The Death of the Soun of Ogbomoso During the Agbekoya Uprising, 1969

On July 1, 1969, the town of Ogbomoso witnessed one of the most dramatic and tragic episodes of the Agbekoya Revolt. During the unrest, Oba Olajide Adeoye, the traditional ruler of Ogbomoso, was killed when protesters attacked his palace.

Background: The Agbekoya Revolt

The Agbekoya uprising was a large-scale protest by farmers across the former Western State (today mostly Oyo State and surrounding areas). The name Agbekoya roughly translates from Yoruba as “farmers who reject suffering.”
The revolt began in 1968 and was fueled by several grievances:

Sharp increases in personal income taxes imposed on rural farmers

The introduction of utility levies despite limited infrastructure in rural areas

Poor road networks and lack of electricity or public services

Harsh tax enforcement methods used by local officials

These measures were implemented during Nigeria’s military rule under Yakubu Gowon, when the country was also facing economic pressures during the Nigerian Civil War.

Attack on the Palace

In Ogbomoso, tensions escalated dramatically when angry farmers stormed the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olajide Adeoye. Protesters accused local authorities and traditional institutions of cooperating with the tax policies that burdened rural communities.
During the attack:

The palace was set on fire.

Oba Olajide Adeoye reportedly attempted to escape.

He was attacked by rioters and killed during the chaos.

The killing shocked the region and underscored the intensity of the revolt.

Government Response

The Nigerian authorities responded quickly to restore order:

Security forces were deployed to affected communities.

More than 500 suspects were arrested, including some women, in connection with the uprising and violence.

Eventually, negotiations between the government and farmers helped calm the situation. The authorities also reduced tax rates and modified enforcement practices, addressing some of the grievances that had triggered the revolt.

Historical Significance

The Agbekoya Revolt remains one of the most significant rural uprisings in Nigerian history. It demonstrated the political power of organized farmers and forced the government to reconsider rural taxation policies.
The tragic death of Oba Olajide Adeoye during the unrest is remembered as one of the most dramatic moments of the revolt and highlights the complex relationship between traditional leadership, government policy, and popular protest in Nigeria’s post-independence era.

Sources

The Agbekoya Uprising 1968–1969 by Toyin Falola

A History of Nigeria by Toyin Falola and Matthew M. Heaton

Nigerian historical archives on the Agbekoya Revolt and rural protests in Western Nigeria.