This narrative clarifies with illumination on Ogboni’s origins in Owu Kingdom’s tradition for those confused or uninformed. Ogboni originated in Ife as a legislative and judiciary council around Oduduwa, Yoruba progenitor, comprising wise men settling disputes and making laws in his courtyard. It’s also true, not all orisas submitted to Oduduwa’s authority – a story for another time.
Ogboni refers to elderly wise men under the king’s rulership. The Ife Ogboni transferred the traditional system to the elderly ones in the communities, establishing the title in Yorubaland.
Egbas adopted and adapted it, incorporating it into their pre-colonial structure. Owu Abeokuta (arrived 1834) found the Ogboni established in Abeokuta, since Egbas arrived in 1830. Owu maintains its unique traditions with few acculturation, shaped by six wise men (Iwarefa) institutions who followed Ajibosin, per Oduduwa’s directive. The Egba model was admirable recognised by the colonial masters.
The Ogboni is a traditional Yoruba institution, not a cult, serving as a high court, Kingmaker, and social-cultural administration in royal leadership.
Please note that later Ogboni sects came into existence in 1914 founded by Anglican cleric TAJ Ogunbiyi, with varying rules, different from traditional Ogboni’s distinct palace responsibilities.
Historically, traditional Ogboni members served as councilors to the Oba (king) in the palace.
-Chief Abiodun Lasile DL MnbR
Orunto Baalufe Owu Kingdom Abeokuta
