In 1177, Odon joined the revolt of the Lesser Polish nobility against his own father, Mieszko III, because of the favoritism Mieszko III had shown to the offspring of his second marriage. Additionally, the High Duke had attempted to force Odon to become a priest in order to eliminate him from the succession. As well, Odon wanted to enlarge his domains and found an opportunity to conquer the Duchy of Greater Poland. His uncle, Casimir II the Just, had offered him only Poznań. Odon pursued the war against his father for a year until Mieszko III was forced to abdicate and flee.