BY THE CHAIRMAN, OGUN PEPE MEMORIALISATION COMMITTEE AT THE MEDIA BRIEFING AHEAD OF THE OGUN PEPE MEMORIALISATION CEREMONY (5TH – 15TH NOVEMBER, 2025) VENUE: ATIBA HALL, OYO, OYO STATE, NIGERIA DATE: 5TH NOVEMBER 2025     PROTOCOL The Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I; The Alaafin Royal Dynasty; The Oyo Mesi; Our Distinguished Representatives at the National Assembly, Abuja; Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibadan; The Executive Chairmen of the Four Local Government Areas in Oyo Federal Constituency — Atiba, Afijio, Oyo West and Oyo East; Esteemed Royal Fathers and Community Leaders; Our Revered Retired Archbishop, Prince Ayo Sanda Ladigbolu; Members of the Ogun Pepe Memorialisation Committee; Our Scholars, Professional Associations, Cultural Custodians, and Historians; Gentlemen of the Press; Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen:   OPENING REMARKS It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to this international press conference convened by the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, together with the Ogun Pepe Memorialisation Committee.   We are gathered to brief the media and the general public on preparations for the forthcoming Ogun Pepe Memorialisation Ceremony scheduled to hold from Wednesday 5th November to Saturday 15th November, 2025, here in the historic city of Oyo — the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.   This briefing provides an important opportunity to share the history, vision, objectives, and significance of this landmark commemoration, and to call for the participation of our people at home and in the diaspora.     BACKGROUND HISTORY In 1895, the ancient city of Oyo witnessed Ogun Pepe — a defining confrontation between Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu I and British colonial forces.   The conflict began after the Alaafin’s traditional disciplinary action involving an Ilari from Iseyin provoked Captain Robert Lister Bower, the then British Resident in Ibadan. Bower’s demand for the surrender of the Ilari and Kudefu was firmly rejected by the Alaafin, leading to a full-scale British invasion of Oyo on 12th November 1895.   The people of Oyo, standing loyally with their king, resisted with extraordinary bravery but were ultimately overwhelmed by British military superiority. The Alaafin, though wounded, relocated temporarily to Oke-Owinni, and later returned triumphantly following a peace settlement mediated by the Catholic Bishop of Oyo.   The war was named after the piercing sound of British gunfire — “pepe pepe pepe”. It remains an enduring symbol of Yoruba courage, dignity, and resistance. Although it culminated in British indirect rule, the spirit of Oyo remained unbroken.     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MEMORIALISATION The Ogun Pepe Memorialisation Ceremony is a cultural, historical, and spiritual commemoration dedicated to the legacy of this pivotal encounter. The war — which occurred 130 years ago — embodies timeless virtues of courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and duty.   This memorial seeks to revive public consciousness about the lessons of Ogun Pepe and preserve them for future generations. It is both a tribute to history and a call for cultural renewal.     OBJECTIVES OF THE MEMORIALISATION The ceremony is guided by the following objectives:   To honour and celebrate the heroism and legacy of Ogun Pepe within the broader history of Oyo and Yorubaland. To promote cultural awareness through scholarship, dialogue, and artistic expression. To foster intergenerational learning, linking elders and youth in shared understanding of heritage and values. To enhance unity, community pride, and cultural tourism, contributing to the social and economic development of Oyo.     PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS The ten-day commemoration features a rich and diverse line-up of events, including: Traditional rites and libations at historic sites; Academic lectures and symposiums by renowned scholars on the theme “Heroism, Heritage, and the Oyo Identity”; Cultural performances and artistic exhibitions — including fitila (candle) night, tree planting, drumming, dance, drama, masquerade displays, igba titi, and theatrical reenactments of the 1895 invasion; A Cultural Day engaging both the old and young in heritage learning; Royal tributes and homages; A Grand Finale and Thanksgiving Ceremony featuring prayers and cultural reaffirmation.     Detailed Programme Tuesday, 11th November 2025 – Fasting and prayers by all religious groups for peace and harmony. Wednesday, 12th November 2025 – Tree planting and Fitila Night, including a procession from Owode to the Alaafin’s Palace. Thursday, 13th November 2025 – A public lecture at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo. Keynote Speaker: Prof. Akin Alao, Professor of Legal History, Obafemi Awolowo University.   Topic: Ogun Pepe @ 130: Memory as a Call to Renewal   Discussants:   Prof. Sekinat Kola-Aderoju Prof. Niyi Gbadegesin Prof. Ladun Oloruntoba Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo   Command Performance: A dramatic staging of Ogun Pepe, written and produced by Gbemi Faleti, directed by Yomi Duro-Ladipo.   Saturday, 15th November 2025 – Cultural Exhibition and Fundraising at Old Oyo National Park.   Cultural segment led by Funmi Ajofeebo   Exhibition coordinated by Folasade Adeyemi (Arewa)   The father of the day for all events is the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I. The Chairman of the Committee is Dr. Sokan Ojebode, Founder of Atiba University.   The story of the 1895 invasion is not merely about colonial incursion; it is about the resilience, identity, and indomitable pride of a people determined to safeguard their heritage.     PARTNERSHIP AND APPRECIATION We express profound gratitude to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, and the entire Royal Dynasty for their unwavering support and cultural leadership.   We appreciate our revered father, Archbishop (Prince) Ayo Sanda Ladigbolu; our Honourable Members at both the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly; and the four Local Government Chairmen of Oyo Federal Constituency for their institutional support.   Our gratitude also extends to Atiba University Oyo, Ajayi Crowther University, the Federal School of Surveying, and the Old Oyo National Park for their academic and cultural partnership.   We acknowledge the Oyo Traditional Council, cultural associations, individuals, and organisations whose goodwill and contributions have made this initiative possible.     A CALL TO CULTURAL RENEWAL Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, The Ogun Pepe Memorialisation is not merely a remembrance of history — it is a call to moral, cultural, and communal renewal.   At a time when society faces profound cultural and ethical challenges, we must draw from the wisdom of our ancestors.   The story of Ogun Pepe teaches that greatness is built on courage, loyalty, and faith. These virtues must guide us as we preserve our heritage and shape a future worthy of our past.   INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC On behalf of the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, and the Ogun Pepe Memorialisation Committee, we warmly invite:   Royal fathers and cultural custodians;   Historians, scholars, professionals, and students;   Artists, performers, and cultural enthusiasts;   Youth and the general public;   to join us from 5th to 15th November 2025 in Oyo Alaafin for this historic commemoration.   Your participation will honour the memory of Ogun Pepe and strengthen our collective commitment to preserving the heritage of Oyo and the Yoruba nation.   CONCLUSION We extend our sincere appreciation to the gentlemen of the press for your steadfast partnership in public enlightenment. Through your reportage, the legacy of Ogun Pepe will reach every home, every heart, and every generation.   We look forward to your full support as we approach this significant cultural event.   Thank you for coming. May the blessings of our ancestors continue to guide us in peace and unity.   Long live the memory of Ogun Pepe. Long live Oyo Federal Constituency. Long live Yorubaland. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.   Delivered by: James Adesokan OJEBODE, PhD, JP, ALA(CSN) Chairman, Ogun Pepe Memorialisation Committee Date: Wednesday, 5th November 2025 Venue: Atiba Hall, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria.