As part of activities marking the 130th anniversary of the historic “Pepe War” (Ogun Pepe), the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has reaffirmed the resolve of the Oyo Empire never to submit to oppression or external domination.

The sensitisation event, held on Thursday at the open space of the Alaafin’s Palace, drew over 600 participants, including traditional rulers, chiefs, and community leaders. The weeklong memorial, scheduled to run until November 15, 2025, will feature lectures, drama, prayers, and tree planting to commemorate the defiance and resilience of the Oyo people during the 1895 conflict.

The Ogun Pepe War, fought against British colonial forces led by Captain Bower, was triggered by the refusal of Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu to yield to imperial subjugation. His defiance, which became a symbol of courage and dignity, has since remained a defining moment in Oyo’s history.

Speaking on behalf of the Alaafin, Mr. Segun Oke, Chairman of the Event Planning Subcommittee, called on all sons and daughters of Oyo, both at home and in the diaspora, to participate in the commemoration.

He announced that the programme will begin with a world press conference on November 5, followed by prayers on November 11, a tree-planting and candlelight event on November 12, public lectures on November 13, and a drama presentation on November 14.

The grand finale will hold on November 15.

According to Oke, more than 20 Yoruba monarchs are expected to attend the grand event, including the Aseyin of Iseyin, who is returning from abroad for the occasion, and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.

Dr. James Adesokan Ojebode, Founder of Atiba University and Chairman of the Planning Committee, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of keeping alive the memory of Ogun Pepe as a lesson in courage and patriotism.

Rtd. Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, who provided a historical account of the war, described Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu as a visionary leader who chose honor over submission and became a symbol of Yoruba resistance against colonial rule.

Among those present were several Oyo chiefs and community leaders, including the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, High Chief Mukaila Afonja; the Ona Isokun of Oyo, High Chief Isiaka Tella; the Agunpopo of Oyo, High Chief Afeez Folaranmi; the Iyaloja General of Oyo, Alhaja Peju Bakare; and religious leaders such as the Acting Chief Imam of Oyo, Alhaji Afeez Lateef, and the Zonal CAN Chairman, Pastor A.K. Eguntola.

The Alaafin and his council urged the people of Oyo to draw inspiration from the bravery of their forebears, pledging to continue promoting unity, justice, and self-determination in the face of any form of oppression.