The Palace of the Alágo-Oja of Ago-Oja in Oyo State has asked government agencies, media organisations and researchers to stop using “Isale-Oyo” as an alternative name for the community, insisting that Ago-Oja has a distinct historical and traditional identity.
In a statement signed by the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ganiyu Ajiboye Busari, the Alágo-Oja of Ago-Oja, the community said its name should be retained in official records, publications and reports.
The palace said the call was aimed at correcting what it described as the growing and inaccurate substitution of Ago-Oja with “Isale-Oyo”.
“Our community is Ago-Oja. We respectfully reject the use of ‘Isale-Oyo’ as a replacement for our historical name,” the palace said.
It urged government authorities, mapping organisations, media outlets and researchers to recognise Ago-Oja as the community’s official name.
The palace also sought to separate the identity issue from the authority and cultural significance of the Alaafin institution, saying its position should not be interpreted as opposition to the traditional institution.
It said, “Respecting the Alaafin institution, however, does not require the erasure of Ago-Oja’s distinct origins.”
According to the palace, historical works by scholars including Rev. Samuel Johnson, M.C. Adeyemi, Robert S. Smith, Daryll Forde, P.M. Kaberry and Stephen Goddard had documented the historical role of Oja and Ago-Oja in the settlement that developed into New Oyo.
It called for the history of the community to be approached through scholarship and historical evidence rather than political or traditional rivalry.
The palace also said Ago-Oja’s insistence on preserving its identity was not a call for confrontation or community discord.
“Ago-Oja can honour Yoruba tradition and respect the Alaafin while simultaneously preserving its own name and heritage,” it said.
On recent public commentaries concerning Supreme Court proceedings, the palace said it was awaiting formal communication from the Alaafin’s side before taking any action.
It said any response required from the palace would follow established legal and traditional channels rather than informal media exchanges.
The palace further called for maturity and mutual respect in public discussions surrounding the issue, while urging institutions and media organisations to update their records to reflect Ago-Oja.
It said Ago-Oja remained committed to preserving its historical heritage while respecting Oyo, the Alaafin institution and Yoruba tradition.
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