When Prince Olateru Olagbegi was just six years old in 1916, he was taken to a revered oracle in Owo. The prophecy delivered that day was striking: in 25 years, he would become the Olowo (king) of Owo, reign for another 25 years, be deposed, and then return to the throne exactly 25 years after that.
Amazingly, history unfolded almost exactly as foretold.
In 1941, precisely 25 years later, Prince Olateru Olagbegi was crowned as Oba Olateru Olagbegi II, the Olowo of Owo. He ruled for another 25 years until the political crisis in Western Nigeria led to his suspension in 1966 and eventual deposition in 1968.
A King in Exile
After his deposition, Oba Olagbegi spent the next 25 years in exile in Ibadan. There, he lived a relatively quiet life but remained socially active, becoming a notable member of the Ibadan Tennis Club, where his love for sports—especially tennis—kept him in public view.
Then, in a twist that aligned perfectly with the old prophecy, he was reinstated as Olowo in 1993 by Ondo State Governor Bamidele Olumilua. The oracle’s prediction had come full circle.
Royal Roots and Political Rivals
The Olowo of Owo holds a unique place among Yoruba monarchs and is traditionally regarded as a royal brother to the Oba of Benin. Oba Olagbegi was tall, athletic, and charismatic, with a personality that made him widely admired.
A key part of his legacy was his complex relationship with his cousin, Michael Ajasin, who later became a major political figure. Ironically, it was Olagbegi who sponsored Ajasin’s education in Sierra Leone in 1945, enabling him to become the first principal of Imade College, Owo, in 1949. Their early friendship would later turn into political rivalry.
In 1951, Obafemi Awolowo and his associates formed the Action Group (AG) at the Olowo’s palace. Both Olagbegi and Ajasin warmly hosted the gathering. However, about a decade later, political lines shifted. Olagbegi aligned with Ladoke Akintola against Awolowo, while Ajasin remained loyal to Awolowo.
This rift sparked violent unrest in Owo, forcing Ajasin to flee for his life. Olagbegi’s alliance with Akintola earned him the powerful position of President of the Western Region House of Chiefs.
But with the 1966 military coup and the assassination of Akintola, Olagbegi lost his political shield. His appeals to the new military authorities failed, and in 1968 he was formally deposed by Robert Adebayo, then Military Governor of Western State.
Knighted and Reinstated
Despite his political downfall, Oba Olagbegi was honored internationally. In 1960, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the British Empire and thereafter became known as Sir Olateru Olagbegi.
In 1993, history aligned once again with prophecy. Following the death of his successor, he was reinstated to the throne—exactly 25 years after his removal. The decision marked a dramatic and symbolic return that cemented his place in Yoruba history.
A Legacy Like No Other
Oba Olateru Olagbegi II passed away in 1998, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and an enormous royal family. He fathered over 140 children, with 117 documented. Among his descendants were:
35 lawyers (including 10 High Court judges)
25 medical doctors
23 engineers
22 chartered accountants
Over 100 university graduates
He was succeeded by his son, Oba Olateru Olagbegi III, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Oba Olateru Olagbegi II’s life remains one of prophecy, power, exile, and triumphant return. His reign witnessed political upheaval, cultural evolution, and historic reconciliation. As a father of over 140 children and a monarch who returned to his throne against all odds, he left behind a story of resilience and legacy that continues to fascinate generations.
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