Yoruba group expresses gratitude to Olubadan for affirming sovereignty over Sasa land

April 09, 2025

By Adedoja Adesoji

The Yoruba Nation Global Directorate has extended its profound gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, for reaffirming Yoruba sovereignty over Sasa land.

This was contained in a letter signed by Barrister Olatayo Ogedengbe on behalf of the group, made available to The Yoruba Times on Wednesday.

The decision comes after the Olubadan recognized Chief Akinade Ajana Amusa as the legitimate Baale of Sasa, following concerns over an individual assuming the title “Sarkin Sasa,” a designation foreign to Yoruba traditional chieftaincy and governance.

The issue began when the Concerned Youths of Sasa petitioned the Olubadan in March 2025, expressing concerns over attempts to establish a Hausa-Fulani ruling dynasty in Ibadanland.

They cited the installation of Alhaji Haruna Mai-Yatsin Katsina as “Sarkin Hausawa” of Sasa Community in 1979/1980, who later assumed the title “Sarkin Sasa” and exercised overlordship over Sasa market activities.

In response, the Olubadan directed that no individual should assume foreign titles like “Sarkin” within Yoruba territory, affirming the sanctity of Yoruba traditional structures.

The royal pronouncement emphasizes that using alien titles constitutes an affront to the Olubadan stool and Yoruba heritage.

The Yoruba Nation Global Directorate has expressed gratitude to the Olubadan for his decisive action and called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to issue similar declarations regarding non-Yoruba titles.

The organization stresses the importance of protecting Yorubaland’s cultural sovereignty, a duty they consider sacred.

The Olubadan plays a vital role in the governance and cultural preservation of Ibadanland, with a rich history dating back to the 16th century.

The Olubadan’s position is unique, with a rotational system between two ruling lines, the Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military) lines.