A Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Think Yoruba First (TYF), has called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakukehin, to put an end to the Sarkin Sasa dynasty, arguing that it lacks both legal recognition and historical legitimacy.
In a statement signed by TYF President Oladimeji Bolarinwa, the group strongly opposed the rumored appointment of a new Sarkin Sasa following the passing of Alhaji Haruna Mai-Yatsin Katsina, stating that such a move threatens the indigenous structure of Ibadanland.
“An Attempt to Institutionalize Hegemony”
TYF believes that allowing the Sarkin Sasa title to continue amounts to creating a Hausa-Fulani ruling dynasty in Ibadan, which they insist must be resisted. They argue that the title is not recognized under Oyo State Chiefs Law and, therefore, has no legal standing.
Citing a letter sent to the Olubadan-in-Council by concerned Sasa youth leaders Jelili Isiaka and Bamidele Isaac, TYF recalled that Alhaji Haruna Mai-Yatsin Katsina, who was installed in 1979/1980 as the Sarkin Hausawa of Sasa, later began wrongfully parading himself as ‘Sarkin Sasa’, claiming authority over the community and its market—despite traditional rulership being under the Baale of Sasa.
The letter also pointed out that Sasa itself was formed in 1977 after the displacement of 33 Ibadan villages due to the construction of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Initially, the Hausa settlers were traders, but TYF insists that Alhaji Haruna overstepped his role by exerting undue control over the area. The former Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, had in 2021 reaffirmed that the Baale of Sasa remains the only recognized leader of the community.
Call for Action & Renaming Sasa
TYF is urging the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to take decisive action by formally abolishing the Sarkin Sasa title to maintain Ibadan’s traditional leadership structure.
Furthermore, the group suggested renaming Sasa, which originally stood for Structural Adjustment Settlement Area, to reflect Yoruba heritage. Their proposed names include “Abuledoja,” symbolizing Sasa’s cultural roots, or “Fijabi,” in honor of its first Baale.
As debates over Ibadan’s traditional rulership continue, TYF maintains that preserving Yoruba heritage and ensuring legally recognized leadership remains paramount.
