The Palace of the Alágo-Oja of Ago-Oja, His Royal Majesty Oba Ganiyu Ajiboye Busari, has rejected the use of “Isale-Oyo” as a replacement for the historical name of the community.
In a public clarification issued by the Palace, the monarch said Ago-Oja has a distinct historical heritage and traditional institution that should be recognised in official records and public discourse.
The Palace urged government agencies, mapping authorities, media organisations, historians and researchers to retain “Ago-Oja” in official documents, publications, maps and reports, arguing that the evolution of geographical descriptions should not result in the loss of established historical identities.
The monarch also acknowledged the historical and cultural significance of the Alaafin institution and the wider Oyo civilisation, stressing that respect for the Alaafin does not require the removal of Ago-Oja’s distinct identity.
According to the Palace, historical works by scholars including Rev. Samuel Johnson, M.C. Adeyemi, Robert S. Smith, Daryll Forde, P.M. Kaberry and Stephen Goddard documented the role of Oja and Ago-Oja in the settlement that later developed into New Oyo.
It called for the history of the area to be approached through objective scholarship rather than political or traditional rivalry.
The Palace further clarified that its insistence on the recognition of Ago-Oja should not be interpreted as hostility towards the Alaafin institution or as an attempt to challenge its traditional authority.
It said the community could maintain its own historical identity while continuing to respect Yoruba traditions and the Alaafin institution.
On commentaries surrounding recent Supreme Court proceedings, the Palace said it would refrain from engaging in informal media exchanges and would await official communication from the Alaafin’s side through appropriate legal or traditional channels.
It added that any action required from the Palace would be taken after such formal communication had been received.
Reiterating its position, the Palace declared that Ago-Oja remains the official name of the community and that “Isale-Oyo” should not be used as a substitute.
It also appealed to public institutions and media organisations to review their records accordingly and urged all parties involved in the matter to conduct public discussions with restraint, historical accuracy and mutual respect.
