The Unique History of Lesotho

This article is a complete insight to Lesotho Country; background, origin, historical and Political configuration with cultural histories.

Lesotho is a country located in the southern part of Africa, and it is enclosed within the borders of South Africa, making it one of the three independent countries which are entirely surrounded by another country.

The Country covers an area of 11,583 square miles and has a population of approximately 2 million inhabitants. The country's capital city, which is also the largest city in the country, is Maseru. Previously, Lesotho was a British colony, and it was known as Basutoland. The Country gained its independence from the British on October 4th, 1966. The original inhabitants of the region where it is present-day Lesotho were the San people.

Lesotho Flag

This is the History of Lesotho:

The history of people living in the area now known as Lesotho goes back as many as 400 years. The present Lesotho (then called Basotholand during the UK colonial rule) emerged as a single polity under King Moshoeshoe I in 1822. 

Under Moshoeshoe I, Basotho joined other clans in their struggle against the Lifaqane associated with famine and the reign of Shaka Zulu from 1818 to 1828. Subsequent evolution of the state was shaped by contact with the British and Dutch colonists from Cape Colony. 

The Missionaries invited by Moshoeshoe I developed orthography and printed works in the Sesotho language between 1837 and 1855. The Country set up diplomatic channels and acquired guns for use against the encroaching Europeans and the Korana people.

Territorial conflicts with both British and Boer settlers arose periodically, including Moshoeshoe's notable victory over the Boers in the Free State–Basotho War, but the final war in 1867 with an appeal to Queen Victoria, who agreed to make Basotholand a British suzerainty.

In 1869, the British signed a treaty at Aliwal with the Boers that defined the boundaries of Basotholand and later Lesotho, which by ceding the western territories effectively reduced Moshoeshoe's kingdom to half its previous size.

The extent to which the British (UK) exerted direct control over Basotholand waxed and waned until Basotholand’s independence in October 4, 1966, when it became the Kingdom of Lesotho.

However, when the ruling Basotho National Party (BNP) lost the first post-independence general elections to the Basotho Congress Party (BCP), Leabua Jonathan refused to cede and declared himself Tona Kholo (Sesotho translation of prime minister). The BCP began an insurrection that culminated in a January 1986 military coup, that then forced the BNP out of office.

Power was transferred to King Moshoeshoe II, until then, a ceremonial monarch, but forced into exile when he lost favour with the military the following year. His son was installed as King Letsie III. 

Conditions remained tumultuous, including an August 1994 self-coup by Letsie III, until 1998 when the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) came to power in elections which were deemed fair by international observers. Despite protests from opposition parties, the Country has remained relatively stable since.

The Country forms an enclave within South Africa, bordering on three of the latter’s provinces— KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Eastern Cape. Like only two other independent states in the world (Vatican City and the Republic of San Marino), Lesotho is completely encircled by another country, on which it must depend for access to the outside world.

What is the meaning of Lesotho?

Interestingly, the word "Lesotho" is interpreted as "the land of the people who speak Sesotho."

Here Are Quick facts About Lesotho:

Lesotho was a former subject of the UK colonial reign, unitll October 4, 1966, the Kingdom of Lesotho attained full independence, governed by a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral Parliament. More facts are:

• Continent - Africa
• Location - Lesotho is a Country located in the Southern Africa
• Capital - Maseru
• Largest City - Maseru
• Neighboring Countries - South Africa
• Administrative divisions - 10 districts
• Area 30,355 sq km
• Population - 2067000  (2009 estimate)
• Official Language - English, Sotho language
• Currency - Lesotho loti
• GDP - $4.277 billion (2013 estimate)
• Economy - The Economy of the Country is largely dependent upon diamonds exported all over the world. Besides, it also sells water to South Africa, manufacturing, agriculture, livestock etc.

Ethnic Configuration Of Lesotho:

Due to Lesotho's long history as a unified nation, that continued even through British colonial rule, the ethnic makeup of the country is very Homogeneous.

Lesotho's ethno-linguistic structure consists almost entirely of the Basotho (singular Mosotho), a Bantu-speaking people with an estimate of 99.7 percent of the people identify as Basotho.

The  Kwena (Bakoena) are the largest subgroup of the Sotho; other Basotho subgroups include the Natal (North) Nguni, Batloung (the Tlou), Baphuthi (the Phuti), Bafokeng, Bataung (the Tau), Bats'oeneng (the tso'ene) and the Cape (South) Nguni (Thembu). Other ethnic groups include Europeans, numbering in the thousands, and several hundred Asians.

The Sotho (also known as Basotho) form the overwhelming majority of the country’s population. They were originally united by a common loyalty to the royal house of Moshoeshoe I, who founded the Sotho nation in the 19th century. 

Internally, divisions between different chiefdoms and within the royal lineage itself have had political significance, but externally a sense of Sotho nationhood and cultural unity remains strong. Lesotho is also home to a Zulu minority, a small population of Asian or mixed ancestry, and a European community that is dominated by expatriate teachers, missionaries, aid workers, technicians, and development advisers leaving Lesotho with 99.7% Basotho and 0.3% as others.

The are the Languages in Lesotho:

Sesotho (Southern Sotho) and English languages are both official. Except for English, all the main languages spoken in Lesotho are members of the Niger-Congo language family. Sotho (Sesotho), a Bantu language, is spoken by the majority of the population, though both Sotho and English are official languages in the Country. Zulu is spoken by a small but significant minority.

Phuthi, a dialect of Swati, and Xhosa are also spoken in parts of Lesotho. Sesotho,  while Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa and French are also spoken.

More Insight To The Ethnic Composition Of Lesotho:

At the turn of the 16th century, Lesotho was inhabited by the Sotho people who lived peacefully with the earlier inhabitants of the Khoisan people. Basotho began taking the shape of a nation when Moshoeshoe I in 1820, gathered a following from the several tribes in the region who had retreated to the northwestern part of modern-day Lesotho to avoid constant raids from the Matabele and Zulu tribes. 

Although he had limited military power, he used diplomatic means to establish his kingdom, which lasted for several years. In 1924, Mashoeshoe became the chief of the local Basotho among other tribal groups which at the time number about 40,000 people. He successfully established a good relationship with missionaries, particularly the French Catholics who established schools and missions. 

Mashoeshoe also sought advice from the missionaries on how to negotiate with Europeans. During the Great Trek of Boers in 1834, Moshoeshoe requested the protection of the British crown, which was better than annexation by the Boers. 

In 1868, to Busotoland was given British protection and the land borders have remained unchanged to this day as it was established in 1869.

Who are the San People in Lesotho?

The San people are also known as the Bushmen and they are part of the Khoisan tribes, who lived as hunters and gatherers in the greater region of Southern Africa. The San people occupied regions where it is currently part of Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Angola, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. 

The remnants of the ancient San people are found mainly in Botswana. Rock art and stone tools believed to have been the works of the San people are found in different parts in the greater southern part of Africa and date back to about 70,000 years ago making them by far the oldest known art in Africa. 

The San people were nomads, and they moved seasonally to different areas based on the availability of resources such as water, edible plants, and game animals. As of 2010, the population of the San people in Botswana was estimated to be between 50,000 and 60,000. 

Between the 1950s and 1980s, the San people have changed their lifestyle and adopted farming as a way of life because of the government programs of modernization.

Who are the Sotho People?

The Sotho ethnic group is by far the largest in Lesotho accounting for more than 99.7% of the country's population. They are part of the Bantu ethnic group who occupy the larger part of South Africa and are currently found in Lesotho and South Africa.

The Sotho people speak the Sesotho language. It is believed that the Basotho people have lived in the region starting from the 5th century and they are thought to be closely related to other Bantus in the Southern part of Africa. The identity of modern Lesotho was established following the accomplished diplomacy of King Moshoeshoe I, who manage to gather different clans that belonged to the Sotho-Tswana from different parts in South Africa in the 19th century.

The majority of the Basotho people today inhabit South Africa particularly in the Orange Free State which was previously part of the kingdom of Moshoeshoe and is now Lesotho.

Who are the Kwena People?

Kwena people are a subgroup of the Sotho ethnic group and they are found in Lesotho and parts of South Africa. Originally the Kwena people inhabited the Orange Free State, Bantustan, South Africa, and Basutoland, which later became Lesotho. 

In the past, the Kwena people practiced agriculture, and even today they still practice subsistence agriculture as a way of livelihood, and some of the crops they cultivate include sorghum, corn, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits among others.

Who are the Nguni Ethnic Group?

The Nguni ethnic group is another sub-ethnic group of the larger Basotho ethnicity. Nguni people are predominantly in the southern part of Africa and they speak Nguni languages. 

Nguni people include the Phuthi, Hlubi, Swati, Ndebele, Zulu, and Xhosa. The Phuthi and Hlubi people are in Lesotho and other parts in South Africa.

The Swati people are found in Eswatini and South Africa, while the Xhosa and Ndebele are predominantly in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

i. The Phuthi People

Phuthi is part of the Nguni speaking people, and they speak Phuthi language. They inhabit the southern part of Lesotho and areas of South Africa.

The Phuthi language is closely related to Swati or the Siswati language which is spoken mainly in Swaziland and South Africa's province of Mpumalanga. The language has been heavily influenced by the neighboring languages of Xhosa and Sesotho.

ii. The Hlubi People

The Hlubi or the AmaHlubi is part of the Nguni ethnic group who live in the Southern part of Lesotho, and they are also found in South Africa.

The Hlubi people are believed to have originated from Kenya and believed to be closely related to the Samburu ethnic group in Kenya as well as the Shubi ethnic group of Tanzania, who live mainly in Kagera.

The dialect of the Hlubi people is closely related to the Swazi language, which is one of the tekela languages in the Nguni branch and belong to the Niger-Congo family language. 

The Hlubi language is one of the endangered languages because only the elderly can speak the language.

Lesotho Atlas | image credit: Google

These are the other People In Lesotho:

Other people in Lesotho include the Zulu, who are the minority in the country.  There is also a small population of Asian or mixed ancestry. The European community is also found in Lesotho.

Here is a Quick Snap At The Ethnic Configuration Of Lesotho

1. Sotho - 99.7%

2. Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3%

The Religion in Lesotho:

There is no way we talk about the Ethnic configuration of Lesotho without adding the Religions Praticed in the Country.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Lesotho, which is estimated to be more than 95 per cent Christian. The 2021 Department of State report found Protestants outnumbered Catholics. 

Non-Christian religions represent only 1.5% of the population, and those of no religion is 3.5%. non-Christian people primarily subscribe to traditional African religions, with an insignificant (< 0.2%) minor presence of Islam, Judaism and Asian religions.

The Type Of Government In Pratice In Lesotho:

The Country is a constitutional monarchy, with the King as Head of State, an elected Prime Minister as Head of Government, and a dual legal system consisting of traditional customary law and the common law. Succession to the throne of Lesotho is regulated by the Council of Chiefs

The System of Government And Sharing of Political Powers in Lesotho:

Executive Arm: Politics of Lesotho takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister of Lesotho is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. 

Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of Parliament; the Senate and the National Assembly. It should be noted that the  Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

The Lesotho Government is a constitutional monarchy. The current Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, is head of government and has executive authority. The King serves a largely ceremonial function; he no longer possesses any executive authority and is proscribed from actively participating in political initiatives.

According to the constitution, the leader of the majority party in the assembly automatically becomes prime minister; the monarch is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution which came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative powers. 

Under traditional law, the college of chiefs has the power to determine who is next in the line of succession to the throne, who shall serve as regent in the event that the successor is not of mature age, and may even depose the monarch.

Legislative Arm; Two Chambers/Dual Legislature/Bicameral Legislature.

The Parliament has two chambers. The National Assembly has 120 members, elected for a five-year term, 80 in single-seat constituencies and 40 by proportional representation. The Senate has 33 nominated members.

National legislature:

Bicameral parliament; 80 members of the National Assembly (the lower house) are elected on a constituency basis according to the terms of the 1993 constitution, and 40 members are elected by proportional representation; the Senate (the upper house) consists of 33 non-elected members, 11 of whom are nominated by the king on the advice of the prime minister, plus the 22 principal chiefs of Lesotho

Political Party Structure/System/Types In Lesotho:

Lesotho Party - political organisations were legalised in May 1991. The Country operates a multiparty type and most of them could be grouped as ideological Party system as they often have different ideologies each followed.

The ruling coalition consists of four parties: the All Basotho Convention (ABC), the Alliance of Democrats (AD), the Basotho National Party (BNP) and the Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL).

The main opposition parties are the Democratic Congress (DC), the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) and the Movement for Economic Change (MEC). A total of 30 parties contested the 2017 election, and seven seats in parliament are occupied by smaller organisations.

This is a Snap shot to Lesotho Political Structure:

• Form of Government - Parliamentary
• System of Government - Constitutional Monarchy
• Party type - Multiparty
• Legal system - Based on Roman-Dutch law

Here are the record of Coups in Lesotho;

The Military Coups in Lesotho can be grouped into Three Categories; The 1970 Lesotho coup d'état was a self-coup that took place in Lesotho on 30th January, 1970, led by Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan.

It led to the assumption of dictatorial powers by Prime Minister Jonathan, who held the office since 1965. The coup was triggered by the victory of the opposition Basutoland Congress Party (BCP, led by Ntsu Mokhehle) over the ruling Basotholand National Party (BNP, led by Jonathan) in the general election.

Snap shot into the 1970 Lesotho coup d'état

• Type - Self-coup
• Cause - Electoral defeat of the ruling BNP in the general election
• Motive - Annulment of the general election
• Organised by - Leabua Jonathan
• Participants - Government of Lesotho
• Outcome - Coup succeeds

Prime Minister Jonathan declared a state of emergency, annulled the general election, dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution.

King Moshoeshoe II temporarily exiled from 5 June to 5 December 1970 after showing his disapproval of the actions; with Queen 'Mamohato serving as Regent.

Jonathan himself was deposed in the 1986 coup d'état, led by General Justin Lekhanya.

1986 Lesotho coup d'état

The 1986 Lesotho coup d'état was a military coup that took place in Lesotho on 20th January, 1986, led by General Justin Lekhanya. It led to the deposition of Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan, who held the office since 1965 and assumed dictatorial powers in the 1970 coup d'état, after the general election was annulled.

Snap shot into 1986 Lesotho coup d'état:

• Type - Military coup
• Motive - Regime change
• Target - State House, Maseru
• Organised by - Justin Lekhanya
• Participants -  Lesotho Defence Force (faction)
• Outcome - Coup succeeds

Overthrow of authoritarian BNP government of Prime Minister Jonathan. The establishment of military rule under the Military Council headed by General Lekhanya.

Deposition of King Moshoeshoe II in favour of his son Letsie III in 1990.

General Lekhanya announced the creation of the Military Council, which would exercise all executive and legislative powers in the name of King Moshoeshoe II. Eventually, a power struggle developed between Lekhanya and the King, with the latter being forced into exile in the United Kingdom in February 1990, and officially dethroned in December of that year.  Lekhanya himself was deposed in the 1991 coup d'état, led by Colonel Elias Phisoana Ramaema.

1991 Lesotho coup d'état:

The 1991 Lesotho coup d'état was a military coup that took place in Lesotho on 30th April, 1991, led by Colonel Elias Phisoana Ramaema. It led to the resignation of Prime Minister General Justin Lekhanya, who held the office since the 1986 coup d'état.

Snap Shot into the 1991 Lesotho coup d'état:

• Type - Military coup
• Motive - Regime change
• Target - State House, Maseru
• Organised by - Elias Phisoana Ramaema
• Participants -  Lesotho Defence Force (faction)
• Outcome - Coup succeeds

Overthrow of military government of Prime Minister Lekhanya. Colonel Ramaema assumed the leadership of the Military Council.

Thereafter, Multi-party general election was held in 1993, and King Moshoeshoe II was restored to the throne in 1995.

Colonel Ramaena besieged the government and forced Prime Minister Lekhanya to resign. During Ramaena's two years in power, a new constitution restoring the powers of the Parliament was adopted.

Multi-party general election was held on 27 March 1993, with the assistance of the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations, at the request of the government. Finally, the exiled King Moshoeshoe II, who was dethroned by General Lekhanya in 1990 was restored to the throne on 25 January 1995. 

This  is the Civil War History of Lesotho:

Though, there is not really obvious Civil war in Lesotho, but due to the fact that many tribes comes together to form Lesotho, the Country, at some extent experienced war with neighboring tribes and other States. It should also be noted that the Britain played some roles in some of the wars. The Wars are grouped into three.

Basotho (Now Lesotho) Wars 1858 - 1868

The three Basotho Wars (1858-68) and the formation of Lesotho (Background Knowledge)

The conflict between the Basotho people and White settlers in what is now the Free State/ Lesotho area, consisted of three wars (1858- 68). The purpose of these three wars was the

Maintenance of Territorial Rights in the area between the Caledon and Orange Rivers; from present day Wepener to Zastron, and the area north of the Caledon River, which includes present day Harrismith and the area further westwards.

The Basotho wars were preceded by the mass migration of several Nguni groups. This migration occurred during the reign of the Zulu King Shaka, who conquered several Nguni groups, which were absorbed into the Zulu kingdom. Other Nguni tribes fled and settled in other areas during this time - which is known as the Mfecane period.

Mfecane - Zulu name, also known as the Difaqane or Lifaqane in Sesotho), is an African expression which means something like "the crushing" or "scattering". It describes a period of widespread chaos and disturbance in southern Africa during the period between 1815 and about 1840.

In 1818, King Moshoeshoe, who was the son of the chief of the Bakotela branch of the Koena/Kwena (Crocodile) clan, helped to gain power over smaller fugitive and displaced clans. In 1820, Moshoeshoe became chief of a larger unit of Southern Sotho groups, who had fallen under his centralized authority due to competition for resources, which was intensified by a drought.

This competition for resources caused these larger groups to seek protection from other marauding groups, and Moshoeshoe and his people retreated to the mountain fortress of Thaba Bosiu in 1824. Moshoeshoe gave assistance to his defeated enemies by giving them land, which led to the establishment of the Basotho nation.

In the late 1820s, a group of Kora (a group of Khoikhoi settlers also known as the Korana) and Dutch speaking people of mixed descent arrived in the vicinity of Moshoeshoe's kingdom. As they were mounted on horseback and armed with guns, the Basotho retreated. This also led to Moshoeshoe deciding to arm his people and give them horses.

The arrival of White settlers in the area, due to the Great Trek, was initially useful to Moshoeshoe, as the settlers created a buffer between the Basotho and the Kora. These White settlers (known as Boers) crossed the Orange River from the Cape Colony in the mid-1820s. Although these settlers allegedly asked for this permission to settle there, they later claimed it - despite Moshoeshoe's view that he had lent it to them. 

In 1845, a treaty was signed, which recognised White settlement in the area; however no boundaries were drawn between the area of White settlement and Moshoeshoe's kingdom. This dispute led to inevitable border clashes and a discernible boundary became necessary.

The British, who then controlled the area between the Orange and Vaal Rivers (the Orange River Sovereignty) eventually proclaimed the Warden line (after Major Warden). This line divided territory between British territory and the Basotho under Moshoeshoe, and stretched from Cornetspruit and the Orange River through Vechtkop to Jammerbergdrift on the Caledon.

The Warden line caused much resentment, as the fertile Caledon River Valley served as a vital area in terms of agriculture for both the British and the Basotho. This border line was therefore not acceptable to Moshoeshoe, and hostility followed, which led to conflict between the Basotho and the British, who were defeated by Moshoeshoe at the battle of Viervoet in 1851. 

In 1851, Moshoeshoe also offered Andries Pretorius an alliance against the British in the sovereignty.

As punishment to the Basotho, Sir George Cathcart then brought troops to the Mohokane River, and Moshoeshoe was ordered to pay a fine. When he did not pay the fine in full, a battle broke out on the Berea Plateau in 1852, where the British suffered heavy losses due to the armed Basotho cavalry. This sealed the fate of the sovereignty, even though Cathcart was initially in favour of withdrawal.

In 1854, the cost of maintaining the sovereignty became too much for the British and they therefore handed over the territory to the Boers through the signing of the Sand River Convention. The Boers therefore claimed the land beyond the Caledon River, naming it the Republic of the Orange Free State.

This began further conflict over land and undefined boundaries with the Basotho, who regarded themselves as the rightful owners, and who continued to use the land for grazing.

This is the summary of First Basotho War:

Further conflict occurred after JN Boshof; President of the OFS, and Moshoeshoe discussed issues of armed conflict and cattle rustling. However, these discussions only led to Boshof declaring war on the Basotho on 19 March 1858 (also stated as 22 March 1858). The Basotho were formidable opponents, and the Boers suffered substantial losses, as they were unable to penetrate the Basotho mountain stronghold of Thaba Bosiu (also called Thaba Bosigo). This war is also known as the First Basotho War or the WAR of SENEKAL (sometimes spelt Senegal).

During this war, the Boers also destroyed many mission stations in the Basotho kingdom, as they blamed them for educating and instilling a sense of pride among the Basotho. These mission stations had been set up by missionaries from the Paris Evangelical Society, who arrived at Thaba Bosiu in 1833. They had helped to unite the Basotho under Moshoeshoe, and were the first to write the Sesotho language.  

This is the summary of the Second Basotho War (Seqiti War):

After this war an uneasy peace followed. J.H Brand, who replaced Boshoff, took initiative and negotiated with Moshoeshoe, who objected that the frontier was not clear. However, hostilities re-surfaced, and President Brand believed that the OFS should use its military superiority against the Basotho.

Moshoeshoe had also realized his precarious position, and had applied for British protection from Sir Philip Wodehouse, a new commissioner who had arrived in the Cape in 1861.

The Warden Line had then been reaffirmed, and although the Basotho were given time to withdraw, attacks continued later nonetheless. In 1865, the Orange Free State launched the Second Basotho War known in Sesotho as the Seqiti War. The word seqiti refers to the sound made by the new cannon the Boers used to crush the Basotho strongholds, mainly in the present day Free State province.

The Free State army then began to seize cattle and destroy crops, and two attempts were then made to storm Moshoeshoe's stronghold at Thaba Bosiu, where Commandant Wepener was killed.

Moshoeshoe was then compelled to accept the peace of Thaba Bosiu on 11 April 1866, due an exhaustion of Basotho food supplies. Moshoeshoe's son Molapo had also allegedly concluded a separate peace treaty.

Moshoeshoe then renewed entreaties for British protection after a short armistice. This was because due to the fact that the Free State Government was late in allocating land, the Basotho slowly advanced over the border line, and further tensions mounted. The Free State Government began to raise an armed force, which was aggravated by the murder of two Whites in Ladybrand in June 1867.

This is the summary of the Third Basotho War:

Brand demanded the hand over of the murderers, but Moshoeshoe stated that he had not agreed to the frontier line of 1866, and therefore the events had not occurred on Free State territory. In July 1867, the third war between the Free State and the Basotho in ten years began, and Boer forces overran Moshoeshoe's land and conquered all the land except the impregnable fortress of Thaba Bosiu.

The Free State forces had achieved great military success, and Moshoeshoe was compelled to ask for British assistance. Basutoland was then annexed on 12 March 1868, after Governor Wodehouse received instructions to negotiate with Moshoeshoe for the recognition of the Basotho as British subjects.

On the 12 March 1868, the British parliament declared the Basotho Kingdom a British protectorate. The Orange Free State was forced to discontinue the war if it was not to raise trouble with the British Empire.

In February 1869, the boundaries of present day Lesotho (previously Basutoland) were then drawn up according to the Convention of Aliwal-North. This convention gave the Conquered Territory to the Free State, and the boundary line was moved further south to Langeberg. No further armed conflict between the Free State and the Basotho took place after this.

As a result, King Moshoeshoe was able to save his kingdom from being overrun by the Boers. King Moshoeshoe died two years in 1870, after the end of war, and was buried at the summit of Thaba Bosiu.

History Of Ondo - Ekimogun and Her Cultural Heritage

Ariel View Ondo City | Image Credit: Getty images 

 

This is the complete history of Ondo Kingdom and their rich cultural heritage. This article traces the origin of Ondo Kingdom in Ondo City and the inhabitants.

This is the origin of Ondo Kingdom and Osemawe:

The historical lines of Ondo-Ekimogun originated from the Palace of Alaafin of Oyo in the ancient city of Oyo, when the wife of Alaafin, Oba Oluaso bore him twins; a male called Orere and a female also called Olu which is forbidden in the palace of every Monarch in the then Yoruba land. 

Till today, Oyo is still regarded as the origin of Yorubas, while the Alaafin of Oyo is the political monarch of all Kings in the Yoruba land.

The then Alafin of Oyo loved the twins mother called Olori OLu so much,  so, on hearing the news of the twins, he lamented that this is a mysterious child - "ese-omo-re" which later transform to "Osemawe" as Oba's title in Ondo kingdom till today.

The Alafin, Oba Oluaso ordered that the twins and their mother be taken out of Oyo City, he also gave instruction that one stroke of facial mark should be cut on each cheek of the twins as "kese" or "ibaramu" mark will cause agony for them on their journey.

The single facial stroke mark became an established custom in Ondo city till today, as it is rear to see a core Ondo indegent without the facial tribal mark. One of the core and notable Ondo sons is the popular award winning Musician - King Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as "Sunny Ade".

King Sunny Ade | Photo credit: Getty images

While on their journey, Olori Olu and the twins were accompanied by the Alafin of Oyo warrior's leader called "ija" or " Uja" (The 'i" sound is usually pronounced as "U" in Ondo dialect), to a place called Epin in the then Fulani kingdom. Though, they later returned to Oyo after the death of Alafin Oba Oluaso in 1497 AD. The new Alafin, Oba Onigbogi also ordered them out of Oyo in 1498 AD with Alaafin warrior leader to the direction of Ile-Ife, (The place regarded as ancestral home of Yorubas, headed by Ooni of Ile-Ife) 

They continued the journey until they reached a place called "Ita Ijama", from where they also arrived at Epe where Iyanghede of Epe received them with joy. This is how Ondos are eulogized today as "Ekimogun, ara ita ijama, a fi agogo ide m'omi".

After a brief stay at Epe land, they desired to look for a permanent settlement. As they left Epe, they arrived at a place which is today called "Ile Oluji"- It is less than 20 minutes drive to Ondo City. The name "Ile Oluji" came up after Olori Olu- Alafin's wife slept for days and did not wake up "Ile ti Olu sun ti ko ji".

Osemawe Palace On Goggle Map | Image Credit: Google

After another short stay, Olori Olu and Princess Olu- the female twins left the town with one Ogunja from Epe, leaving Prince Orere behind in Ile oluji and continued a journey until it ended at the foot of a hill known in Ondo up to the present day as "Oke Agunla." Oke Agunla is less than 5 mins drive to the current Palace of Òsèmawe of Ondo Kingdom. The Oke Agunla is also why Ondos are referred today as "Opon inu odi Ogunja." At the hill, they spotted a smoke rising from below, they then followed in that direction down the hill and met a man whose named was Ekiri; neither farmer nor a hunter. 

Ekiri later lead them to a place called Oriden, where they tried to stick their yam stick unto the ground to prove futile as instructed by an Ifa Oracle before they left Epe.

They were happy and exclaimed "Edo du do to Edo do to Idi edo" and finally transform to Ondo in 1510 AD. Princess Olu, the female twin finally became first Oba Pupupu of Ondo in 1516 AD. While Prince Orere, the male twins became the first Jegun of Ile Oluji.

Origin of religion in Ondo City/town:

The Ondos embraced Roman Catholic Christianity in 1875 under the CMS Missionary worker- Rev. Bishop Phillips and accepted by Oba Ayibikitiwodi; while Oba Jimekun accepted the CMS Anglican Communion in 1884 and Islam in 1888. 

The first Ondo Rev. Father John Akinwale was ordained in 1947, while the first Ondo Anglican Bishop was Rev. D.O. Awosika and Rev. T.O. Olufosoye was the first Archbishop of the Anglican communion of Nigeria; while Alhaji Muhammed Alimi was installed the first Imam of Ondo in 1888. 

Ondo Kingdom has many Cultural events they celebrate yearly, Some of them include: 

1. Odun Oba Festival:

This festival is performed by the King and his Chiefs to celebrate the kingship lineage and also to allow the Prince and princess greet the King. 

Ondo Chiefs during Odun Oba Festival |

Ondo Chiefs during Odun Oba Festival | Photo Credit: Facebook - Adeyemi Tiwalade {Adecocoa}

HRM Oba Victor Kiladejo And His Wife during Odun Oba Festival | Photo Credit: Facebook - Adeyemi Tiwalade {Adecocoa}

FL: Wife of former Ondo State Governor- Olufunke Mimiko, Former Ondo State Governor- Olusegun Mimiko, HRM Oba Victor Kiladejo, jillo III, Olori Kiladejo | Photo Credit: Facebook - FFC

Oba Kiladejo during a festival outing |

2. Odun Ogun Festival

This festival is largely celebrated by Citizens of Ondo Kingdom. It's a day to warship, appreciate and appease Ogun - god of Iron deity. 

Ogun worshippers in Ondo City 

3. Ekimogun Day:

This is a popular celebration in Ondo Kingdom. It is a day celebrated to bring all sons and daughters of Ondo Kingdom; home and diasporas together to celebrate their culture. On this day, various Cultural troops will perform while Ondo people put on various traditional attires to mark the day.

Ondo Culture Heritage Attires, Cloths (Aso Oke) And Beads (uleke) | Photo Credit: Instagram - Ondo Diary

Ondo Kingdom also celebrate some exclusive festivals like: Odun Moko, where females will stay in door from dawn till dusk; Odun opepee, among others.

Ondo people while dancing Obitun Cultural Dance In Ondo Kingdom | Photo Credit: Instagram - Ondo Diary

The Ondo warriors of that time are Ago, Taagba and Jomu-lila known as Jomu till today and that chieftaincy title is family hereditary. The current Jomu is High Chief Ambrose Boluwaji Akinsade. 

History of Osemawe Palace in Ondo Town:

The first Osemawe palace was built by Oba Airo, first son of Oba Pupupu who became Oba in 1530 AD. Oba Adeuga Fidipote 11 built the first modern palace in Ondo when he became Oba in 1935 AD, while Oba Festus Ibidapo Adesanoye- Osungbedelola II built the best recent Oba's palace located at the heart of Ondo Kingdom when he became the 43rd Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom in 1992. The current King is Oba Dr. Victory Adesumbo Ademefun Aderele Kiladejo, Jillo III. 

Entrance gate to Osemawe Palace | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Late Ondo King Festus Ibidapo (1930-2006) | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Current Ondo Monarch, Oba kiladejo, 2006 till Date | Photo Credit; The Punch

Here are Ondo chieftaincy Titles:

The Ondo chieftaincy title are The Iwarefa - (The six High Chiefs: Jomu, Sasere, Odunwo, Lisa, Adaja and Odofin), Ukule, Elegbe, Otu headed by the His Highness Osemawe. While the Upojis- female chiefs headed by the Her Highness, Olobun Oba Obirin in Ondo Kingdom.

The Ukule Chiefs During A Cultural Odun Oba Festival | Image credit: Adeyemi Tiwalade {Adecocoa}

History made it known that Ondo had only one Female Monarch - Oba Pupupu. She was dethroned after she left her Chiefs while in a crucial meeting and went to pack her chickens. Till today, a female never become Monarch in Ondo Kingdom.

But, to make the female more relevant, the title of "Olobun" - Oba Obirin was created and headed by a Female till today.

Major occupations of Ondo People:

The Ondos are known to be Farmers and Marchants. Ondos produce more Cocoa after Idanre Town. Their staple food is Iyan (Pounded Yam), made from yam and they have their own peculiar dialect and very hard working. It must be noted however that Ondo emigrants settlers also founded towns like Igbado, Igbindo, Ajue, Agbabu, Odowo, Igburowo, Odigbo, Oro, Imorun, Ilu Nla, Erinla, Igunshin, Araromi, Araromi Obu, Ajebandele, Oboto, Bolorunduro, Fagbo, lake, Tekuile, Owena, Oke-Opa, Aiyesan, Oka, Oke-igbo and etc.

 

Map of Ondo State | Google Map

Ondo People  are very accommodating and friendly. Though, they are also very stubborn. Ondo People also love eating Dogs, known as 404. They do use both Dog and Goat meat for "Asùn" - a cooked meat with pepper and onion; it could be roasted or boiled after roasting. Arguably, Ondos do say Dog meat is sweeter than Goat Meat.

Dogs displayed for Sale in Ondo | Image credit: Getty Images

When you meet one Ondo indigene next time, tell him "Le o Omo'ndo Ekimogun".

Is Africa truly the cradle of civilization?

 

Africa which is the second-largest continent of the world embraced civilization in the mid-nineteenth century. 

This all happened when the Europeans came down to Africa to look out for gold and other valuable trading products. Suddenly, they started slaving trade. And they were joined by Arabs.

At the beginning of the mid-nineteenth century, more white Europeans traveled down to Africa as missionaries, tourists, and most especially as colonizers. These colonizers brought drastic changes to the "African traditions and culture" then. It was recorded that Africans had their freedom at that time.

Some arms were involved in the modern colonization of Africa: Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. The aforementioned countries introduced their culture to the African countries they colonized. For example, Nigeria, an African country that was colonized by the British empire inherited its culture in terms of the English Language, mode of dressing, western education, communication, new forms of money, and the propagation of the Christian faith. The above example can be likened to other African countries and their colonizers.

Africans were civilized through the influence of their colonizers. But Mesopotamia is regarded as the "cradle of civilization". 

Africa is the second largest continent in the world, as Asia is the known to be the second while Africa right comes after with diverse culture. Different languages around 2000 are spoken in African. Also both the tallest and the shortest animal can be found in Africa. It houses Mount Kilimanjaro. African is the hottest planet in the world. It is also the most center continent to the equator; has a pink lake in Senegal and so on. Amidst this interesting fact about Africa, this doesn't answer the question if Africa should be the cradle of civilization or not. The answer is therefore not far fetch as is the not the cradle of civilization but a cradle of civilization and the cradle of humanity.

civilization as describe by  Google, is explain as the stage of human social and cultural development and organization that is considered most advance. Also the National geographic Society further define it as a complex human society that may have certain characteristics of the cultural and technological development. It is etymologically derived from the Latin word "civitas" to mean "city" that is why sometimes it refers to as urban level society and other times it is used to label human society which have attain special degree of complexity. 

the anthropologies  believes  that civilization is best describe by the using various criteria such as writing, cities, a class-based society, agriculture, metallurgy, public buildings, and monumental architecture. Indeed the figurative use of cradle in the phrase is used to  mean " a place or region in which anything is nurtured or sheltered in its earlier stage."  just as, the possibilities that Africa experienced about 75% of the above features of civilization is false. Similarly have the same conditions also plays out in other ancient cities of the world. While Egypt shares a large sense of civilization for its large government and social hierarchy; great architectural and monument; a writing system, etc. it is believed that their progression was not as fast at it was in other part of the ancient human cities . According a research conduced by the anthropologist , there are about more than 7 other cradles cities around the world namely: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, Ancient China, Ancient India, Ancient Greece, Babylonia, and Mesopotamia, Ancient Crete, ancient Mesoamerica and South America

 However to arrive at a clearer source of civilization has being for long time a great dispute among the anthropologist as many have constructed a ethnocentric opinion especially among the European scholars who believes that society experience different stages of development: savagery, barbarism and civilization. these were explain in as: for the savagery stage, Neolithic; the barbarian, the bronze age farmers and finally the bronze age urban communities for the civilized world. fortunately, this approach has become invalid today since it is linked to cultural superiority by which human communities which are yet civilized are seen as inferior to some extent.

The definite article nullifies the positive response of the opinion as we have discovered that civilization doesn't resides in a singular group. Britannica  argues that all the ancient cities has certain features in common. they all built cities and invented forms of writing. They learn to make crafts such as pottery and use of metal. They raised livestock and has a well organized and social class structure.

Until today however, the certainty as to which among the ancient cities flourished first is still a matter of consideration. But what can't be and won't definitely be subjected to argument is the fact that "the cradle of all human race is Africa."  

 

 

   

 

Sights and Sounds: A Historical review of the Ondo Kingdom

 The emergence of the Ondo kingdom which is also known as “Ondo Ekimogun” started in 1510 at the Palace of Alaafin of Oyo in the ancient city of Oyo when the wife of Oba Alaafin Oluaso gave birth to twins, a male child known as Orere and a female child known as Olu. At that time, the birth of twins is forbidden in the palace of every Oba in Yoruba land. It was said that Oba Oluaso loved his wife so much and on hearing the news of the newly born twins, he lamented that the children were mysterious; ese – omo re, which later transformed to Osemawe as Oba's title in the Ondo kingdom.

 The twins and their mother were banished from Oyo under the command of the Oba Alaafin Oluaso. He further instructed that one stroke of the facial mark should be cut on each cheek of the twins as the kese or ibaramu mark will cause anguish for them on their journey. The single facial stroke mark became a modeled fashion in Ondo town to date. This is why the Ondo is referred to today as omo mula meji si oju s’eye.

Journey:

The twins were accompanied by the Alaafin of Oyo warrior's leader called ija or uja with their mother to Epin in the then Fulani kingdom. They later returned to Oyo after the demise of Oba Alaafin Oluaso in 1497 AD. The new Oba Alaafin Onigbogi also ordered them out of Oyo in 1498 AD with Alaafin warrior leader to the direction of Ile – Ife. They continued on this journey until they reached ita Ijama. This is why Ondo is referred to as Ekimogun ara ita Ijama today.

They didn’t stop at ita Ijama, they arrived at Epe where Iyanghede of Epe gave them a warm welcome with Royal hospitality treatment. This is why Ondo is referred to today as omo mude agogo mu omi.

After a brief stay at Epe, they continued with their quest to look for a permanent settlement. They arrived at a place now known as Ile Oluji, where Queen Olu(Alaafin's wife) slept for days without waking up. This specific place(or town) was named after the aforementioned incidence(Ile ti Olu sun ti ko Ji). After another short stay, Queen Olu and Princess Olu, the female twins left the town with one Ogunja from Epe, leaving Prince Orere behind at Ile – Oluji. They continued this journey until it ended at the foot of a hill now known as Oke Agunla. This is how Ondo is referred to today as opon inu odi Ogunja.

At the hill, they noticed a cloud of smoke rising from beneath and followed that direction down the hill and saw a man who identified himself as Ekiri. He was a lost warrior from Ado Benin(now Benin city). Ekiri decided to stay back at that particular place where he was found through a cloud of smoke in the air, with no family. He lived in a but which he vacated for Princess Olu as an expression of honor.

Ekiri later led them to a specific ground known today as Oriden where they tried to stick their yam stake proved futile as instructed by an Ifa Oracle before they left Epe. They were all glad and exa cloud of smoke:

                Edo do,

                Edo du do,

                Idi edo.


Which was finally transmitted to Ode Ondo during the ancient time.
Princess Olu, the female twin who is also known today as the late Oba Pupupu, eventually became the first Osemawe of the Ondo kingdom in 1516 AD while Prince Orere became the first Jegun of Ile – Oluji.
 

Royal mark:
It is said that the other historical Royal mark is cut onto the right breast of the descendant of past Osemawes from both male and female lineage with a prestigious birthright to Otunba title as known and practiced till today. The Royal families and Otunbas title bearers in the Ondo kingdom are headed by Olotu omo-oba(lotu omo-oba-in-council) with the official quarter at Oke- Otunba and its environs.

Dialect:
The Ondo have their specific dialect. It must be emphasized that Ondo emigrant settlers also founded many towns like Igbado, Ajue, Araromi Obu, Bolorunduro, Oke – Igbo, etc. When you listen to the dialects of the people from the aforementioned places, you will agree with me that Ondo is their source.

Innovation:
The first Osemawe palace was built by the late Oba Airo who was the first son of the late Oba Pupupu. He became the second Osemawe in 1530 AD after his mother. Late Oba Adeuga Fidipote II built the first ancient modern palace in Ondo when he became 40th Osemawe in 1935 AD while late Oba Festus Ibidapo Adesanoye- Osungbedelola II built the multimillionaire and befitting  Osemawe Palace in Ondo after he became the 43rd Osemawe of Ondo kingdom in 1992. The current Osemawe of the Ondo kingdom is Oba Dr. Victor Kiladejo Jilo III. He is the 44th Osemawe. And he was crowned the king on December 1, 2006


 Religion:
The Ondo embraced Roman Catholic Christianity in 1875 and this move was approved by late Oba Ayibikitiwodi while late Oba Jimekun accepted the CMS Anglican Communion in 1884 and Islam in 1888.

Food:

The Ondo are fond of eating pounded yam with okra soup or black soup.


Clothes:
Ondo’s traditional attires dignify them in any society they find themselves in. They are known for their consistent use of the old Aso- oke types. A few of their traditional attires are etu, alaari, sanyan, etc.
 

Occupation:
They are also known to be traders, farmers, or produce merchants of kola nuts, cocoa, etc.

Festivals:
The popular traditional festivals in Ondo are Odun Oba, Odun Ogun, Odun Moko, etc.

And Ekimogun Day Festival was recently initiated with the sole purpose of bringing all Ondo indigenes together annually to celebrate their prestigious heritage.

 

 
 

History of the Alaafin of the Oyo Empire [1210 to date]

 

 Yorubaland is the cultural region of the Yoruba people in West Africa. It spans the modern-day countries of Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. Its pre-modern history is based largely on oral traditions and legends. According to Yoruba religion, Oduduwa became the ancestor of the first divine king of the Yoruba.

By the 8th century, Ile-Ife was already a powerful Yoruba kingdom, one of the earliest in Africa south of the Sahara-Sahel. Almost every Yoruba settlement traces its origin to princes of Ile-Ife. As such, Ife can be regarded as the cultural and spiritual homeland of the Yoruba nation.

Ile-Ife was a settlement of substantial size between the 12th and 14th centuries, with houses featuring potsherd pavements. It is known worldwide for its ancient and naturalistic bronze as well as stone and terracotta sculptures, which reached their peak of artistic expression between 1200 and 1400.

The Oyo Empire was a powerful Yoruba empire of West Africa made up of parts of present-day eastern Benin and western Nigeria (including Southwest zone and the western half of Northcentral zone). It grew to become the largest Yoruba-speaking state and rose through the outstanding organizational and administrative skills of the Yoruba people, wealth gained from trade, and a powerful cavalry. The Oyo Empire was one of the most politically important states in the entirety of Western Africa from the mid-7th to the late 18th century, and held sway not only over most of the other kingdoms in Yorubaland, but also over nearby African states, notably the Fon Kingdom of Dahomey in the modern Republic of Benin on its west.

The origins of the Oyo Empire lie with Oranyan (also known as Oranmiyan), the last prince of the Yoruba Kingdom of Ile-Ife (Ife). Oranyan made an agreement with his brother to launch a punitive raid on their northern neighbors for insulting their father Oduduwa, the first Ooni of Ife. On the way to the battle, the brothers quarreled and the army split up. Oranyan's force was too small to make a successful attack, so he wandered the southern shore until reaching Bussa. There the local chief entertained him and provided a large snake with a magic charm attached to its throat.

The chief instructed Oranyan to follow the snake until it stopped somewhere for seven days and disappeared into the ground. Oranyan followed the advice and founded Oyo where the serpent stopped. The site is remembered as Ajaka. Oranyan made Oyo his new kingdom and became the first "oba" (meaning 'king' or 'ruler' in the Yoruba language) with the title of "Alaafin of Oyo" (Alaafin means 'owner of the palace' in Yoruba). He left all his treasures in Ife and allowed another king to rule there.

At one time, Oyo-ile was at war with the Bariba of Borgu, who wanted to subjugate the new city still under construction. Orangun Ajagunla of Ila, Oranmiyan's elder brother, stormed in with his men to assist. Not long after the war was won, Oranmiyan had a son, Ajuwon Ajaka; much later Arabambi was born by the woman from Tapa (Nupe). It is believed that the name "Sango" was given by his maternal grandfather or he adopted it from the local name for the God of Thunder. Either way the royal family was devoted to The Spirits of Thunder (Jakuta) and War (Ogun).

Oranyan, the first oba (king) of Oyo, was succeeded by Oba Ajaka, Alaafin of Oyo. Ajaka was deposed, because he lacked Yoruba military virtue and allowed his sub-chiefs too much independence.Leadership was then conferred upon Ajaka's brother, Shango, who was later deified as the deity of thunder and lightning. Ajaka was restored after Sango's death. Ajaka returned to the throne thoroughly more warlike and oppressive. His successor, Kori, managed to conquer the rest of what later historians would refer to as metropolitan Oyo

The title was retained after the fall of the Oyo Empire as the official title of the ceremonial ruler of the contemporary natives of Oyo, Nigeria. The Alaafin is the political head of the Yoruba people and the only monarch with the pre-requisite power to appoint a chieftain representing the entire Yorubaland. Examples of such appointments include Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and Iyalode of Yorubaland.

As of 2021 the Alaafin (Emperor) of Oyo was Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III who was the 45th Alaafin, celebrated his 50th year on the throne. The Grand Custodian of Yoruba Culture and Tradition and the Emperor of Yorubas.

Sights and Sounds- A Historical Review of Gombe, Nigeria

 

Boarded to four out of the six regional political zone by five different states, Gombe state is a state in Northeastern Nigeria. These states are Borno and Yola to the North and NorthEast, Bauchi State to the West, Taraba State to the South, and Adamawa State to the SouthEast. Gombe State is the state's capital and largest city. It was founded on October 1st 1996 from a part of Bauchi State during the regime of the late General Sanni Abacha. The climate of the state is warm not exceeding 30°C during hot months. It's hot months ranges from March to May with a monthly average rainfall of 850mm.

Topographically, the state is within the tropical West Sudanian Savannah eco-region, and it has some important geographic features which include the Gongola River which flows through Gombe's North and East into Lake Dadin Kowa, and part of the Muri Mountains; a small range in the state's remote south. Gombe state comprises of 11 Local Government Area which are Nada, Gombe, Biliru, Yamaltu-Deba, Kwami, Kaltungo, Akko, Balanfa, Dukku, Funnakaye, and Shongom Local Government Areas.

Ethnically, it's inhabited by diverse ethnic groups of which the Fulanis seems the primary inhabitant of the north and centre of the state along with the Bolewa, Kanuri, Lugunda, Dadiya, Jukin, Babunka, Per or Shonge, Tera, Tangale, Kumo, Tula, Cham, and Hausa people.

Religiously, Gombe state's population which is 2,353,879 as at 2016 are more of Muslims with a 75%, Christians are 20%, while traditionalist are 5%, respectively. The Muslims are the majority, while the rest are the minorities.

Politically, Muhammad Inuwa Yahayah, an APC candidate elected on March 2019 is the current governor. At the local level, they have 14 Emirates also called Chiefdoms.

Economically, Gombe state is a state based on agriculture. Food crops like sorghum, groundnuts, tomatoes, millets, and yam crops form the basis of their farming. They also engage in livestock farming like sheep, goats, camels, and cattles. In its economical status, Gombe State has the fourth lower Human Development Index and second lowest Gross Domestic Product in the country. Their main investment opportunities are Agribusiness, Light Manufacturing, Healthcare, energy, Mining, and Tourism. Speaking of Tourism, the state has lots of sights that are tourism worthy. Some of these sights are: The Tula Plateau, The Bulok Warm Spring, Dadin Kowa Dam, The Kalam Hill, and The Bace Hills, The Tomb of Sultan Atta among others. The state produces some solid minerals like Uranium, Gypsum, Clay, Limestone, Quartz, Magnetite, Trona, Potash, Feldspar,  Granite, Chips, Flutters Earth, Diatomite, Ore, Kaolin, Silica Sand, Mica, and Iron.

Culturally, the state holds some festivals, and the Kamo Cultural festival is one of them. It is a festival of togetherness celebrated by Kamo and Awake ethnic group by Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, yearly. It is being celebrated in April to unite the people of double ethnic grouping. It is a lively festival that people normally participate it, and it is unusual not to, as anyone who doesn't participate in the festival is being considered as a sadist. Other festivals are the Pissi Tangle festival, Chugothe festival, Kaltungo festival, Kuram festival, Yeka festival, Bushari festival, Yiliru festival, and Ilar-Zhare festival. 

Gombe State's Slogan is Jewel of Savannah, as the eco-region of the state is within the tropical West Sudanian Savannah.

Welcome to the Jewel of Savannah✌

Everything you need to Know about the Old Bagauda Hotel

The Bagauda Lake Hotel is the first resort and hotel complex designed and constructed by the Kano State back in 1979 for 3.5 Million Naira.

 

It is a 348 bed modern facility with VIP suites, 33 pairs of chalets, 59 huts, a restaurant block, a pool and 462 seat open air theatre,

 

The Old

The Beauty of Kaduna's 106 Year Old Lugard Hall

Built in the shape of a star, the popular Lugard Hall has a central pavilion with a domed roof. It served as the legislative House of the defunct Northern Nigeria, when Kaduna was the capital of the Northern Region from 1954 to 1967. The Lugard Hall complex was built for the northern legislatures at that time. It is also a replica of the British House of Commons and the House of Lords, making it the third of its kind in the world.

The Lugard Hall was constructed by the British colonial government around 1914. The idea of the hall came as a result of the relocation of the headquarters of Northern Nigeria from Zungeru to Kaduna in 1911. The building’s design was brought by Lord Frederick Lugard who was then Governor of Northern Nigeria. 

 

The historic Lugard Hall is situated at the centre of a circular road in the northern part of Kaduna. It neighbours the Murtala Square by the north. It was constructed with significant resemblance with the typical palaces of northern emirs. In its design, it has decorative motifs and stands at the head of the main street.

Read: How Prospa is Helping Nigerian Brand Open Corporate Businesses for Free

It was named after Lord Lugard, who brought the building's design when he moved to Nigeria from India in 1904. Today, the hall which was once a beehive of activities (because it was established for the whole Northern Region), now serves only one of the 20 units that made up the whole north, Kaduna State. It remains a legislative place up till today 

Two things are responsible for the end of the glorious days of the Lugard Hall; the splitting of the Northern Region into states and disinterest on the activities of the legislatures by Nigerians.

 

The Principal Adviser on building matters to the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Mamman Kankia, said the first person to occupy the Hall was Lord Lugard. He said, “Lugard Hall was not built for buying and selling but for meeting. The Arabic inscription at the corner of the Hall was written by me. Majority of the decisions taken on the region were reached there. The centre became less busy when states were created from the region. Before the creation of states in the region, a week will not pass without northerners coming from different parts of the region to meet on how to move the region forward,” he said.

In the same vein, Lugard roundabout got its prominence because the roundabout links the Hall with the Kaduna city centre. Visitors coming from other parts of the north have to pass through the roundabout before entering the Hall. The roundabout, as it is now, is the biggest of all roundabouts in the city of Kaduna. The murals used in decorating the roundabout are another point of attraction for visitors and even residents.

The Lugard Hall complex currently comprises two prominent historical structures - the Lugard Memorial Councils Chamber and the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The Lugard memorial chamber, which was also referred to as the Northern House of Chiefs, is still the venue where Northern emirs have their meetings.

 

Read: Twin Sisters Impregnated by Same man   Dedicate Children

The stone for the construction of the building was laid on the 27th of June 1947 by the late Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Abubakar III. He was assisted by Arthur F. Richard. As soon as it was completed, it served as the meeting place for Northern emirs and also for both the nominated and elected representatives of the northern region before the attainment of independence in 1960.