AGO-OJA IS AGO-OJA: Palace Reaffirms the Distinct Historical Identity and Traditional Status of Ago-Oja, Rejects the Designation “Isale-Oyo”
The Palace of His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Ganiyu Ajiboye Busari, the Alágo-Oja of Ago-Oja, issues this official public clarification regarding the identity, historical heritage, and traditional status of the Ago-Oja community.
This statement is addressed to government authorities, traditional institutions, news media, historians, researchers, and the general public, in response to the growing and inaccurate substitution of “Ago-Oja” with the designation “Isale-Oyo.”
1. Affirmation of Identity: Ago-Oja Is Our Name
The position of the Palace is clear and unequivocal: Our community is Ago-Oja. We respectfully reject the use of “Isale-Oyo” as a replacement for our historical name.
Ago-Oja possesses a distinct heritage and traditional institution. While geographical designations evolve over time, established historical names must not be erased or diminished.
The Palace requests that government agencies, mapping organizations, media outlets, and researchers use Ago-Oja in all official records, publications, and reports.
2.Historical Context and Respect for the Alaafin Institution
The Palace holds in high regard the cultural significance, history, and authority of the Alaafin of Oyo and the broader Oyo civilization. Respecting the Alaafin institution, however, does not require the erasure of Ago-Oja’s distinct origins.
Prominent historians—including Rev. Samuel Johnson, M.C. Adeyemi, Robert S. Smith, Daryll Forde, P.M. Kaberry, and Stephen Goddard—have documented the historical role of Oja and Ago-Oja in the settlement that developed into New Oyo. The Palace advocates for an objective, scholarship-based understanding of this history, free from political or traditional rivalry.
3. Distinct Identity is Not Hostility
The assertion of Ago-Oja’s identity is neither an attack on the Alaafin nor an attempt to undermine the paramountcy of the Alaafin institution. It is not a call for confrontation or community discord.
Ago-Oja can honour Yoruba tradition and respect the Alaafin while simultaneously preserving its own name and heritage.
4. Official Notice Regarding Supreme Court Commentaries
The Palace acknowledges the public commentaries regarding recent Supreme Court proceedings. Rather than engaging in informal media discourse, the Palace remains open and expectant of official written correspondence from the Alaafin’s side through formal legal or traditional channels to formally advise His Royal Majesty, Oba Ganiyu Ajiboye Busari, the Alágo-Oja of Ago-Oja, on the matter.
Official Palace action, where required, will follow the receipt of such formal communication through established legal procedures.
5. Official Positions
* Name Recognition: Ago-Oja is the sole official name of our community; “Isale-Oyo” is not an accepted substitute.
* Institutional Records: Public agencies and media organizations are urged to update their records to reflect “Ago-Oja.”
* Public Discourse: All parties are called upon to engage in this discussion with maturity, historical accuracy, and mutual respect, avoiding sensationalism or inflammatory statements.
CONCLUSION
The message from the Palace is clear: Ago-Oja has its own name, history, heritage, and traditional identity.
We respect Oyo, we respect the Alaafin institution, and we honour Yoruba tradition. In that same spirit of respect, we stand firm in preserving the identity of our ancestral home. Ago-Oja remains Ago-Oja.
Signed:
THE PALACE OF THE ALÁGO-OJA OF AGO-OJA
His Royal Majesty, Oba Ganiyu Ajiboye Busari
The Alágo-Oja of Ago-Oja
Ago-Oja, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Media & Official Inquiries:
The Palace Secretariat, Ago-Oja, Oyo State
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