Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, unveils plans to repatriate royal artefacts taken by British soldiers during the 1895 Pepe War, 130 years after the invasion
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has announced plans to repatriate historic artefacts carted away by British soldiers during the infamous Pepe War of 1895, in a major move to restore Oyo’s royal heritage.
The monarch disclosed that several treasured items including crowns, gold, beads, and other cultural heirlooms — were taken from the ancient palace during the British invasion more than a century ago.
According to palace sources, a week-long commemoration event will be held in November to mark the 130th anniversary of the war and honour the resilience of the Oyo Empire.
The memorial activities are expected to draw global attention and serve as a platform for cultural revival and historical reflection.
The commemoration will also celebrate the courage of Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu I, who led his people in defiance of British imperial control on November 12, 1895.
The British, seeking to extend their influence after subduing several Yoruba kingdoms, invaded Oyo under the command of Captain Robert Lister Bower, following a dispute over traditional justice in Iseyin.
The conflict, which became known as the “Ogun Pepe” (Pepe War), erupted after Alaafin Adeyemi resisted Bower’s demand to surrender a royal messenger and an accused eunuch, asserting the sovereignty of Oyo over its internal affairs.
The British forces, armed with superior weapons, eventually subdued the city after several days of fierce resistance.
Despite being wounded, the Alaafin escaped and later returned triumphantly to the palace after peace was brokered by a Catholic bishop — a symbolic victory that cemented his legacy as a defender of Yoruba dignity and authority.
Oba Owoade said the forthcoming re-enactment of the Pepe War would honour the bravery of Oyo’s ancestors and the enduring strength of Yoruba identity.
The repatriation of the royal artefacts, he added, represents both a spiritual restoration and a historical duty.
“This commemoration is not only to remember the pain of our past but to remind us of our unbroken lineage of courage, sovereignty, and cultural pride,” a palace spokesperson said.
The Alaafin’s initiative comes at a time when several African nations are demanding the return of artefacts taken during the colonial era.
Historians and cultural advocates have hailed the move as a powerful step towards reclaiming Africa’s stolen heritage and reaffirming its place in world history.
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