Son of Ogboni Fapohunda and Foyawo, and the Dawodu and Arole of his father's house. He married thirteen wives and raised thirty-five children, the family that carries the Tomori name today. This is his story, his household and the line he came from, told from the 1986 family history.
He was born to Ogboni Fapohunda and Foyawo, one of Fapohunda's wives. Foyawo had two children: him and Merioyo. Merioyo died without children, "but Seriki Ogboni and his wives compensated adequately."
"Seriki Ogboni the (Dawodu or Arole) married thirteen wives, a little short of the number his father had."
His descendants' home is the Tomori Family House at Ayeso, Ilesa. His line also produced the family's historians: the book lists his sons Okunola (Biodun) and Oyewale Olanipekun, most likely the Okunola Abiodun Tomori and Prof. Oyewale Tomori who led and recorded the 1984 research.
Each card is one of his wives with her children, as listed in the book. Tap a card to see it in the family tree. Wives marked ★ are also counted among Ogboni Fapohunda's 21 wives.
Sikolu died in 1890. At his death he was said to have lived for about 120 years, which puts his birth around 1770. There were no affidavits then, and no age declaration certificates, but his grandchildren were alive to tell the story of Sikolu and Fapohunda.
"The beginning is lost in the oral traditions of the Ijesha people. So that the present may not likewise be lost to the future, we present what we know of the legend."
Sikolu married Orekunrin, whose name means "Friend of Man", and she was a true friend to him. Their five children, in order of seniority:
Danayike ("he who surrounds a mountain with fire") and Iroko fought side by side with Ogedengbe, the great war-lord of Ijeshaland. Both died at the war front, each a pride to Sikolu. Owobeku, Fapohunda and Baba Iro were warriors of note who survived the wars to continue the line.
"A lion gives birth to a lion. The child of a courageous man cannot but be courageous."
Fapohunda was Ogboni of Ilesa and of many other places. He owned Ereja, which in his generosity he loaned to the Owa to perform the Ogun festivities. He was a son-in-law to many families, picking his wives from Ibadan to Egbe and Offa and back to Ilesa.
The book counts twenty-one wives: the fifteen in its Figure 1, plus six marked with an asterisk in the households of his sons Pa David Seriki Tomori Fapohunda and Jegede. It counts an estimated twenty-seven children.
"That Fapohunda was blessed materially is not the point; what we are about is the blessing he received in the number of his children."
A council of elders. In many Yoruba towns, the Ogboni were a powerful society of the most senior men and women. They settled serious disputes, advised the Oba and helped choose and install him, and guarded the rites of the Earth (Ilẹ̀) and the ancestors. Their emblem is the edan, a pair of brass figures joined by a chain.
A chieftaincy title in Ilesa. In Ijeshaland, Ogboni is also a senior chieftaincy title, held by one of the high chiefs of the Owa Obokun's council. So "Ogboni Fapohunda" means Fapohunda, the Ogboni: a title of rank and authority, not part of his personal name.
The exact rank and duties of the Ogboni title in Ilesa are given here as generally understood; family elders may know more. The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, founded in Lagos in 1914, is a separate society.
Of Fapohunda's twenty-seven children, it was Foyawo's son, Pa David Seriki Tomori Fapohunda, who became the Dawodu and Arole, the heir to his father's house. He married thirteen wives, "a little short of the number his father had", and with them had thirty-five children. Their descendants carry the Tomori name.
Scroll down through the generations. Tap any name with an arrow to open their family. Pa David Seriki Tomori Fapohunda's family is open to start.
In order of seniority. All five were warriors in the Ijesa wars; two fell at the war front.
The book lists Fapohunda's children by their mother. Tap a wife's name to see her children, and their children (Gen 4).
The book lists Fapohunda's children by their mother. Each card is one of his wives and her children. Tap a card to open it in the family tree.
Choose which of Fapohunda's children you descend from, say how they are related to you, then fill in the names in between. The page draws your full line back to Ogboni Fapohunda and Sikolu.
Tap the box below and choose the child of Ogboni Fapohunda that your family comes from. Children are grouped under their mothers.
Nothing you type is sent anywhere unless you choose to in step 4.
Ayeso · Ilesa · Osun State
The Tomori family house stands at Ayeso in Ilesa, the town where Ogboni Fapohunda held his title and where the family's story begins. It is the home of the Tomori family, the descendants of Pa David Seriki Tomori Fapohunda.
The praise poetry of the Fapohunda family, as printed in the book in Ijesa Yoruba.
Narrated by Grandma Bisi
Omo Ogboni Modulore mereni akun, omo ateni wijo, omo arungbinrin owo bodide, Omo Olowo ekute yan naa. Omo Ajibo bua unose. Ogboni lo lereja ko bu owa sogun. Owa ko ni on jije bi Ogboni Lasore. Ogboni mo du, me mo du owa O. Tubuturo ni a nba wole Ogboni. Omo aratabatuby aso wo soo kokoroo.
Adebisun oja oke mi reti odo Ogboni Lasore. Ogun kisan on iki Baba aroko, Ogun korun On iki Baba bo wale. On fagba soko o sodun odofin bo ale ko ya Sogun o Olomuse eyo. Omo olose meji tako tabo lidofin. Omo olose on poyii ka kan ise gbale kasin owuro. Omo olose on fari loyun, bimo ko segbe rubutu Lidofin nle o Lamisore bi orisa, Lamisore bi osun eyin kunle lele gegere bi ogan. Fiwo iyoro, eiwo ude lo metitan lele; omo le oja abide lowo otun.
Omo ogboni ule ogboni oko. Alaba oko Ogboni, Ugogo oko ogboni, Ijana oko ogboni, Okeopo oko ogboni, Ijaregbe oko ogboni, Itagun oko ogboni, FAPOHUNDA Iyemogun oko ogboni, Igbadae oko ogboni. Omo ogbo lolo o gbowo je o fudi aja gbole. I kowo gbe koran ra, omo atujo rola, omo afo kua se kanrin. Pele o.
The full 1986 text, word for word, with its original spellings. Choose a chapter, or download the whole book.
The idea of writing this history book about the Fapohunda Family arose at one of the several meetings of the descendants of Fapohunda, usually held at Ibadan in Mr OKUNOLA ABIODUN Tomori's residence. At a meeting held in June 1984, three members (Namely - OKUNOLA A. Tomori leading the team of Mrs. FOYEKE Balogun member and Prof. Oyewale Tomori Secretary) were assigned the job of probing into the family history.
It was the wish of members of the family to know the roots and size of the family. They wanted to know the different branches within the family set-up in order to forge a closer sense of kinship. Thus began the search to unveil the past. It was obvious right from the beginning that the task could be daunting. We envisaged enormous problems before we could assemble any meaningful information.
The existing available information now forms the basis for our subsequent effort to get out a history. Even though, there is no written record on the family to serve as a catalysis, this has not affected the enthusiasm to dig on. After persistent search, we found some fragmentary evidence from aged parents /wives of the deceased and some living children upon which we could draw and upon which we could rely.
The majority of the materials/information thus used in the compilation of this book was obtained through oral interviews with out parents and grand parents. They were indeed rich source of information. Every investigation led us to a wider strata of the family set-up. Through them we saw the impact of our forebearers notably at war period in Ilesha and environs on politics and commerce. The record of their achievements and tribulations is an inspiration to us living, and the yet unborn generations.
The oral evidence collected during our interviews has been carefully knitted into a documentary narrative. Necessary care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this written record through corroboration of all available facts. Any lapses therefore should be attributed to us, your pioneering research team of 3.
For the purpose of writing this book, we have adhered strictly to the use of our forenames in addressing our parents, great grand-parents etc. We therefore beg for their indulgence. It is with utmost respect for them. Forenames allow for uniformity of identity and a good guide to "Who is Who"; even though these forenames are part of history this book intends to reveal.
SIKOLU died in 1890, but he still lives on, represented by those he left behind. The beginning is lost in the oral traditions of the Ijesha people. So that the present may not likewise be lost to the future, we present what we know of the legend – Sikolu and his children. The exact date of his birth is not known and at his death, he was said to have lived for about 120 years. This put his birth as 1770 or thereabouts.
There were no affidavits then, nor was there age declaration certificate. Much as the date of his birth is in dispute there is absolutely no doubt about his birth, for by the grace of God, his grand-children are around to tell the story of Sikolu and Fapohunda great courageous and true son of Ijeshaland.
Sikolu married Orekunrin. Orekunrin means a Friend of Man – and indeed a true friend of the man – She was to Sikolu. Between Sikolu and Orekunrin, five children were born. They were in order of seniority - Owobeku, Danayike, Fapohunda, Baba Iro and Iroko. A lion gives birth to a lion. The child of a courageous man cannot but be courageous. The man of fame will give birth to famous children. Sikolu was the father of Owobeku the courageous; of Danayike the bold and daring. Those who knew, those who were present when the Ijesas went to war, they would know what dependable people Owobeku and Danayike were.
All the qualities of Sikolu were reflected in his off-springs. Who did not hear of the exploits of Danayike and Iroko. Who has not heard of the daring deeds they performed during the Ijesa wars. Ogedengbe testified to their courage, for side by side with that great war-lord of Ijesaland, Dayanike and Iroko fought. The name of a coward is never Ogunrinola; a weakling can never be called Belejokoju. Nor is the strongest tree in the bush called a vegetable but Iroko. A child does not play with fire, talk more of surrounding a mountain with fire. Sikolu's children were called Danayike (literally translated to mean he who surronds a mountain with fire) and Iroko. Tell me who does not know the Iroko tree? Who would wish that the Iroko tree fall on him? Who is so foolhardy to meet the combined team of Danayike and Iroko in the war front? Those who did never lived to tell the story. These were the two sons of Sikolu. They fought with him on the war front, and they died at the war front each a pride to Sikolu.
Owobeku, Fapohunda and Baba Iro in their right were warriors of note and they survived the war to continue the line of Sikolu. Owobeku had Abon as his son, and Abon had three children, Satuo, Moleye and Iya Oniru. Baba Iro was blessed with three children- Oketona, Olosede and Odebeku. Madam Olosede married Babalawo Ofo and to them were three children born - Mobalaje (the famous Aro), Dada and Ajayi.
The story now focusses on Fapohunda ("Ifa" oracle changed his forecast). Indeed Ifa changed his words for the better. For Fapohunda was rich not only in terms of material wealth, Fapohunda was rich in people, he had fame, he had honour, he had respect and he was loved by many. He was a son-in-law to many families, he was the husband of many women and he did not discriminate as to his choice of women. From Ibadan to Egbe and Offa back to Ilesa, Fapohunda picked his wives. And, above all God blessed him richly with children. Fapohunda in "akodi" twenty one wives. The number is made of the fifteen in Fig. 1 plus the six with asterics in section 3-4-1 and 3. 5.1. Fapohunda Ogboni Belejokoju. Fapohunda who had money in every nook and corner. Ogboni Fapohunda the owner of Ereja, which in his generosity he loaned to Owa to perform the Ogun festivities. He was Ogboni of Ilesa and of many other places. Who does not know that Alaba belongs to Ogboni? That Fapohunda was blessed materially is not the point, what we are about is the blessing he received in the number of his children. He had a total or shall we say an estimated number of twenty seven children.
Oh yes, that is Fapohunda for you, the child of Olose, who though not pregnant displayed the characteristics of a woman close to labour. (Omo Olose ke loyun omo, ko-segbe rugbudu).
Iya-Egbe was Fapohunda's first wife and Fiyebi was the child of the union.
Next Fapohunda married Dada and they were blessed with three children Folahan,. Dada and Omotoso.
Folahan married Saloro Jegede and they had Bisi, Olasunmi and Ayanna as their children.
The union of Fapohunda and Falae was blessed with two children - Sangoyemi and Erunpo.
– Had no issue.
– Married Jacob Odagbodo. They were blessed with two daughters – Rebecca Aramide and Elizabeth Oredola.
To Foyawo and Fapohunda, two children were born. Seriki Ogboni and Merioyo. Merioyo died without an issue, but Seriki Ogboni and his wives compensated adequately.
Seriki Ogboni the (Dawodu or Arole) married thirteen wives, a little short of the number his father had. The names of the wives are:- Tinuade, Olabimpe, Dada-Odo, Lapa, Dada, Obisesan, Loburo, Mayungbo, Bamiwo, Omowumi, Famurewa, Alice and Monisola.
Tomori Seriki Ogboni had the following children:-
| – With Tinuade: | Titiloye and Olajide |
| – With Olabimpe: | Oyebode and Olanihun |
| – *With Dada-Odo: | Ajibabi |
| – *With Lapa: | Oladuntan and Albert |
| – With Dada: | Matanmi, Olasupo and Olufemi |
| – With Obisesan: | Agbocla (Ojo), Bolatito and Okunola (Biodun) |
| – *With Loburo: | Ibitola, Bolatito, Subuola and Babalola |
| – With Mayungbo: | Kayode and Oyekunle |
| – With Bamiwo: | Sunday and Iyiola |
| – With Omowunmi: | Mogbonjubola, Oyewumi and Eniola |
| – With Famurewa: | Okunoye (Ajani), Oyekola, Oyewale Olanipekun and Taiye |
| – With Alice: | Siyanbola, Oduola, Arike, and Okunola |
| – With Monisola: | Abimbola, Oyewola and Olaniran |
Fapohunda married Oyeniregun and they were blessed with three children - Jegede, Adesoro and Okanlawon Okanlawon died without an issue, but Jegede went on to marry twelve wives.
The children of Jegede and his wives are as listed below
| – With Esutusin: | Bukola |
| – With Ojolegan: | Adunola |
| – With Ojiimi: | Lomi and Ajike |
| – *With Kolawole: | Ikuoye, Ojo, Jimo, Olatubosun and Olaniyi |
| – *With Ajiyo: | Adunni, Dupe and Bolanle |
| – With Iyalode (Omo): | Iyiola |
| – With Bosede: | Victoria |
| – *With Gbolagun: | Isiola, Taiye and Fola |
| – With Felicia: | Akande |
| – With Hannah: | Ogunyemi, Bolanle and Agboola |
| – With Olaitan: | Bejide, Odunola and Sijuwola |
| – With Amoke: | Riyike. |
For Pa Jegede, he married christians and atheists, love for a person was his major considerations, and he spread the love around.
Adesoro married into the Palmer family and they were blessed with three children, Malomo, Tunde and Mopelola.
The marriage between Fapohunda and Ojimi produced 5 children, namely – Ajayi, Ogunsuji, Tolani, Ariyo. and Makanjuola
Ajayi married into the Arowojobe family and was blessed with four children – Abibi, Rabi (a.k.a Mama Nusi), Sanni and Abeni.
Ogunsuji married five wives and had ten children. The names of the wives and their children are listed below:-
| Wives | Children |
|---|---|
| Riyewun: | Laletan, Ore and Bolanle |
| Felicia: | Abiara, Bolajoko and Nihinlola |
| Omoseike: | Elizabeth |
| Ramotu: | Muniratu and Animo |
| Sabi | Mulikatu and Saka |
Tolani omo Ogboni, married Afilaka, Yinka, Isola (Deceased) and Ajoke were their two children. Tolani later married Seweje and they were blessed with Agboola.
Ariyo had five wives and eight children from two of his wives. Moraloyo, Moriamo and Lomi had no children but Tomola and Wulemotu had four children each.
| Tomola: | Dele, Adubi, Nosiru, and Lati |
| Wulemotu: | Saliu, Taiye, Kehinde and Idowu. |
Makanjuola followed in the tradition of the children of Fapohunda and married six wives. The children of Makanjuola and his wives are:
| – With Raliatu: | Rafatu and Sidi |
| – With Ige: | Saratu, Aduke, Jubril and Sariyu |
| – With Emily: | Rasaki, Tajudeen, Kayode and Alli |
| – With Wosila: | Mulikatu, Arinola |
| – With Anike: | Lateef |
| – With Fatomoye: | Jumoke |
Olawunmi (the daughter of Fapohunda and Fakemi) married Olojo and they were blessed with five children namely: Beatrice, Agboola, Abiodun, Foyeke and Adetunji.
Three children were the outcome of the Fapohunda-Ibiyeye union. The children were Oladimeji (Megida), Sangofunke and Asa.
He married two wives, Folayo and Awawu and they had four children.
She married Arode and their children were Remi and Adeola.
She married Olowe and they had two children - Olusola and Kikelomo.
Fapohunda married Ogundiya. They had Bero, Ayodele and Alabi.
Bero married two wives, Ariyo and Olaleye and had five children.
Fapohunda's marriage with Gbesi produced -
Gbola. Who married Ogundipe Goodluck and they had a child - Dupe.
The Fapohunda – Oni-Oja Union was blessed with three children – Abe, Adesakin and Oyedun.
Abe married Momadelo and they had Olawoye as their child.
None of the unions between Fapohunda-Faniyesin, Fapohunda-Ayanna Ibadan, Fapohunda-Abigail and Fapohunda-Fakeye produced any children.
Omo Ogboni Modulore mereni akun, omo ateni wijo, omo arungbinrin owo bodide, Omo Olowo ekute yan naa. Omo Ajibo bua unose. Ogboni lo lereja ko bu owa sogun. Owa ko ni on jije bi Ogboni Lasore. Ogboni mo du, me mo du owa O. Tubuturo ni a nba wole Ogboni. Omo aratabatuby aso wo soo kokoroo.
Adebisun oja oke mi reti odo Ogboni Lasore. Ogun kisan on iki Baba aroko, Ogun korun On iki Baba bo wale. On fagba soko o sodun odofin bo ale ko ya Sogun o Olomuse eyo. Omo olose meji tako tabo lidofin. Omo olose on poyii ka kan ise gbale kasin owuro. Omo olose on fari loyun, bimo ko segbe rubutu Lidofin nle o Lamisore bi orisa, Lamisore bi osun eyin kunle lele gegere bi ogan. Fiwo iyoro, eiwo ude lo metitan lele; omo le oja abide lowo otun.
Omo ogboni ule ogboni oko. Alaba oko Ogboni, Ugogo oko ogboni Ijana oko ogboni, Okeopo oko ogboni, Ijaregbe oko ogboni, itagun oko ogboni, FAPOHUNDA Iyemogun oko ogboni, Igbadae oko ogboni, Omo ogbo lolo o gbowo je o fudi aja gbole. I kowo gbe koran ra, omo atujo rola, omo afo kua se kanrin. Pele o.
The idea for the book came up at one of the regular meetings of Fapohunda's descendants, held in Ibadan at the residence of Mr Okunola Abiodun Tomori. At a meeting in June 1984, three members were given the job of researching the family history: Okunola A. Tomori (leading), Mrs Foyeke Balogun (member) and Prof. Oyewale Tomori (secretary).
There was no written record. Almost everything came from oral interviews with parents, grandparents, and the aged wives of the deceased, then checked against every fact the team could find. The book uses forenames for parents and grandparents throughout, "with utmost respect for them", so that everyone can see who is who.
Preface signed by Okunola Abiodun Tomori, 20 June 1986
The full text, word for word, with the original photographs · 22 pages · A5