowu Bolanta Adigun (son of Ikumoyede) (ruled from c.1842 — c.1845)
- Refers to Soun Ojo Olanipa “Aburumaku,” the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Oyo (son of Toyeje) (ruled from c.1860 — September 1869)
- Refers to Soun Gbagungboye Ajamasa Ajagungbade I (son of Oluwusi) (ruled from 1869 — c.1871)
- Refers to Soun Laoye Atanda Orumogege (son of Bayewu) (ruled from c.1871 — c.1901)
- Refers to Soun Majengbasan Elepo I (son of Bolanta) (ruled from 1901 — 1907)
- Refers to Soun Adegoke Atanda Olayode I (son of Odunaro) (ruled from 1908 — 1914)
- Refers to Soun Itabiyi Olanrewaju Ande (son of Aburumaku, grandson of Toyeje) (ruled from 1914 — 1916)
- Refers to Soun Bello Afolabi Oyewumi Ajagungbade II (son of Ajagungbade I, grandson of Oluwusi) (ruled from 1916 — February 18, 1940)
- Refers to Soun Lawani Oke Lanipekun (son of Laoye, grandson of Bayewu) (ruled from October 16, 1944 — March 19, 1952)
- Refers to Oba Olatunji Alao Elepo II (son of Elepo I, grandson of Bolanta) (ruled from 1952 — 1966)
- Refers to Oba Emmanuel Olajide Olayode II (son of Olayode I, grandson of Odunaro) (ruled from July 22, 1966 — July 1, 1969)
- Refers to Oba Salami Ajiboye Itabiyi II (son of Itabiyi, grandson of Aburumaku, great-grandson of Toyeje) (ruled from June 4, 1972 — June 2, 1973)
- Refers to Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagbungbade III (ruled from October 24, 1973 — December 12, 2021)
- Refers to Chief Samuel Ládòkè Akíntọ́lá otherwise known as S.L.A. (6 July 1910 – 15 January 1966). A Nigerian politician and lawyer, he was one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria. Akintola was assassinated in Ibadan on the day of Nigeri’s first military coup of 15 January 1966 which terminated the First Republic.[21]
- Refers to Colonel Shittu Alao, (born 1937 – 15 October 1969) was Nigerian Air Force’s Chief of the Air Staff from 1967 to 1969. He died on October 15, 1969, in an air crash at Uzebba, about 50 miles northwest of Benin.
- Refers to The Agbekoya Parapo Revolt of 1968–1969, a peasant revolt fought and won against the Federal government of Nigeria by the Ibadan people of present Oyo State. The revolt was primarily sparked by a demand for a reduction in taxes. Oba Emmanuel Olajide Olayode II was hacked to death by hunters who had entered the royal palace during the protests.
- Brigadier General Ibrahim Adetunji Ayinde was killed during The Agbekoya Parapo Revolt of 1968–1969.
- Two soldiers of Ogbomosho who became infamous during the Nigerian–Biafran War. Benjamin Adesanya Maja Adekunle was a Nigerian Army Brigadier and Civil War commander who became known as “Black Scorpion”. After the war Adekunle was compulsorily retired following rumours of a planned coup linked to him. Colonel Adeniran was another soldier of Ogbomosho stock who became famed through the Nigerian–Biafran War.
- Popo idol: The patron Orisha of Ogbomosho.
