OROWÙSI'S ADMINISTRATION

Ibadan was the one place that loomed largely in people's eyes at this period (1870). To have taken Ilesa was regarded as a feat of extraordinary magnitude it being a town of great strength, both in its fortifications and in its able-bodied citizens; and consequently the eyes of all surrounding tribes were fixed on the town situated on the hills.

The first duty of the Ibadans now was to fill up the vacancies among the ruling chiefs and to settle home affairs.

They had only been at home for less than two months when on the 1st of September the town had to lament the death of Osun, the first-born son of Ogunmola the late Basorun. It was a great loss to the community, as the late Basorun had only two sons and a daughter. The town went into mourning for a month, and then arrangements were made to confer the title of Bale on Orowùsi. On the 30th September Agbarò the Ilari sent by the Alâfin for the purpose conferred the title on him in the presence of all the chiefs and a large assemblage of people.

On the 5th day after, the Bale began to confer the principal titles by batches; the most important of which we need mention are:—Ajobo who became the Balogun, Latosisà the Otun, Ajayi Ogboriefon the Osi, Ali Laluwoye the Asipa, Lawoyin the Seriki, Ojo Oroñna the Otun Seriki, Tajo the Otun Bale.