The Onido of Ido, His Royal Highness, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I) has gave an insight into how his grandfather’ drummer masquerade (Eegun Oniilu) participated in the ritual that founded the (third) now current Ibadan.
Oba Babalola while speaking on the contributions of his family to the growth and development of Ibadan said after the collapse of the first and second Ibadan; Ifa oracle was consulted and that part of the rituals that must be performed involved ushering ‘drummer masquerade into Ibadan and that his great grandfather was responsible.
“This is the ‘drummer masquerade’ that was used then. It is called Anduleyin Eegun Oniilu.”
Also reacting to the claim by deposed Baale Tajudeen Agura that he is the authentic Onido of Ido because he came from Agura family said that the claim is laughable and an attempt by Tajudeen Agura to twist and deconstruct history.
“My attention has been drawn to a story making round in which one Tajudeen Agura, the deposed Baale of Ido made some inaccurate and incendiary remark and claim that my great grandfather was a labourer in his father’s farm. Ordinarily, I would not have reacted to such false claim if not for the purpose of setting the record straight, most especially when such claim is not only false but had to do with history.”
“This is laughable to begin with. I’m from the Babalola family of Alekuso in Ibadan. My family is the custodian of Anduleyin Eegun Onilu of Alekuso, Ibadan. My great grandfather was a drummer who was part of the great individuals who were instrumental to the formation of the third Ibadan, the current Ibadan after the collapse of the first two Ibadans. Tajudeen Agura’s great grandfather was a friend of my great grandfather who happened to be in control of Ido. And when my great grandfather was asked to be the Baale of Ido which happened to be under his control; he told his friend, Agura to assume the position of Baale in Ido. Ask Tajudeen to show his family house in Ido. We gave his grandfather a room and later a house. This is a case of pot calling kettle black.”
Also reacting to the claim that the first Agura built a house, Ile Apeero Ogun (War Strategy House) in Ojaa Oba in Ibadan; Oba Babalola said that the house Tajudeen Agura was referring to belonged to his grandfather’s in-law that had no link to Tajudeen Agura.
“I understand that Tajudeen Agura has found it difficult to accept reality. The reality that Babalola family has already taken back what is rightfully theirs. I have been Ashipa of Ido, a Baale of Ido before my recent elevation to the position of Oba.” I have done everything within my power to support Tajudeen Agura who I know is going through a difficult period due to illegal encroachment and selling of people’s landed properties but all he does is to try to tarnish my image and that of my family.”
“He has failed in many of his attempts in the past and he is going to fail again because no amount vicious attacks and campaign of calumny will distract me from making Ido a cynosure of all eyes in the entire Oyo state.”