By Erewunmi Peace

Historian and public affairs analyst, Niyi Aborisade, has revealed that a weapon seized by legendary Yoruba warrior Balogun Oderinlo from Fulani forces during the historic Battle of Osogbo (1840) is still preserved in his family home in Osogbo.

Aborisade made the revelation while speaking on the Edmund Obilo Show on Splash FM 105.5, where he discussed the significance of Yoruba heritage and the need to preserve historical artifacts.

“The weapon Oderinlo took from the Fulani during the war is still in our family house in Osogbo,” Aborisade stated.

The Battle of Osogbo

The Battle of Osogbo, fought in 1840, was a decisive clash between Yoruba warriors and Fulani (Ilorin) forces. Led by Balogun Oderinlo of Ibadan, the Yoruba successfully repelled Fulani expansion into Osogbo, a turning point that secured the region’s independence and reshaped power dynamics in 19th-century Yorubaland.

Oderinlo, remembered as one of Ibadan’s greatest war chiefs, became a symbol of courage and resistance in Yoruba history. His leadership in Osogbo not only defended the town but also consolidated Ibadan’s rising military dominance.

Preserving Yoruba Heritage

Aborisade emphasized that such artifacts should be valued as part of Yoruba cultural memory, warning that failure to preserve them could lead to the erasure of indigenous history.

His remarks have sparked renewed public interest in Yoruba relics and the possibility of documenting them in museums or cultural archives for future generations.

Why It Matters

The revelation underscores how fragments of Nigeria’s pre-colonial history remain in private homes, rather than formal institutions. Cultural advocates are calling for government and academic support to ensure that priceless historical objects like Oderinlo’s war relics are properly documented and preserved.