20/04/2024
QUEEN LUWOO GBAGIDA; THE FIRST AND ONLY FEMALE OONI OF IFE
Luwoo Gbagida is the only female Queen Ooni in the history of Ile-Ife. Ooni Luwo Gbagida became Ooni around 1100CE. As reported, she was a woman of immense physical beauty - a proper "slay queen" who took pride in her attractiveness.
The Ooni of Ife is seen as the most supreme or paramount sovereign in Ile Ife, which is regarded as the source of the Yoruba race.
Generally, he is recognised by his subjects as their spiritual leader and Chief Custodian of traditions.
There was no date to give an exact clue to how long she was on the thrown for. Dating only started from the 38th Ooni Akinmoyero 1770 – 1800, yet some historians claim that Ooni Luwo Gbagida reigned around 1100.
Also, this revelation tells forgotten story of women involvement in contributing to the society, not just as workers but as a leaders.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Ilè-Ifẹ̀ is a town in Osun state seen as the cradle and ancestral home and source of the Yoruba race, making any presiding ruler, the Ọọ̀ni, a reverred and very powerful leader.
Because Nigerian ancient history was mostly passed down through oral tradition, transcribed lists of the previous Oonis differ and sometimes, contradict each other.
However, most accounts have stated that a female, Ooni Luwoo Gbagida, was the 21st Ooni of Ife, the supreme traditional ruler of Ile Ife. She succeeded the 21st Ooni of Ife, Ooni Giesi and was succeeded by the 22nd Ooni of Ife, Ooni Lumobi.
Ooni Luwo Gbagida was crowned spiritual leader, and chief custodian of the source of the Yoruba race around 1100CE.
Lúwo Gbàgìdá, descendant of Otaataa from Owode compound, Okerewe. She was the first and only female to take the crown as Ooni after the demise of Ooni Giesi.
She was said to have been married to Chief Ọbalọran of Ilode and became the mother of Adekola Telu, the founder and Oluwo of Iwo town.
(Some historical piece claims that Obaloran was also a king not a chief; there were many obas
