Want to know the list of the Past Olofas of Offa? You’re in the place.
Offa is a city rich in courage, craft, and culture and stands tall in Kwara State, Nigeria, with over 200,000 people calling it home.
Known for its weaving and dyeing tradition, sweet potato and maize farming, and a proud legacy of wrestling, Offa remains one of the most historically influential Yoruba kingdoms in Nigeria.
But at the heart of this city’s story lies a line of remarkable rulers, the Olofas of Offa whose reigns stretch from the 14th century to today.
This is a full list of past Olofas of Offa till date, their timelines, and the stories that shaped the throne.
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Brief History of Offa
Founded around the late 14th century by Olalomi Olofa-gangan, a prince from the Oranmiyan royal line in Ile-Ife, Offa was built on courage and migration.
The city grew to become the spiritual and commercial hub of the Ibolo kingdom, linking other Yoruba settlements through trade, warfare, and diplomacy.
Offa’s people are known for their unity and enterprise.
From Owode Market; the city’s major trading center to its ties with Offatedo (Osun State), Iyana Offa (Oyo State), and Offa in Côte d’Ivoire, the city’s cultural footprint extends far beyond Kwara.
Chronological List of Olofas of Offa (1397 – 2025)
Below is the complete list of all past Olofas of Offa till date, showing the reign periods and key highlights of their leadership.
| No. | Olofa of Offa | Reign Period | Years on Throne | Notable Events During Reign |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olalomi Olofa Gangan | 1397 – 1448 | 51 | Founder of Offa; descendant of Oranmiyan dynasty from Ile-Ife to Oyo. |
| 2 | Olutide | 1448 – 1491 | 43 | Fought wars with Nupes; settled at Offa Esun. |
| 3 | Olugbensinde | 1491 – 1526 | 35 | Moved the people to Offa-Igbolotu. |
| 4 | Oluwole | 1526 – 1567 | 41 | Defended Offa in renewed Nupe wars. |
| 5 | Okunmolu | 1567 – 1624 | 57 | Relocated the town to its present site, Offa-Igboro. |
| 6 | Olusanle | 1624 – 1679 | 55 | Helped Alafin expand territory. |
| 7 | Olusanmi | 1679 – 1726 | 47 | Consolidated peace and trade routes. |
| 8 | Olugbense | 1726 – 1786 | 60 | Constructed roads in Offa; settled Offa–Erinle conflict via Alafin’s intervention. |
| 9 | Bamgbola Aremu Agbojojoye | 1789 – 1800 | 11 | Enjoyed a peaceful reign. |
| 10 | Amodu Agaka | 1800 – 1803 | 3 | Faced Fulani wars affecting Offa and Oyo. |
| 11 | Olumorin Anilelerin | 1803 – 1832 | 29 | Led Offa during Nupe invasions; relocated people to Ido-Osun and later Iseyin. |
| 12 | Alade Alebiosu | 1832 – 1844 | 12 | Recognized as Supreme Overlord of Ibolo Kingdom. |
| 13 | Ariyi Omolaoye | 1844 – 1850 | 6 | Short reign marked by local skirmishes. |
| 14 | Morounhunfolu Okunoye | 1850 – 1882 | 32 | Jalumi War era; requested aid from Ibadan; died before war ended. |
| 15 | Atoloye Adegboye (1st Reign) | 1882 – 1886 | 4 | Continued Jalumi War; relocated to Ido-Osun. |
| 16 | Arokansorisa Otaogbaiye | 1886 – 1902 | 6 | Reigned while Adegboye was in exile. |
| 17 | Atoloye Adegboye (2nd Reign) | 1902 – 1906 | 4 | Returned from exile; Offa railway line reached town. |
| 18 | Oyeniran Ariwajoye I | 1906 – 1917 | 11 | Train service began; first CMS Primary School founded; Offa became 2nd-class chiefdom. |
| 19 | Arojojoye Adeboye | 1917 – 1920 | 3 | Construction of Offa–Erinle road. |
| 20 | Abidoye | 1920 – 1926 | 6 | Highly admired ruler; period of calm. |
| 21 | Esuwoye | 1926 – 1936 | 10 | Roofed the royal palace with iron sheets, the first in the region. |
| 22 | Wuraola Isioye | 1936 – 1957 | 21 | Oversaw rebuilding of Onimoka shrine; ODU (Offa Descendants Union) founded Oct 13, 1935; exile to Ogbomoso; hospital built. |
| 23 | Mustapha Keji | 1959 – 1969 | 10 | Introduced pipe-borne water & electricity; Offa became HQ of Oyun LGA; founded St. Clare’s Girls Grammar School. |
| 24 | Mustapha Olawore Olanipekun Ariwajoye II | 1970 – 2010 | 40 | Palace modernized; industries established; Offa upgraded to 1st class Oba; Federal Polytechnic & Nigerian Navy School founded. |
| 25 | Gbadamosi Esuwoye II | 2010 – Present | Ongoing | Current Olofa of Offa; promotes peace, education, tourism, and cultural revival. |
Legacy of the Olofa Throne
The Olofa of Offa is more than a traditional ruler, he is the spiritual and cultural head of the Ibolo Kingdom.
Each Olofa has added a new layer to the city’s evolution from migration and warfare to modernization and development.
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Under the current Olofa, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, Offa has witnessed growth in education, infrastructure, and interfaith harmony, while still preserving the town’s deep Yoruba heritage.
Offa Today
Modern Offa blends its proud past with vibrant progress.
The Federal Polytechnic Offa, thriving markets, tech startups, and cultural festivals all highlight a city that honors tradition while embracing the future.
Tourists often visit Owode Market, Olofa Palace, and the Offa Descendants Union Secretariat, symbols of the town’s resilience and unity.
Fun Fact
The Olofa throne is one of the oldest continuous royal dynasties in Yorubaland, dating back over 600 years, making Offa one of the few towns with an unbroken traditional leadership lineage since the 14th century.
FAQs on the Past Olofas of Offa
1. Who was the first Olofa of Offa?
The first Olofa of Offa was Olalomi Olofa Gangan, a hunter and prince descended from Oranmiyan of Ile-Ife, who founded Offa around 1397.
2. Who is the current Olofa of Offa?
The current Olofa is Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, reigning since 2010.
3. How many Olofas has Offa had till date?
As of 2025, there have been 25 Olofas in the history of Offa.
4. What is Offa famous for?
Offa is famous for its weaving and dyeing crafts, agriculture, wrestling tradition, and Owode Market, one of the biggest markets in Kwara State.
5. What is the title “Olofa” derived from?
The title “Olofa” comes from the word Ofa (meaning “arrow” in Yoruba), symbolizing courage, precision, and strength; qualities embodied by Offa’s founders.
Conclusion on the Past Olofas of Offa
From Olalomi Olofa Gangan to Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, the throne of Offa tells a timeless story, one of resilience, wisdom, and progress.
The biography of the past Olofas of Offa till date is not just a record of kings; it’s a mirror of Yoruba endurance and leadership that continues to inspire generations.
