One of the gates of Ogbomoso, 1901Ogbomoso is not just a town—it is a symbol of yoruba endurance, survival, and resilience. By 1963, it had grown into one of the ten largest towns in the Western State of Nigeria, but its legacy dates back to the turbulent 19th century.During the Yoruba wars, Ogbomoso became a stronghold, sheltering thousands fleeing destruction, particularly from the Fulani Jihadists advancing from Ilorin. Its remarkable defense was noted by Reverend William Henry Clarke in the 1850s:"The town of Ogbomoso, which protected the aggregating population of many surrounding towns, sustained its defense long and well and, with three or four others, now stands the remnant of what was once the original kingdom of the Yoruba."From a modest settlement of about one-third of a square mile, Ogbomoso expanded rapidly, reaching two square miles by 1840 with a population exceeding 40,000. Its survival ensured that it preserved an unbroken historical tradition and became a melting pot of Yoruba cultural narratives.For centuries, its rich oral history remained largely undocumented until Chief Nathaniel D. Oyerinde published Iwe Itan Ogbomoso in 1934. Today, Ogbomoso stands as a living testament to the resilience of the Yoruba people and the enduring spirit of its ancestors.What are your thoughts on this incredible history? Have you visited Ogbomoso or heard stories about its past? Share in the comments!