Oba Mogusu, Ibido-Ogbo, and the Sacred Origins of the Awujale’s Coronation Rite
The coronation of the Awujale of Ijebuland is one of the most sacred and symbolically complex royal traditions in Yorubaland. A photograph from 1960, showing Oba Mogusu placing the crown on the head of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Ogbagba II), has often raised questions: Who is Oba Mogusu? Where is Ibido-Ogbo? Why does another Oba crown the Awujale?
This article explains the historical roots of that tradition, based on oral history handed down within royal lineages of Ijebu.
Oba Mogusu: Origin and Royal Lineage
Mogusu was the eldest son of Obanta (also known as Ogboroganda), the third Awujale of Ijebuland. Obanta had three children:
Mogusu – the firstborn
Dagburewe – the second child
Awujale – the youngest (note that Awujale here is both a personal name and the royal title)
By customary order, Mogusu was the rightful successor to the Awujale throne after the death of Obanta.
Why Mogusu Did Not Become Awujale
Despite being next in line, Mogusu lacked the material wealth required to finance the elaborate enthronement rites of an Awujale, a responsibility traditionally borne by the candidate.
Dagburewe, the second son, was seriously ill and had been taken to Itoikin/Idowa for treatment.
This left Awujale, the youngest son, who was wealthy and capable of fulfilling the financial obligations of kingship.
However, Awujale refused to ascend the throne without the explicit consent of his elder brother, Mogusu.
The Extraordinary Dual Coronation
Mogusu gave his consent, but Awujale sought something deeper—absolute conviction. Mogusu was known to be a powerful and feared figure, and Awujale wanted no doubt about the legitimacy of his reign.
To prove his sincerity, Mogusu agreed to a remarkable act:
Full Obaship rites were performed on Mogusu, and the beaded crown was placed on his head.
The people hailed him as Oba, shouting “Kaabiyesi”.
Mogusu and Awujale danced together to the sacred Gbedu royal drum.
After this public affirmation, Mogusu voluntarily relinquished the throne.
He then crowned his younger brother, Awujale, thereby transferring both authority and legitimacy.
This act created a rare historical moment where two Obas existed simultaneously, even if briefly.
The Birth of Ibido-Ogbo
To prevent political or spiritual conflict, the Ijebu kingmakers (Pampas) advised Mogusu to relocate permanently from Ijebu-Ode. He was to rule a new domain, fully relinquishing any claim to the Awujale throne. This was expressed proverbially as:
“Ki o bi sehin, ki o do”
“Shift backward like a flowing stream.”
Mogusu departed Ijebu-Ode with all royal insignia, including:
Beaded crown
Bronze mortar and pestle (odo ide ati omori odo)
Horn trumpet (igbonre)
Bronze hand of authority (ipawo)
Leg cymbal (agogo ese)
Horsetail staff (irukere)
The settlement he ruled became known as IBIDO.
Ibido-Ogbo: History and Continuity
Ibido is an ancient town, with origins dating to circa 1500 AD. Over time, population movements caused the emergence of communities bearing the Ibido name in other locations, including:
Ibido (Ijebu-Igbo)
Ibido (near Omu)
Ibido (near Senbora)
However, Ibido-Ogbo remains the original royal settlement. The present site was later established under Oba Adenumi.
To date, Ibido has had 25 Obas.
Mogusu Kings and the Crowning of Awujales
Historically, only the Mogusu of Ibido has the authority to crown the Awujale of Ijebuland. Notable examples include:
Mogusu Oba Adenumi (r. 1750–1799)
Crowned Awujale Gbelegbuwa I in 1760
Crowned Awujale Fusengbuwa in 1790
Mogusu Oba Thomas Olaitan Oduntan, Erebileyinjoye II
Crowned Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Ogbagba II) in 1960
This final coronation is the one captured in the historic photograph.
Sacred Taboos and Royal Separation
Once a Mogusu crowns an Awujale:
They must never see each other face-to-face again.
This taboo preserves spiritual balance and prevents dual authority.
A similar rule applies during the Awujale’s post-coronation rites. After returning from Odo, the Awujale must be carried across the Ilese Stream by the Elese of Ilese:
The Awujale’s feet must not touch the water
He must never see the Elese again
The relationship between the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Mogusu of Ibido-Ogbo is not incidental—it is foundational. It embodies sacrifice, legitimacy, spiritual authority, and the delicate balance of power within Ijebu kingship. The 1960 coronation photograph is not merely ceremonial; it is the visual continuation of a tradition rooted in centuries of history.
Sources
Oral royal history as handed down by Omooba Adekunle Adeite,
Asalu-Oba of Isiwo Ijebu, Jagunmolu of Oke Ako, Atayese of Oyan
Royal heritage media TV
Palace traditions of Ijebuland and Ibido-Ogbo
Photographic record: HRM Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II (1960)
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