Nestled in the heart of Ogbomosoland, where tradition hums through the streets and the spirit of resilience dances in the air, stands an architectural wonder — The Soun’s Palace. It is not just a residence. It is not merely a monument. It is the soul of a people.

For many, visiting Ogbomoso begins with a curiosity about its name, but the journey only finds meaning when one’s feet touch the sacred grounds of the Soun’s Palace. As you approach it, the first thing you notice is the grandeur — not of modern opulence — but of dignity, heritage, and spiritual significance. This is the seat of over 400 years of uninterrupted royalty, where the ancient meets the evolving.

The current custodian of this sacred heritage is His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III — a monarch whose global exposure and divine calling converge to birth a new era of transformation for Ogbomoso. Under his reign, the Palace has not only remained the symbol of unity and identity for Ogbomosoland but also emerging as a beacon of cultural tourism and intellectual curiosity.

A WALK-THROUGH HISTORY

The palace walls are storytellers. With every stone, every carving, and every corridor, they whisper tales of war heroes like Soun Olabanjo Ogunlola — the town’s founder and a powerful warrior whose bravery and alliance with Alaafin Sango laid the foundation for the Ogbomoso kingdom. Visitors will often find themselves captivated by the story of how Ogbomoso got its name, “Ìwọ ló máa ṣe ọ̀hún,” meaning “You go and take charge over there “, a phrase immortalized in a moment of escape and protection.

These oral histories are not merely told — they are lived, enacted during festivals, echoed in praise poetry, and preserved by griots who sit within the palace compound, ever ready to pass on their knowledge.

A CULTURAL TREASURE HOUSE

The Palace is also home to sacred relics — royal staffs, war garments, beads, and stools that span generations. The ancient Egungun masks are preserved here, some said to be over 200 years old. The courtyard where kings were once crowned still stands, a sacred space that hosts yearly rites and festivals that attract both locals and diaspora descendants yearning to reconnect with their roots.

A PLACE OF MEETING AND MIRACLES

It’s not unusual to find pilgrims, chiefs, artists, and researchers all gathered under the same roof. The Palace today is a center of discourse, where matters of culture, commerce, innovation, and spirituality are discussed. With Kabiyesi’s open-door policy and inclusive leadership style, the palace has become a hub where the past meets the future, and where ideas are fertilized for the rebirth of a greater Ogbomoso.

Visitors often recount a deep sense of peace and purpose as they leave the palace. It is as though the spirit of the ancestors blesses each guest with a drop of their wisdom.

THE FUTURE UNVEILED

Now undergoing thoughtful enhancements to reflect its evolving role in tourism and education, the Palace is set to become the anchor of a wider Royal Heritage Tourism Circuit in Ogbomoso — which includes the Ogunlola War Site, the Ogbomoso Forest Reserve, and the proposed Royal Museum of History and Innovation.

Whether you’re a history buff, a student of African royalty, a pilgrim seeking meaning, or a tourist in search of depth beyond scenery, the Soun’s Palace is a must-see destination. Here, you don’t just take pictures — you take memories, meanings, and a message of timeless leadership.

So, when next you find yourself in Ogbomosoland,
Ask not just for a place to visit. Ask for the Palace where the past lives on —
The Soun’s Palace.
A home of kings. A seat of destiny. A living heritage.