(1855–1925) Son of Sulola, Grandson of Oba Matanmi of Osogbo

INTRODUCTION

This historical documentation presents the life, legacy, and contributions of Prince Olaniyan Aremu Olawoore, a distinguished royal descendant of Oba Oladejobi Oladele Matanmi of Osogbo. He was born in 1855 and passed away in 1925, leaving behind a legacy deeply etched into the political, infrastructural, and cultural development of Osogbo during the colonial era.

Contributions During the Reign of Oba Atanda Olukeye Olugbeju Matanmi II


Under the reign of Oba Gbeja, Olaniyan served as Babakekere (Deputy to the King) — a role that had never happened before him in the history of Osogbo — and played a pivotal role in the transformation of Osogbo.

(When the British wanted to establish a court in Osun Division (i.e., the Osun area), the representative named Olaniyan requested that the British colonial officers at the time appoint him (Olaniyan) as the first person to preside over the court that was to be established in the Osun area. At that time, Olaniyan was the chairman of the said court.)

The towns that came to receive judgment from Olaniyan, the trustworthy son of Ataoja and the legal representative in that era, included: Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Ayedaade, Iwo and its environs, Ogbomosho and its environs, Ejigbo, and other towns under these areas. The court in Osogbo, which Olaniyan chaired, was the one from which all these towns received legal rulings. While Olaniyan was alive, he stated that the number of towns under his jurisdiction authority amounted to one hundred and forty-three (143 towns).

HIS NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS INCLUDE:
  1. Introduction of the Railway to Osogbo in 1907, connecting the town to broader trade and transport networks.
  2. Establishment of the Osun Division Court in 1910, serving as the first chairman appointed by colonial authorities.
  3. Construction of a motorable road to Ikirun in 1911.
  4. Road expansion from Ode-Osun Elégbèjá to Ede in 1911.
  5. Road development from Osogbo to Ilobu and Ogbomosho in 1912.
  6. Conversion of forestland into markets, notably the creation of Oja Tesan (Station Market).
  7. Transformation of wild bushland into housing settlements, initiating modern housing development with corrugated iron roofing (as opposed to thatch) in 1910.
  8. Designation of lands for judicial purposes, such as the Ile Igbéjó (Settlement Hall).
 


His policies — like banning thatch roofing — significantly reduced fire outbreaks in the town. He was also a key figure in the early phases of urban planning, land distribution, and public welfare