Morogbo Town
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The Morogbo Land Heritage: A Legacy of Sovereignty and Progress
The history of Oto is defined by the defense of its ancestral boundaries and the evolution of its people. Among our most
significant historical landmarks is the legal victory over the Morogbo territory—a victory that stands as a testament to the
resilience of the Opeseyi family and the protection of the inheritance of all descendants of Aregi Ope.
From the earliest days of our settlement, the lands of Morogbo were held and managed by the founding familiy of Oto. While our ancestors initially utilized these lands for farming on the western bank of the Ologe Lagoon, their vision was always for the expansion and civilization of our people. These lands have been under the continuous stewardship of the descendants of Aregi Ope from “time immemorial”.
The transformation of Morogbo into a structured community began decades ago. Approximately forty years prior to the 1920s, settlers sought and received formal permission from the leadership in Oto to reside on the land. This act established a formal social order where the recognition of Oba Opeseyi Oshoja as the rightful landlord became the cornerstone of the region’s civilized administration.
In the early 20th century, a significant dispute arose between Oba of Oto and Alase of Agbara, intensified by the administrative division between the Colony (where Oto was situated) and the Protectorate (where Agbara was located). The Alase of Agbara challenged the regional borders, attempting to claim the lands south as far as the Ologe Lagoon.
Stepping forward as the Plaintiff to defend his personal ownership and the Opeseyi lineage was Oba Opeseyi Oshoja. In a landmark case held at the Supreme Court in Badagry (Suit No. 442/25), the Oba personally stated his case, relying on the indisputable truth of our history and the established social structure of our community.
On July 7, 1927, after a thorough review of the evidence and a physical inspection of the land, the court delivered a historic verdict.
The court found that while the defendants could not prove their use of the land, Oba Opeseyi Oshoja showed clearly that his people had established themselves in Morogbo for many years, creating a settled and recognizable presence.
The court affirmed that the residents of Morogbo recognized only Oba Opeseyi Oshoja as their landlord, honoring his title through established traditional tributes.
The Supreme Court entered a final judgment in favor of Oba Opeseyi Oshoja, formally granting him the Declaration of Title to the land known as Morogbo.
This victory was far more than a legal win; it was the formal protection of Aregi Ope and his brother’s legacy and the securing of our town’s future expansion. By securing ownership of Morogbo, Oba Opeseyi Oshoja ensured that the land remained a place where a civilized and organized society could flourish under the guidance of its rightful heirs.
Today, the Opeseyi family continues to serve as the guardians of this heritage. We honor the strength and wisdom of our ancestors who fought to ensure that the “Different Place” (Oto) would grow from a small settlement into the vibrant, modern society we see today.
