Bankole demands return to justice, discipline, unity as Oduntan explains Ogboni’s role in Egba governance
Daud Olatunji
Traditional leaders in Egbaland have warned chiefs against using their positions to grab land, oppress members of the public, intimidate opponents or settle personal disputes, saying the authority attached to traditional titles must be deployed to protect communities and promote justice.
The warning was issued by the Apena Egba, High Chief Olayiwola Alani Bankole, at a one-day Egba Ogboni 2026 Capacity Workshop held at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta.
The intervention came against the backdrop of concerns over internal disunity, disregard for traditional hierarchy and what speakers described as inadequate understanding of the responsibilities attached to various traditional offices.
The workshop, organised by the Egba Ogboni in collaboration with Hirealms Resources Limited and themed “Building a Better Egba Ogboni: Prospects and Challenges,” brought together traditional leaders and stakeholders to examine the history, structure, responsibilities and future of the institution.
Speaking on “Preserving the Core Values and Tradition of Egba Ogboni in a Changing Society,” Bankole said the survival and credibility of the institution depended largely on the conduct of those occupying traditional positions.
He urged Ogboni chiefs to return to the values of truth, justice, wisdom, discipline, peace and responsibility, warning that traditional authority must not become an instrument for personal enrichment or vendetta.
Bankole specifically cautioned chiefs against using their positions for land grabbing, oppression, intimidation and personal conflicts, stressing that influential traditional title holders had a greater responsibility to maintain peace and protect community interests.
According to him, some of the challenges confronting the institution stemmed from inadequate knowledge of the roles and responsibilities attached to its various positions.
He called on senior chiefs to mentor younger members and transfer their knowledge and experience to the next generation to prevent the erosion of the institution’s values.
…Ogboni faces test of relevance, credibility
The warning came as the workshop shifted the conversation about Egba Ogboni from merely addressing public misconceptions to confronting questions about the conduct, relevance and accountability of those exercising traditional authority.
Rather than focusing exclusively on the longstanding perception of Ogboni as a secretive organisation, speakers examined how an indigenous governance institution could preserve its values and authority in a society shaped by democracy, modern education, Christianity, Islam and other contemporary influences.
The Asiwaju Bamofin of Egbaland, Chief Sunday Rotimi Oduntan, said the Egba Ogboni should be distinguished from other organisations that bear the Ogboni name.
He described the indigenous institution as an administrative and legislative component of the traditional governance structure of Egbaland, founded on truth, justice and responsible leadership.
Oduntan said inadequate knowledge of its history and functions had contributed to misconceptions about the institution.
“In Egbaland, we have Ogboni chiefs, Olorogun chiefs, the Parakoyi and the Iyaloja. The Ogboni are the administrators. The Olorogun are the warrior chiefs; they are the ones who go out to fight wars,” he said.
He explained that the different categories of chiefs had defined responsibilities within the traditional system and that their roles were reflected in ceremonies involving the Alake of Egbaland.
…How 30 kingmakers select Alake
Oduntan also provided an insight into the traditional structure underpinning the selection of the Alake of Egbaland.
He said five senior Egba townships—Ake, Ijeun, Iporo, Kemta and Itoku—were recognised as custodians of the Alake crown.
According to him, each of the five townships contributes six representatives, bringing the number of traditional kingmakers involved in the process to 30.
The explanation offered an insight into the traditional institutions and processes involved in the selection and installation of the paramount ruler of Egbaland.
Oduntan further explained that traditional symbols worn by some chiefs should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of membership of a secret organisation.
He particularly addressed the wearing of beads on the right shoulder, saying the practice had administrative significance.
“The one on the right shoulder does not mean that they belong to any other group. It is a purely administrative position,” he said.
… ‘Ile Ogboni is indigenous parliament’
Oduntan described Ile Ogboni as an indigenous “House of Parliament”, arguing that the institution demonstrated the sophistication of Yoruba systems of governance before colonial rule.
“Ile Ogboni in Egbaland is the House of Parliament. Before the Europeans came, we already had an institution that was very robust,” he said.
He rejected claims that Egba Ogboni was a ritual organisation involving blood rituals, saying the indigenous institution should not be confused with organisations such as Ogboni Aborigine and the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity.
According to him, the traditional concept of Ogboni referred to elders and an elders’ council committed to truth, justice and good governance.
…Wealth not above traditional hierarchy — Oduntan
Oduntan also raised concerns about what he described as growing disregard for traditional hierarchy among some title holders.
He warned that wealth and social influence should not be allowed to undermine established traditional protocols.
“Some people think once you have money, money is equal to everything. No. In my township, I’m number four. That’s why I’m the Ekerin of Ijeun. There are seniors ahead of me,” he said.
His comments underscored one of the central concerns raised at the workshop: whether traditional authority is still being exercised according to established responsibilities and hierarchy or increasingly being influenced by wealth and personal power.
…Chiefs urged to mediate disputes, promote development
The Oruntan of Balufe, Owu Kingdom, Chief Abiodun Oladimeji Lasile, and the Bagbimo Egba, High Chief Akanni Akinwale, also called for stronger ethical standards among Ogboni members.
They stressed the role of traditional chiefs as intermediaries in resolving disputes between individuals and communities and promoting peace and development.
They urged senior members to educate younger chiefs on the history, responsibilities and ethical expectations of their positions.
Alake backs initiative
Representing the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Lukotun of Kemta, Chief Z.O. Alatishe, described the workshop as a welcome development.
He urged Ogboni members to provide responsible leadership in their respective communities.
He also encouraged the organisers to sustain the initiative and extend similar capacity-building programmes to other traditional institutions.
‘We need to correct anomalies’
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Baasala of Ijemo, Chief Adeleke Ade-Adeniji, said the workshop was organised partly to address misconceptions and anomalies within the institution.
Ade-Adeniji recalled that a similar programme had been organised about four years ago but said the latest workshop became necessary because of emerging challenges.
He urged participants to take advantage of the discussions and apply the knowledge acquired to strengthen the institution.
He also stressed the importance of understanding the relationship between Ogboni and Olorogun chiefs within the broader traditional structure.
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