Here are the important facts about the historic uprising known as Ogun Okuta in Akure:
1. First Indigenous Revolt in Akure
The revolt took place on July 27, 1931 in Akure.
It is regarded as the first organized indigenous uprising in Akure’s history.
2. Reign of Oba Afunbiowo Adesida I
The monarch at the time was Oba Afunbiowo Adesida I, the Deji of Akure.
He was accused by the people of supporting British colonial taxation policies.
3. Cause of the Revolt – Head Tax Increment
The British colonial government introduced taxation in Akure in 1917.
An increase in the head tax to six shillings in 1931 triggered widespread anger.
Economic hardship caused by the Great Depression (1929–1938) worsened the situation.
Cocoa prices had crashed, leading to severe financial distress.
4. Corruption in Customary Courts
Court clerks allegedly demanded bribes such as:
Six shillings for forms
Tubers of yam
A cock
Firewood
Local gin
These practices increased resentment among the people.
5. Key Protest Leader
A spokesman, Mr. Akomolede, rejected the increased tax and insisted on paying only three shillings.
His arrest by Native Authority police sparked mass outrage.
6. Why It Was Called “Ogun Okuta”
“Ogun Okuta” means “War of Stone Pellets.”
Protesters threw stones at the Deji and colonial officials inside the Native Court Hall.
The palace and court were attacked and vandalized.
7. Colonial Crackdown
Native Authority police besieged Akure until August 11, 1931.
Many residents were arrested, jailed, or forced into exile.
Farms, livestock, and goods were destroyed.
8. Not Just About Tax
The revolt was also fueled by:
Allegations that tax money sponsored princes and princesses’ education.
Growing distrust of traditional leadership aligned with colonial authorities.
Historians note that the revolt had multiple causes, not just taxation.
9. How the Crisis Was Resolved
Oba Afunbiowo:
Mobilized chiefs and prominent indigenes to appeal for peace.
Denied misuse of tax funds.
Used diplomacy and traditional conflict-resolution methods.
Allegedly consulted traditional oracles.
Threatened to abdicate (a serious cultural taboo), which pressured people to embrace peace.
Worked toward the release of arrested leaders.
10. Historical Significance
Ogun Okuta remains a landmark event in Akure’s political history.
It symbolized early indigenous resistance to colonial economic policies.
It demonstrated the tension between traditional authority and colonial administration.
what history do you know about this war?
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