HISTORY OF ONDO-EKIMOGUN

HISTORY OF ONDO-EKIMOGUN.

...Peoples from Ijama, who drink water with a bell made of GOLD, A place where “Lókílì”, “Obì” ati “Gbànja” are the god’s delicacies.

Ondo City Inner Gate

The history of Ondo-Ekimogun sprang from the Palace of Alaafin of Oyo in the ancient city of Oyo when the wife of Alaafin Oba Oluaso bore him twins a male called Orere and a female also called Olu which is forbidden in the palace of every Oba in Yoruba land. The then Alafin of Oyo love the twins mother called Olori OLu so much and on hearing the news of the twins he lamented that this is a mysterious child "ese-omo-re" which later transform to Osemawe as Oba's title in Ondo kingdom.

The Alafin Oba Oluaso ordered that the twins and their mother be taken out of Oyo, he also gave instruction that one stroke of facial mark should be cut on each cheek of the twins as kese or ibaramu mark will cause agony for them on their journey. The single facial stroke mark became an established custom in Ondo town till today. Olori Olu and the twins were accompanied by the Alafin of Oyo warrior's leader called "ija" or " Uja" to a place called Epin in the then Fulani kingdom. 

They later return to Oyo after the death of Alafin Oba Oluaso in 1497 AD. The new Alafin Oba Onigbogi also ordered them out of Oyo in 1498 AD with Alaafin warrior leader to the direction of Ile-Ife. They continue the journey until they reached a place called "Ita Ijama" from where they also arrived at Epe where Iyanghede of Epe received them with joy. This is how Ondo are referred today as "Ekimogun ara ita ijama, a fi ide agogo m'omi".

After a brief stay at Epe they desire to look for a permanent settlement. As they left Epe they arrived at a place which is today called Ile Oluji. Where Olori Olu Alafin wife slept for days and did not wake up " Ile ti Olu sun ti ko ji". After another short stay Olori Olu and Princess Olu the female twins left the town with one Ogunja from Epe leaving Prince Orere behind in Ile oluji and continue a journey until it ended at the foot of a hill known in Ondo up to the present day as "Oke Agunla." This is also how Ondo are referred today as "Opon inu odi Ogunja." At the hill they spotted a smoke rising from below, they followed in that direction down the hill and met a man whose named was Ekiri neither farmer or a hunter. 

Ekiri later lead them to a place called Oriden where they tried to stick their yam stick unto the ground prove futile as instructed by an Ifa Oracle before they left Epe. They were happy and exclaimed "Edo du do to Edo do to Idi edo" and finally transform to Ondo in 1510 AD. Princess Olu the female twins finally became first Oba Pupupu of Ondo in 1516 AD while Prince Orere the male twins became the first Jegun of Ile Oluji.

The other historical facial marks are cut unto the right breast of the descendant of past Osemawes from the male lineage and the rights to Otunba title are from both lineages. All Otunbas title bearers in Ondo are headed by the Olotu Omo-Oba in Oke-Otunba quarters in Ondo kingdom. The Ondos are known to be Traders, farmers or produce merchants, their staple food is Iyan made from yam and they have their own peculiar dialect and very hard working. It must be noted however that Ondo emigrants settlers also founded towns like Igbado, Igbindo, Ajue, Igburowo, Odigbo, Oro, Imorun, Ilu Nla, Erinla, Igunshin, Araromi, Araromi Obu, Ajebandele, Agbabu, Oboto, Bolorunduro, Fagbo, Tekuile, Owena, Oke-Opa, Aiyesan, Laje, Oka, Oke-igbo and etc. The Ondo warriors of that time are Ago, Taagba and Jomu-Nla known as High Chief Jomu till today and that chieftaincy title are family hereditary.

The first Osemawe palace was built by Oba Airo first son of Oba Pupupu who became Oba in 1530 AD. Oba Adeuga Fidipote 11 built the first modern palace in Ondo when he became Oba in 1935 AD while Oba Festus Ibidapo Adesanoye - Osungbedelola 11 built the best recent Oba's palace in Ondo when he became the 43rd Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom in 1992. The Ondo chieftaincy title are The Iwarefa, Ekule, Elegbe, Otu headed by the His Highness Osemawe while Upoji female chiefs headed by the Her Highness Olobun Oba Obirin in Ondo Kingdom. Popular festivals in Ondo are as follows, Odun Oba, Odun Ogun, Odun Oramfe, Odun Moko, Obiton and etc.

The Ondos embrace Roman Catholic Christianity in 1875 under the CMS Missionary worker Rev. Bishop Phillips and accepted by Oba Ayibikitiwodi while Oba Jimekun accepted the CMS Anglican Communion in 1884 and Islam in 1888. The first Ondo Rev. Father John Akinwale was ordained in 1947 while the first Ondo Anglican Bishop was Rev. D.O. Awosika and Rev. T.O. Olufosoye was the first Archbishop of the Anglican communion of Nigeria while Alhaji Muhammed Alimi was installed the first Imam of Ondo in 1888. In conclusion The Ondos are known for a pride, proud of what they represent and very stubborn.

Yearly, natives of Ondo kingdom in Ondo West and East local government areas of Ondo State converge to celebrate Ekimogun Day. It is a day set aside to remember and celebrate the founders of the town.

Source: Gossip House

Researcher: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J. 

09068215956

Nationwide outage as electricity workers begin strike.

Nationwide outage as electricity workers begin strike.

...DisCos blamed the outage on the ongoing industrial conflict between the Nigerian Transmission Company and the electricity workers union.

Power outage have been reported across Nigeria on Wednesday as electricity workers under the auspices of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, commenced their strike action over labour dispute with the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

According to nationwide checks conducted by Peoples Gazette on Wednesday, Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) last provided electricity to consumers at the early hours of Wednesday.

Precious Osadebe, who lives in Lagos’ Akiode, Ojodu Berger axis and is unaware of the strike, told Peoples Gazette that she last had power at her home around 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

 “They took the light at about seven in the morning and they’ve not brought it since then, which is very unusual, by this time yesterday there was light here, which is the normal trend,” Ms Osadebe said.

The Gazette learned that Magodo, one of the communities covered by the Premium Service Agreement with the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company , is currently experiencing a blackout, which is thought to be the result of ongoing industrial action by electricity workers.

It was also gathered Abuja, Oyo, Ondo, Enugu, Abia, Delta, and Rivers were currently experiencing a blackout that began early Wednesday morning.

Distribution companies, including Ikeja Electric, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company have all confirmed service disruption via their social media channels.

They blamed the outage on the ongoing industrial conflict between the Nigerian Transmission Company and the electricity workers union.

 “The Management of Kaduna Electric wishes to inform its customers that the interruption of supply being experienced in parts of our franchise states (Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara) is due to the ongoing dispute between the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) the transmission Company of Nigeria TCN. Supply shall be resolved as contending issues are solved,” a statement by Kaduna electric, one of the 11 distribution companies read.

NUEE had on August 15 directed its members to picket TCN offices nationwide on August 16, after which they would embark on strike on August 17.

The General Secretary, NUEE, Joe Ajaero, had in a statement said the picketing was to protest the directive by the TCN board that all principal managers in acting capacity going to acting general manager rank must appear for a promotion interview.

Mr Ajaero said the directive was in contravention of the workers’ conditions of service and career progression paths, and alleged that it was unilaterally done without the relevant stakeholders.

Other issues raised include stigmatisation of staff from the office of the Head of Service of the Federation from working in other areas in the power sector, and non-payment of December 2019 entitlement of ex-PHCN staff.

However, TCN Managing Director Sule Abdulaziz on Tuesday  appealed to electricity workers to suspend their proposed strike action.

Source: Peoples Gazette

Adolescent Education: Erelu Fayemi Gives Matching Order To Wives Of Council Chairmen ln Ekiti.

Adolescent Education: Erelu Fayemi Gives Matching Order To Wives Of Council Chairmen ln Ekiti.

...the committee is expect to address all forms of gender based violences and various challenges that could impede the smooth academic programmes of adolescent girl child in the state.

Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi has directed wives of local government chairmen and Local Council Development Areas LCDAs in the state to set up a Gender Based Violence Management Committee with immediate effect.

Erelu Fayemi gave the directive on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti while briefing the councils’ first ladies on a World Bank programme tagged  “Adolescent Girl child Initiative for Learning and Empowerment project.

According to her, the committee is expected to address all forms of gender based violences and various challenges that could impede the smooth academic programmes of adolescent girl child in the state.

She directed that the GBV committees should send their quarterly report to the ministry of women affairs and office of the wife of the state governor.

Erelu Fayemi reteriated that Ekiti State was chosen among the beneficiaries of the project as a result of various advocacy programme held by the Governor and Her Exellency through an initiative known as “keep Girls in School.

The Governor’s wife called on council Chairmen’s wives to partake in the improvement, renovation and the learning condition of the existing schools in the state saying such was the major objective of the Adolescent Girl child Initiative for Learning and Empowerment project.

“As the wife of chairmen, we want you to take ownership of the project, and supervise the progress of the programme your communities, play active role on the AGILE project, monitor the progress of the renovations” she said.

“You need to Monitor as well compliance to the Female Genital Mutilation law in the communities” she added

Erelu Fayemi however appealed to them never to allow Obirin kete women empowerment initiative to go into Oblivion saying that it remained a vital means of encouraging women to be self reliant.

Wife of the State Governor-Elect, Dr. (Mrs) Olayemi Oyebanji promised to build on the good legacy of Erelu Fayemi, and solicit the support of the chairmen’s wives on all platforms.

The Chairperson, wives of council chairmen and wife Efon Alaaye local government chairman, Mrs Ebunlomo Adetunji lauded the past and present programmes of the wife of the governor promising that all needed support would be given to government initiative.

MESSAGE FROM THE APC NATIONAL YOUTH LEADER

MESSAGE FROM THE APC NATIONAL YOUTH LEADER.

...Anticipate the launching of the APC Youth Wing National Campaign Master plan and Mobilization Strategy.

Anticipate the launching of the APC Youth Wing National Campaign Master plan and Mobilization Strategy. This document has had the input of all our state and zonal youth leaders at our retreat in July, and they, with the support of you all will drive it’s implementation. 

I also shared it with my NWC colleagues for their thoughts & feedback. Be rest assured, we will be open and inclusive in the implementation. Just be patient, you will be carried along. Your National youth leader is not sleeping. We are building the system to aid implementation nationally.

Hon. Erinjogunola Dayo Israel

APC National Youth Leader

BRIEF HISTORY OF ADO-EKITI IN EKITI STATE.

BRIEF HISTORY OF ADO-EKITI IN EKITI STATE.
...Omo Ado Oora Amukara sabe ewuje, Ikara se meji i temi lukoko, Ado mei yunle oni kobe osilo monu.

The founder of the Ado kingdom was a prince of Ile-ife named Awamaro (the restless one) and ‎Ewi‎ (the speaker)‎. He is said to have left Ile-ife with his elder brother Oranmiyan and gone to Ita Orogun and Benin with him after staying briefly with Oloba in Oba-Ile, Akure.

Both Oba of Benin and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti first settled in Benin forests before disputes among their people led them to separate and the Ewi sought a new home westward at Utamodi (Oke Papa). Ewi Biritiokun and his son reigned there. It was Ewi Awamaro who migrated to Ilesun (Present day Ado-Ekiti) after staying briefly at Udoani (Ido Ani) and Agbado during the long trek. When Ewi Awamaro left Agbado, the elders remained behind to rest and gave the settlement the name Agba Ado (Elders’ Camp) – Agbado-Ekiti as the town is known today.

Ulesun people welcomed them warmly and neighbouring committees came together to assist their settlement (built homesteads for them) at Oke-Ibon in Odo Ijigbo. Eventually, Ewi and his people overthrew the existing political arrangements, conquered Ulesun community, displaced its ruler Elesun and established a new town. Awamaro’s spies encouraged him to attack Elesun with the support of Odolofin after he had settled down at Oke Ibon (now Odo Ijigbo) and with the conquest of Ulesun by Awamaro, the town of Ulesun changed its name to Ado or Ado-Ewi.

The Elesun (the King) who ruled over the town of Ulesun with its satellite towns i.e. Ukere (now Ikere), Isinla, Ulamoji, Agidimo, Ikewo existed in what is now known as Ado-Ekiti before the emergence of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti.

The Elesun occupied the peak of a hierarchy where he had his subordinates as the Odolofin (Elesun second in command), Asao, Elegemo, Alamoji, Olisinla, Olulero, Olookori etc. Elesun was the head of the laity in the worship of Olota (god), the deity in charge of the security of Ulesun State. The Ulesun language was different from Yoruba (Ado-Ewi) language. Examples are Ideregbe (Ewure or Goat), Okeregba (Aja or Dog), Amomo (Alangba or Lizard), Usa (Ikoko or Pot), Ukere (Ago or Calabash Cup), Ogolomosi (Ibepe or Pawpaw), Oyeye (Epa or Groundnut). Some of the Elesun’s chiefs such as Odolofin and Asao were accepted into the Ewi’s system of chieftaincy after Awamaro’s conquest.

The Elegemo retained his post as Chief Priest and custodian of Iwemo Ogun. Ewi’s Warrior chiefs who provided military security for palace inhabitants were the Akogun at Irona, Oloja Ese at Oke Ese, Eleyinmi at Okeyinmi and Egbedi at Orereowu.‎ Eventually, Ewi and his people overthrew the existing political arrangements after series of conflicts, conquered Ulesun community, displaced and killed its ruler Elesun, cut off his head and proceeded and established a new town, Awamaro named Ado, meaning ‘here we encamp’. Ewi Awamaro and his successors conquered villages and cottages in the neighbourhood, replaced their rulers with their own loyalists, stalwarts and scions of the royal family.

The important citizens of these conquered communities were relocated in Ado. Ewi supplanted Elesun as sovereign ruler of the aboriginal and settler population, many of Elesun’s Chiefs were confirmed in their offices but they swore oaths of allegiance to the Ewi. Many of the succeeding Ewi expanded the kingdom by force of arms, annexed territories and gave these territories to scions of the royal families, these assumed titles which became hereditary. The expansion and growth of Ado-Ekiti and the kingdom of Ado lasted over 400 years. In the course of this expansion, Ado became associated with certain traits.

Citizens of the kingdom in general and those of the mother town, Ado-Ekiti in particular were reputed for great attention to cleanliness. Traditions preserve numerous brave citizens of each Ado community, the best known were Ogbigbonihanran of Idolofin quarters, Ogunmonakan of Okelaja, Fasawo, a.k.a. Aduloju of Udemo quarters, and Eleyinmi Orogirigbona of Okeyinmi quarters – all of Ado-Ekiti and Ogunbulu, a.k.a. Ala l’oju Osoru of Aisegba. ‎Folk, traditions are replete with fond references to Ewi’s relationship with some other Ekiti traditional rulers. Ewi’s antecedents are depicted as: Elempe Ekiti (mightiest man in Ekiti).‎ Folk traditions of this nature vividly portray the towering position of Ado-Ekiti.

In the first place, Ado-Ekiti is situated at the heartland of Ekiti and is thus less exposed to cross-border attacks or non-Ekiti influences. Consequently, over many centuries, waves of immigrant groups seeking haven settled in Ado-Ekiti and several other Ado communities‎. Many of these immigrants were refugees, they left their old homelands in parts of Ekiti, Akoko, Owo etc. where their leaders lost out in chieftaincy contests.
Some were war captives, these were brought in droves by Aduloju and his lieutenants from their slave wars of the 1870s and 1880s in parts of Owo, Ose and Akoko. They were settled in Ado communities where they increased the local population, and enriched the culture with their lineage names and festivals in similar circumstances, citizens of Ado communities left their fatherland and settled in a few places in the neighbourhood up to Ijesaland.

The Fajuyi Memorial Park, Ado-Ekiti 

Ibadan sacked many Ado communities in 1873 and made a huge haul of prisoners of war and other captives who eventually settled in Iwo, Ibadan and some Remo towns such as Iperu and Makun Sagamu. However, Ado communities especially the mother town offset part of their losses with a large number of slaves and prisoners of war from Owo, Ose and Akoko. Ado-Ekiti is one of the towns of the north eastern territory of Yoruba land and passed through a succession of military, political and cultural changes from the time of ‎Ewi Awamaro (circa 1310 A.D) who migrated there to form what became Ado-Ekiti.

Ewi Awamaro subjugated Elesun’s neighbours and expanded his territory except Ukere (Ikere Ekiti) and his successors up to Yeyenirewu followed same steps that by 1550 A.D. Ado-Ewi had become a big power in the entire Ekiti country.

The Ewis that reigned at Ado from 1444 to 1552 were:
1. Ewi Ata (1444–1471)

2. Ewi Owakunrugbon (1471–1490)

3. Ewi Owamuaran (1490–1511)

4. Yeyenirewu – The regent (1511– 1552)‎ Ewi’s military exploits during the period was to subjugate and annex his immediate territories extended to Ikere, Igbara Odo, Ogotun, Aramoko, Erio and Erijiyan among others.

5. Ewi Obakunrin (1552–1574)

6. Ewi Eleyo-Okun (1574–1599)
‎
7. Ewi Afigbogbo Ara Soyi (1599-1630)

8. Ewi Gberubioya (1630-1696)

9. Ewi Idagunmodo (1696-1710)

10. Ewi Okinbaloye Aritawekun (1710-1722)

11. ‎Ewi Amono Ola (1722-1762)

12. ‎Ewi Afunbiowo (1762-1781)‎

13. Ewi Akulojuorun (1781-1808)‎

14. Ewi Aroloye (1808-1836)‎

15. Ewi Ali Atewogboye (1836-1885)‎

16. Ewi Ajimudaoro Aladesanmi I (1886-1910)‎

17. Ewi Adewumi Agunsoye (1910 – 1936)‎

18. Ewi Daniel Anirare Aladesanmi II (1937 – 1983),

19. Ewi Samuel Adeyemi George-Adelabu I (1984 – 1988)

20. Alayeluwa Ewi Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III (the current Ewi of Ado-Ekiti). ‎

Ado-Ewi was peaceful as war was abandoned in place of diplomacy and mutual relations strategy. Ewi Gberubioya divided the Ewi dynasty into three ruling houses of Owaroloye (Aroloye), Atewogboye and Arutawekun. Ewi’s sons that ruled in neighbouring areas during the reign of Gberubioya included Okunbusi who became Onigede, Adubienimu who became Alawo, the Onijan, Opoakin (of Iwere), Olu Akitipa (of Odo), Aramude, Olokun, Olurasa, Onikewo and Olotin. In another fact, Ado ekiti has 2 ruling houses for over a 100 years now. The AROLOYE and the ATEWOGBOYE. The ARUTAWEKUN was banished for commiting sacrilege against the stool and people of Ado Ekiti.

One of his sons, Amujoye founded Igbemo and took the title of Oba of Igbemo from its inception.

Source: Gossip House
Researcher: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J.
09068215955

BRIEF HISTORY OF IDANRE IN ONDO STATE.

BRIEF HISTORY OF IDANRE IN ONDO STATE.
...Oke Idanre hill consists of high plain with spectacular valleys interspersed with inselbergs of about 3,000 ft above sea level.

Outskirt of Idanre

Olofin Aremitan the younger brother of Olofin Oduduwa led a group of people from Ile Ife after the demise of Oduduwa owing to the ensuing power struggle with the heirs to the throne of Oduduwa.

On the death of Oduduwa, Olofin Aremitan left Ile Ife with a group of people and settled first at Ijama in the present day Ile-oluji with Jegun Orere. A short while after, perhaps after only a season, he moved to Epe, It was believed that a group of people parted from Olofin at Ijama; and he bade goodbye to the rest at Epe. From Epe, Olofin moved out with those we might regard today as the fathers of Idanre and settled at Ojanla, not far from river Owena. From this time on, Idanre had maintained its distinct almost completely separated from all other children of Oduduwa.

The exact reason that led Olofin to leave Ife is the power tussle that no doubt erupted between Oduduwa’s heirs after the death of this powerful King. Olofin ruled Ife briefly after the death of Oduduwa as a regent but his reign was marred by jealousy, in-fighting and acrimony. Defeated in his bid for power, he set out to found another settlement with his followers, going eastward through Ujama, Epe, Urede, Ojanla, Jaleja, Utaja (his last stop where he called Ufe’ke), and crossing the Urore river. In some accounts, he was accompanied in these travels by the early leaders of Idanre.

After the death of Olofin Oduduwa, Olofin Aremitan took with him a few valuable and the most treasured belongings of Oduduwa. These include among others the ancient crown of Oduduwa, Oreghe, Ugwan, a pair of irunkere or horse tail and certain medicine for their preservation. These were supposed to be the common property of all the children of Oduduwa. It is related orally that some of the property he could not take with him while leaving Ile-Ife he sent Ajija to bring them for him.

OWA OF IDANRE:
Idanre people lived in caves, safeguarded by the protective charms of Olofin. Olofin lived with the Idanre people at Utaja for about forty years. Seeing that he was getting too old and could travel no further, he eventually died in a cave at Utaja-Idanre called Uwo-Akota, meaning the cave of wasps. Relics that are claimed to have belonged to Olofin remain in the cave until this day. Uwo Akota was located on the West side of Utaja at the foot of Aghagha Hill on the Eastern path to Oke Idanre.

Olofin Aremitan was succeeded by his lieutenant Agboogun who inherited all his properties as well as the old enemies. Agboogun was the armour bearer of Olofin and his name indeed makes reference to this; “Agberu Ogun” means he who carries his master’s tools of war. Agboogun sought to protect his people from invasion by surrounding enemies and decided to relocate his community from the foot of the hills to Oke-idanre, the top of the hills. In those days, the new settlement was called, “Ufe Oke,” which loosely translates to ‘Ife atop the hills’, thus providing some connection to ancient Ile-Ife.

One of Agboogun’s lieutenants was an explorer and hunter named Egunren and it was he who sought out the ideal location for the Idanre people to reside at Idanre Hills. Agboogun feared for the safety of his people in the valleys, where it was easy for other tribes to raid and enslave the people. He thus met with his followers, who were split into several groups, to deliberate on a more secure place to settle for the Makanres (Idanre people). These groups included Logunro, who led the Urowo people, Asalu who led the Usalu people, and Jemiken, who led the Udale people. One of these followers was a hunter called Egunren, who had gone up Aghagha hill on one of his hunting expeditions.

He reported that he had found a secure location up in the hills, where enemies could not easily attack. Agboogun led his followers to Oke Idanre, where they first settled the Oba at a place named Usalu up in the hills. However, this region was thought to be too exposed, so another location was chosen, close to Egunren, “the hunter’s cave”, where the people would mobilise; presumable under the lead of Egunren who was the leading warrior.

Agboogun settled at Odeja. The building of the palace took over 30 years to construct. As he was getting old, he decided to relinquish the palace on to his son, Baganju, on the condition that he would perform rites at Odeja for his father after the former’s death. Baganju was thus the first Owa to occupy the old palace at Oke Idanre. However, the traditional accounts are generally in agreement in considering Agboogun the first Owa of Idanre up in Idanre Hills, with Baganju as the second.

Oke Idanre hill consists of high plain with spectacular valleys interspersed with inselbergs of about 3,000 ft above sea level. Its physical attributes include Owa’s Palace, Shrines, Old Court, Belfry, Agbooogun foot print, thunder water (Omi Apaara) and burial mounds and grounds. It also has diverse and variegated eco-systems of flora and fauna. Oke Idanre contains very important bio-physical and land form features whose interaction with the physical features created an enduring cultural landscape within the setting.

One of the most delightful meals enjoyed by Makanres, whether at home in Idanre or in diaspora is “Iyan” (pounded yam) and “efo riro” (vegetable stew). This is a meal that is common to many of the Yoruba tribes in western Nigeria. Pounded yam can be eaten with a variety of stews including “Ila” (okro), “Egusi” (melon soup), “Gbegiri” (ground beans soup) and “Ewedu” (another type of vegetable). These stews often include an assortment of meats such as chicken, fish, beef, lamb amongst others.

Another meal enjoyed by Idanre citizens is Pupuru. It is made from Cassava through a local fermentation, smoking and drying process that gives it a distinctive flavour, which distinguishes it from Garri, the other well-known delicacy produced from Cassava.
The local drink enjoyed by the indigenes is Palm Wine, which comes from the fermented sap of the palm tree.

Architecture:
Buildings in Idanre are a mix of old and modern architecture. Within the major town centres like Odode where you have the more affluent areas and the business enterprises, can be found some of the more modern  cement and concrete structures. Many of the residential houses carry corrugated iron roofs. When you visit the villages however, you are likely to encounter mud brick buildings and the occasional throwback to huts with thatched roofs.

Festivals:
Like many other cities and townships in Yorubaland, Idanre has a variety of festivals. Several of these are based on the ancestral history and traditional religions of the Yorubas and are done to celebrate the various demigods who played notable parts in the history of the Yorubas.

The festivals celebrated in Idanre include the following:
1. New Yam Festival

2. Olofin 
3. Orosun 
4. Ogun
5. Ulesun 
6. Agheregbe
 7. Osu Ifa 
 8. Osu Ise 
9. Mare
The introduction of Christianity has played a part in the evolution of how the various festivals are conducted in Idanre and the rest of Yorubaland.

These festivals have evolved over the centuries from being celebrated with human sacrifices to appease the local gods, to modern day sacrifices of animals, occasions for merriment and get-togethers with families and friends.

Idanre Anthem Yoruba Version:
Igi po nigbo
Ka too yan bi laayo
Kibi ma se opo
K'opoo ma ye'le da nu
Iji ma se wo'gi ragaji k'eye r'ohun ba le
K'ibi ma s'Oloja Idanre
K'Owa jifa oye o!
Bee ni ko ri!
Bee ni ko ri!!
Bee ni ko ri!!!
Bee ni ko ri!!!!

Researcher: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J.
09068215955

BRIEF HISTORY OF ÌJÈBÚ-JÈSÀ LAND IN YORUBALAND.

BRIEF HISTORY OF ÌJÈBÚ-JÈSÀ LAND IN YORUBALAND.
...Ijebu-Jesa which hitherto before now was known and called Ijebu Egboro.

Ijebu-Jesa Central mosque 🕌 in front of the Iroko tree.

Ijebu-Jesa which hitherto before now was known and called Ijebu Egboro is the ancient historic town in the east of Osun State, Nigeria occupies a strategic position in Ijesaland. In Ijesa division, it is the next most important town politically and in terms of history. Her Oba is the next to the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. The town is situated eight kilometers north of Ilesa and about 128 kilometers east of Ibadan. It lies approximately on latitude 7.45 degrees north within the rain forest belt and so offers opportunity for farming on a large scale. The people are the core of Ijesas and are noted for their dogged industry.

Ijebu-jesa was founded by Oba Agigiri Egboroganlada (first Onijebu Egboro) – a son of Oodua Olofin Aiye who was also an elder brother of Owa Obokun Ajibogun. Agigiri means “the battle or war waves hot (A de k’ogun gbona girigiri)”. Ajibogun is interpreted as one who meets war (Ade ba ogun). Both Agigiri and Ajibogun were brought up by their grandmother known as Ijasin at Ilode in Ile Ife as twin brothers.

In about early 12th century, Agigiri and Ajibogun together left Ile Ife after procuring the sea water with which Oodua’s partial blindness was cured to found a kingdom of their own like other sons of Olofin. Before leaving Ile Ife, Oodua gave Owa Obokun a sword of conquest (Ida Ajasegun) and a bigger crown as the original procurer of the sea water. Oodua gave Onijebu – Egboro another crown for accompanying Owa to procure the sea water. He also gave Elegboro a calabash of mysterious juju objects in terms of spoken words of blessing or curse (Igba Ase), hence the Oriki – “Onijebu Egboro, Omo awure fase banu.” The two sons of Olofin later journeyed through the vast jungles conquering numerous settlers and subjecting the conquered territories under their control.

In the course of this, they conquered Igbadae, Ilowa, Ilemure and other smaller communities like Ijaregbe, Eesun, Oke ogun or Oke Aganun, Agbegan, Ijiku, Odo etc. They were at Ilowa when Oodua died. It was only Agigiri and Ajibogun out of all the children of their father who went back to Ile Ife to perform the burial of Oodua.

Both Owa and Elegboro Onijebu have a common boundary domain at Yaragbo till today. Because of their close birth relationship, they usually visited each other and they formally meet at Yaragbo (a sacred and restricted area) for consultation of “Akokodaifa – Ogbomuyegeyege Orunto Oodua” for directives, guidance and to carry out sacrifice of safety, Unity and Progress for Owa and Onijebu-Elegboro and other Obas in Ijesaland. The “Akokodaifa Ogbomuyegeyege Orunto Oodua was the first Ifa Oracle that must be consulted by Oodua before doing anything at all in those days.

When the creator of that Ifa (Oracle) priest (Asedaifa) who was the first consultant recommended seawater for curing of Oodua eyes, Oodua used the seawater with other concotion as recommended by the Ifa Priest and his eyes were restored. In a loud voice, Oodua acclaimed “Akoda – Asedaifa – Oba Adifawi ose.” “Loni ni mo de o l’Ade Ifa Oba Adifa gidi”. Oodua then crown him with a spiritual Ifa crown as “Oba Adifa wi se”, hence the special greetings of “Iba Akoda Iba Asedaifa” by other Ifa (oracle) Priest and consultants in Yorubaland and diaspora. Oodua later instructed the Royal Priest and consultant to follow Owa and Elegboro-Onijebu to be their royal Priest and Spiritual Adviser as he, Oodua was very old and in appreciation of the procuring of seawater.

Oodua then gave “Ewodi Oodua” later known as “Ewodi Oodua Obokun” to the consultant and the royal Priest as a weapon of setting quarrels between the two royal Obas (Owa and Elegboro) whenever such quarrels occur. The Ewodi was to be used in reminding them about their birthcord relationships-paternally and maternally. When Agigiri who lived for 183 years and who was usually referred to as “Oba-Agba” by Owa became very old to walk about, and because of his power and love in spiritualism he moved the Royal Priest consultant and the Ifa Oracle from Yaragbo to the consultant family House at Atiba near Obaloye in Ijebu-jesa. Since the Palace of the consultant and Royal Priest was moved to Ijebu-jesa by Agigiri, all royal Obas who were descendants of Oodua in Yorubaland, mostly especially in Ijesaland must come to Ijebu-jesa to consult the Ifa Oracle for directives and consultation before doing anything at their kingdoms. Even the Owa Obokun, the supreme King in Ijesaland can not do anything or pronounce or execute death penalty at Ilesa without coming to Ijebu Jesa for confirmation and sanction through the Ifa oracle, hence the Oriki “Owa ki da ni pa ki Ijebu-Jesa ma mo.”

There are other lesser chiefs who are representatives of their quarters and see to the day to day administration of the areas with directives from the Oba through the most senior chiefs. These set of chiefs are called Looguns. There are four Looguns in Ijebu Jesa representing the four most distinct areas in the town. Each Loogun has twenty one supporting chiefs under their authority. At the head of the Looguns however, is the Lomode Ijebu Jesa. The current occupier of that position is Chief Komolafe, resident at Okenisa. He occupies the position not by age but by traditional seniority.

The four Looguns and their areas of jurisdiction are:
1. Loogun Odo oja 2. Loogun Ogbon Iloro 3. Loogun OdoEse 4. Loogun Otaforijeja The Odofin of Odogo also joins these set of chiefs in their meeting.

There are five ruling houses in Ijebu Jesa from which an Oba is selected. They are:
1. Aiyapaki-Ekun 2. Ide-Ekun 3. Lagunna 4. Nibaayo 5. Ajigiteri

Source: Gossip House
Researcher: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J.

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