Royal Descendancy and Right of the Fajemisin Family to Claim and Ascend the Owa Throne

Peter Fariogun Fajemisin (middle of front row).

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This account provides an authoritative narrative of the Fajemisin Family's royal precedence and claim to the vacant Owa throne of Ilesa (Ilesha).

The Historical Context

As a helpful prologue to this straightforward account, it is essential to dispel the oft-cited period dates of the reigns of the Owa Kings of Ilesa since its inception. These dates, produced by amateurish researchers, are largely speculative and exaggerated. The unblemished truth of Ilesa's heritage history lies more within the Ruling Houses, rather than among the kingmakers of Ijesa. Ilesa, its traditional capital, is a town steeped in rich cultural heritage, boasting landmarks like the Owa's Palace—once characterized by its earthy scent of mud and thatch, the thumping sounds of boiled yams being pounded in wooden mortars, and vibrant Yoruba art and artifacts.

The Fajemisin Legacy

Owa Bilaro, plagued by Abiku crises (repeated infant mortality) among his wives, married Olatomide, a fertile young widow, as his last wife. Upon her arrival at the palace, a medieval-style edifice of mud, wooden pillars, and thatch, the familiar odor of taba (chewing tobacco) likely wafted through the corridors. Olatomide's late husband, Otomu, had served as an Ogboni, an occupation passed down to him from his father, who had served both the palace and the realm with sagacity. As evening fell, with dusk gradually taking hold, Olatomide's presence stirred eager expectations. The flickering flames of the paraffin lanterns and palm-oil torches cast a warm glow, rustling like red light cloth. Barefoot courtiers and relatives moved silently through the palace grounds, their footsteps quiet on earthen floors.

"As Olatomide knelt and touched Owa Bilaro's throne with her head—Fi Ori Ba Opo—seeking favor, the palace grounds vibrated with tension, punctuated by soft murmurs. It was now timely dark and very happy"; this heirloom was passed from Okunkanlu (grandson of Owa Bilaro) to his own grandson, the late Dr. John Adesanya.

The Lineage

She quickly bore two sons for Owa Bilaro: Kuroju and Adejuyigbe. Adejuyigbe held various titles, including Looja of Iwoye and Looja of Iyinta. His sons were Awolokun, Okunkanlu, and Awe. Okunkanlu, once Looja of Iponda and Looja of Iwoye, fathered Peter Fariogun Fajemisin, a visionary prince, Kiriji-Warrior and diplomat.

Peter Fariogun Fajemisin's Legacy

Peter Fariogun Fajemisin, Owa Bilaro's great-grandson, was the kingmakers' favorite for the Owa throne twice, in 1896 and 1901. At those times, he navigated alternative paths to timely and better serve the kingdoms of Ijesa. He advised the Afobaje (the kingmakers): "My senior brother, currently in Lagos, will at this time serve you and the people of Ijeshaland quite well... as Owa." The senior brother he referred to was his second cousin, with whom he shared a great-grandfather in common in the royalty of Owa Bilaro.

Conclusion

Today, the descendants of the Peter Fariogun Fajemisin Royal Dynasty assert their ancestral right to the Owa throne and are determined to build on their legacy to propel Ijesa toward greater greatness. With unwavering dedication, they will restore Ilesa and Ijeshaland to its former preeminent position as a foremost Yoruba legacy town and make of it a modern epicenter of inspiring trailblazing.

Source: Dr. Olufemi Fajemisin 

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