"K’áde pẹ́ lórí, kí bàtà pẹ́ lẹ́sẹ̀, k’irukẹ̀rẹ̀ ko di ọkini! May your reign be long, peaceful, and marked by unprecedented progress for all Ogbomoso descendants."
— A salute to His Imperial Majesty, Ọba Ghandi Afọlábí Ọladunni Ọláoyè, Orumọgẹgẹ III
It is with great sense of responsibility and heartfelt gratitude that I on behalf of the entire Akandiẹ offspring both at home and abroad congratulates our esteemed Paramount ruler, the Ṣọun of Ogbomosoland. I am indeed profoundly honored by the invitation of Ogbomoso Parapo magazine to contribute to its column.
I bring good tidings and delighted to share an exciting new initiative from one of the foremost historic and autochthonous native of the land: Akandiẹ Quarters. As we celebrate the unity and progress of Ogbomosoland under the leadership of our king.
The Genesis: The Five Pillars
It is no new that the hegemonic origin of our great city state is that of resilience and adaptability. To make sense of Ogbomosoland and appreciate its dynamics, one would have to understand the foundational pillars upon which it was built.
Long before the monarchical dynasty was established, these five laid the very first stones on which Ogbomoso was built. Akandiẹ, our own forebear, stands as a central figure in this genesis.
Akandiẹ: A Pillar of Ogbomoso’s Genesis
Akandiẹ was an hunter of Borgu descent and a respected devotee of Sango, the god of thunder. Our quarters’ name, therefore, is not just a geographical marker; it is a living connection to the very first chapter of Ogbomoso's history.
Figure 1: Architectural sketch showing integrated sections of the Akandiẹ ancestral courtyard.
Figure 2: A side view of Ojo Alakandie ancestral house (Ile Owaa).
To walk through Akandiẹ Quarters is to walk through a cornerstone of our collective heritage, a place rich with cultural and historical significance. For many years, the energy of our people, both at home and in the diaspora, has been focused on individual achievement. Today, this energy is now channeled back into the community to ensure preservation of our shared history for the benefit of future generations.
Preserving Oral Tradition
Interview conducted on August 31, 2025 with Pa Emmanuel Alagbe Ajao & Baba Lasisi Amole Opayemi
The Reawakening: Akandiẹ Goes Digital
I am thrilled to announce the launch of www.akandie.com as Akandiẹ Quarters dedicated online community platform. This website is the heart of a renewed effort by the sons and daughters of Akandiẹ Quarters to organize, celebrate, and develop our common heritage.
A Call for Unity Under the Ṣọun
It is our belief that a united front by every quarter in Ogbomosoland will further strengthen it. Our efforts in Akandiẹ are a model for how grassroots community organization, fueled by pride in one's origin, can actively contribute to the larger vision of the Ogbomoso Parapo and the 25-year development plan championed by His Imperial Majesty.
I invite every Ogbomoso indigene around the globe to visit our portal, explore this foundational part of our city state, and join us in celebrating the resilience and promise of our future.