Ilesa
Ilesa Roundabout, Owa obokun statue
Ilesa Roundabout, Owa obokun statue
Ilesa is located in Nigeria
Ilesa
Ilesa
Location in Nigeria
Coordinates: 7°37′0″N 4°43′0″E / 7.61667°N 4.71667°E / 7.61667; 4.71667
CountryNigeria
StateOsun State
Government
 • Owa Obokun AdimulaAromolaran II
Population
 (2016)
 • Total384,334
 (metropolitan area)
National languageYorùbá

Ilesa (Yoruba: Iléṣà) is a historic city located in the Osun State, southwest Nigeria; it is also the name of a historic kingdom (also known as Ijesha) centred on that town.[1] The state is ruled by a monarch bearing the title of the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.[2] The state of Ilesa consisted of Ilesa itself and a number of smaller surrounding cities.[3]

The Ijesa, a term also denoting the people of the state of Ilesa, are part of the present Osun State of Nigeria.[4] Some of the popular towns of the Ijesa are Odo-Ijesa, Ilaje, Igbogi, Ise-Ijesa, Ibokun, Erin Oke-Ijesha, Erin Ijesa, Ijeda-Ijesa, Ipetu Jesa, Ijebu-Jesa, Esa-Oke,Esa Odo, Ipole Ijesa, Ifewara Ijesa, Ipo Arakeji, Iloko Ijesa, Iwara Ijesa, Iperindo Ijesa, Erinmo Ijesa, Iwaraja Ijesa, Oke-Ana Ijesa, Idominasi, Ilase Ijesa, Igangan ijesa, Imo Ijesa, Alakowe Ijesa, Osu Ijesa, Eti Oni, Itaore, Itagunmodi, Iyinta, Itaapa, Epe Ijesa, Omo Ijesa, Eti-oni, Ibokun, Inila, Ijinla, Iloba Ijesa, Odo Ijesa, Imogbara Ijesa, Eseun Ijesa, Iloo, Owena Ijesa, Ido Ijesa, Ido Oko, Ibala Ijesa, Ere Ijesa, Ilahun, Ibodi, Ijaaregbe, Ikinyinwa, Idominasi, Ilowa, and Ibodi.[5]

The state of Ijeshaland was founded c.1300 by Ajibogun Ajaka Owa Obokun Onida Raharaha, a warlike youngest son of Yoruba Projenitor Oduduwa.

Oral history

According to the historian Samuel Johnson:

The Olofin-Oduduwa, Yoruba Progenitor Ile-Ife, had several children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren ; amongst them were the king of Ado or Benin, the king of Oyo, the Osemawe of Ondo (from a daughter), the Alara of Ara, the Ajero of Ijero, the Alaye of Efon-Alaye, the Owore of Otun, the Orangun of Ila, the Aregbajo of Igbajo, and the Owa Ajaka of Ilesa.

Odo - Ile {Logun Edu} was Oduduwa's Grandchild by Oduduwa's Eldest Daughter (Logun Edu's own son became the First Odole of Ijesaland - {Odole Nikunogbo} [Prime-Minister/Secretary of State of Ijesaland]

When the Olofin became blind from old age, he was much depressed in mind from this cause ; efforts were put forth to effect his cure, all of which proved fruitless, when a certain man came forward and prescribed for him a sure remedy which among other ingredients contained salt water. He put the case before his children, but none made any effort to procure some for him save his youngest grandsons Ajibogun and his Elder brother Agigiri. This was a very brave prince who bore the title of "Esinkin" amongst the King's household warriors, a title much allied to that of the Kakanfo. He was surnamed "Ajaka", (i.e. one who fights everywhere, on account of his proclivities and his being fond of adventures). He volunteered to go and fetch some wherever procurable.

Having been away for many years and not heard of, the aged sire and every one else despaired of his ever coming back; so the King divided his property amongst the remaining grown-up children. Although the Alado (king of Benin) was the eldest, the Oloyo was the most beloved, and to him he gave the land, and told him to scour it all over, and settle nowhere till he came to a slippery place, and there make his abode; hence the term "Oyo" (slippery) and thus Oyos are such slippery customers! After they had all gone and settled in their respective localities, all unexpectedly, the young adventurer turned up with water from the sea!

The monarch made use of it as per prescription and regained his sight! Hence, the Ijesas who subsequently became his subjects are sometimes termed "Omo Obokun", children of the brine procurer. Having distributed all his property, he had nothing left for Ajaka. He therefore gave him a sword lying by his side with leave to attack any of his brothers, especially the Alara or Alado, and possess himself of their wealth, but should he fail, to retire back to him; hence the appellation "Owa Ajaka Onida Raharaha" (Owa the ubiquitous fighter, a man with a devastating sword). The Owa Ajaka settled a little way from his grandfather, and on one occasion he paid him a visit, and found him sitting alone with his crown on his head and — out of sheer wantonness — he cut off some of the crown's fringes with his sword. The old man was enraged by this act, and swore that he would never wear a crown with fringes on.

The Aregbajo was one of those who had a crown given to him, but the Owa Ajaka, paying him a visit on one occasion, saw it, and took it away, and never returned it. As a result, the kings of Igbajo never wear a crown to this day. The Owa also attacked the Olojudo and defeated him, and took possession of his crown; but he never put it on. On every public occasion however, it used to be carried before him. This continued to be the case until all the clans became independent.

The Owa's mother, when married as a young bride, was placed under the care of the mother of the Oloyo, hence the Alaafin of Oyo often regarded the Owa as his own son. The Orangun of Ila and the Alara of Ara were his brothers of the same mother. The Ooni of Ife was not a son of the Olofin, but the son of a female slave of his whom he offered in sacrifice. The Olofin kept the boy always by him, and when he sent away his sons, this little boy took great care of him and managed his household affairs well until his death. When the Oloyo succeeded his grandfather, he authorised the boy to have charge of the palace and the village, and he sent to notify his brothers of this appointment. So whenever it was asked who was in charge of the house, the answer invariably was "Omo Oluwo ni" (It is the son of the sacrificial victim). This has been contracted to the term Ooni.

The Owa and his brothers used to pay the Alaafin annual visits, with presents of firewood, fine locally-made mats, kola nuts and bitter kolas ; the Owore of Otun with sweet water from a cool spring at Otun — this water the Alaafin first spills on the ground as a libation before performing any ceremonies. The other Ekiti kings used also to take with them suitable presents as each could afford, and bring away lavish presents from their elder brother. This Ajaka subsequently became the first Owa of the Ijesas.

[6]

Colonial assessment

The village was described by the Rev. William Howard Clark in 1854 in the following manner:

For its cleanliness, regularity in breadth and width, and the straightness of its streets, the ancient village of Ilesa far surpasses any native town I have seen in black Africa.

[7]

The Ijesa Monarchs

There are four royal houses amongst which accession to the throne is supposed to be rotated: Biladu, Bilagbayo, Bilaro and Bilayirere. Rulers, under the title of Owa Obokun Adimula, have been as follows:

Owa Ajibogun1150- 1255
Owa Owaka Okile1260-1358
Owa Obarabara Olokun Eshin1360-1459
Owa Owari1466 - 1522
Owa Owaluse1522 - 1526
Owa Atakumosa1526- 1546
Owa Obokun Oge-1572-1587
Owa Obokun Bilayi- Arere1588- 1590
Owa Obokun- Yeyeladegba(Female)1646 - 1652
Owa Obokun -Yeyegunrogbo(Female)1652-1653
Owa Obokun Biladu I1653- 1681
Owa Obokun Biladu II-
Owa Obokun Bilaro1681-1690
Owa Obokun Waji(female)1691-1692
Owa Obokun Waiye (female)1692-1693
Owa Obokun Waiyero(female)1698-1712
Owa Obokun Bilagbayo1713-1733
Owa Obokun Ori-Abejoyo(female)1734-1749
Owa Obokun Bilajagodo “Arijelesin"1749-1771
Owa Obokun Bilatutu"Otutu bi Osin"1772-1776
Owa Obokun Bilasa"Asa abodofunfun"1776-1788
Owa Obokun Akesan1789-1795
Owa Obokun Bilajara1796-1803
Owa Obokun Odundun1804-1814
Owa Obokun Obara1814-1832
Owa Obokun Gbega-aje1832-1846
Owa Obokun Ofokutu1846-1858
Owa Obokun Aponlese1858-1867
Owa Obokun Alobe1867-1868
Owa Obokun Agunlejika 11868-1869
Owa Obokun Owewe-niye1869-1874
Owa Obokun Adimula Agunloye-bi-Oyinbo "Bepolonun1875 - 1893
Owa AlowoloduMar 1893 - Nov 1894
Owa Obokun Alowolodu1894-1895
Owa Obokun Ajimoko 1April 1896- September 1901
Owa Obokun Ataiyero[Atayero]1902-1920
Owa Obokun Aromolaran 11920-1942
Ajimoko "Haastrup" -Regent1942 - 10 Sep 1942
Ajimoko II "Fidipote"1942-1956
J. E. Awodiya -Regent18 Oct 1956 - 1957
Owa Obokun Biladu III "Fiwajoye" Ogunmokun 1111957-1963
... -RegentJul 1963 - 1966
Owa Obokun Agunlejika 111966-1981
Owa Obokun Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II1982 - ?

Notable people

  • Israel Olatunde Adedeji-Orolugbagbe, JP, BA London (Erudite Scholar & Renowned Educationist) {Tutor Christ School, Ado-Ekiti, St. Luke’s College, Ibadan, Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa, Member, Ijesa Union, Ibadan, Ijesa Progressive Circle (now Ijesa Progressive Council), Ijesa Improvement Society (Egbe Atunluse Ile-Ijesa)}(An Odole Yoloye Descendant)
  • Royal High Chief Adebola Oyeleye Adedeji-Orolugbagbe (RHC Oyegbulu 1 - Odole-Owa of IjesaLand) (Prime Minister/Secretary of State, IjesaLand (An Odole Yoloye Descendant)
  • T. M. Aluko OBE OON[8][9][10]
  • Akinloye Akinyemi, Nigerian major[11][12]
  • Chief Lawrence Omole, Business mogul and industrialist[13][14][15]
  • Tosho Obembe, Business mogul and industrialist[16]
  • L.O Ayeni Rational, Business mogul and industrialist[17]
  • Dr. Fajemisin, Medical Doctor[18][19][20]
  • Prof Wale Omole, University Lecturer and Former VC OAU Ile Ife[21][22][23][24]
  • Olu Abiola, Business mogul and industrialist[25]
  • Prof Ibidapo-Obe, University Lecturer and Former VC University of Lagos[26][27][28][29][30]
  • Samuel Olatunde Fadahunsi, Commander of the Order of Niger, CON and President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)[31][32][33][34]
  • Hon. Justice Kayode Eso. Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (An Odole Gidigbi Faloju Descendant) [35][36][37][38]
  • Hon. Justice Samuel Omotunde Ilori. Chief Justice of Lagos State of Nigeria (An Arapate Descendant)
  • Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, a Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and a professor of political science[39][40][41]
  • Moses Olaiya (also known as Baba Sala), a famous comedian[42][43][44][45]
  • Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, a Governor of Osun State[46][47]
  • Isaac Folorunsho Adewole, a Nigerian Minister of Health and a former Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan[48][49][50]
  • Pastor Enoch Adeboye, general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God[51][52][53][54]
  • Pastor Timothy Oluwole Obadare, of CAC WOSEM.[55]
  • Pastor William Kumuyi, General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministries[56][57]
  • Prince Adegoke Aromolaran, Business mogul and industrialist.[58]
  • Yinka Jegede-Ekpe[59]
  • Chief Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Atorin, IjesaLand, First Obanla of Ilesa
  • Engineer George Obimakinde Obembe, He was the first president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and reputedly the first Black African Civil Engineer in private consultancy. He was also a founding member and fellow of the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN). He was also a Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (MASCE) and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Engineers (FICE).His Company, Obi.Obembe & Associates was involved in a Joint Venture partnership with the American Company,Louis Berger Incorporated, in the design of the Ibadan-Ilorin Expressway,a continuation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Obi Obembe & Associates designed the highway that opened up the Lekki Peninsula. Obi Obembe & Associates designed the University of Lagos,2nd Access Road in its Highway department in Civil Engineering. Obi Obembe & Associates also designed & supervised the eleven(11) story Federal Mortgage Bank Building along the Marina on Lagos Island.See the following urls for more:

https://www.myengineers.com.ng/2022/03/16/engr-george-obimakinde-obembe-1921-1998/ http://www.gcimuseum.org/content/obembe-george-obimakinde

References

  1. ↑ "Osun 2014: Ijesa North Traditional Rulers Declare Support for Aregbesola". thisdaylive.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015.
  2. ↑ "From Ancient to Modern Cities". thisdaylive.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015.
  3. ↑ "Ajayi Emerges New King of Erinmo-Ijesha". thisdaylive.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015.
  4. ↑ "Osun 2014: The Battle for Aregbesola's Job". thisdaylive.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015.
  5. ↑ Trager, Lillian (2001). Yoruba Hometowns. ISBN 9781555879815.
  6. ↑ Johnson, Samuel (1921), The History of the Yorubas, from the earliest times to the beginning of the British protectorate, p. 23-25.
  7. ↑ "Ilesha". Litcaf. 16 February 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  8. ↑ Aluko, T. M. (2006). The Story of My Life. Heinemann Educational Books (Nigeria). ISBN 978-978-129-464-8.
  9. ↑ "The story of my life, T.M. Aluko". Vanguard News. 5 May 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  10. ↑ Contemporary Novelists. St. James Press. 1986. ISBN 978-0-912289-58-8.
  11. ↑ "I also knew Major Akinyemi:a tribute". Vanguard News. 5 October 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  12. ↑ Office, Great Britain Colonial (1955). Report on Nigeria. H.M. Stationery Office.
  13. ↑ Omole, Lawrence (1991). My Life and Times: Reflections : an Autobiography. MIJ Professional Publishers.
  14. ↑ Layiwola, Dele; Albert, Isaac Olawale; Müller, Bernard (2008). The Contexts of Non-linear History: Essays in Honour of Tekena Tamuno. Sefer. ISBN 978-978-8059-16-5.
  15. ↑ History in Africa. African Studies Association. 1997.
  16. ↑ Fatubarin, Ayo (2008). A Toast of Ijesa People. Keynotes Publishers. ISBN 978-978-37584-2-1.
  17. ↑ Adeyekun, Olusola (1996). Ijesa. Olusola Adeyekun Publishing Company.
  18. ↑ Fatubarin, Ayo (2008). A Toast of Ijesa People. Keynotes Publishers. ISBN 978-978-37584-2-1.
  19. ↑ Fajemisin, Julie (2000). A Pioneer Doctor's Wife. Vigoo International. ISBN 978-978-35001-7-4.
  20. ↑ Aluko, T. M. (2006). The Story of My Life. Heinemann Educational Books (Nigeria). ISBN 978-978-129-464-8.
  21. ↑ Fatubarin, Ayo (2008). A Toast of Ijesa People. Keynotes Publishers. ISBN 978-978-37584-2-1.
  22. ↑ "July 10 OAU Cult Invasion, A Cry for Justice By Adeola Soetan". Sahara Reporters. 10 July 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  23. ↑ "Dad doesn't regret serving as OAU VC – Prof. Wale Omole's son". Punch Newspapers. 27 March 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  24. ↑ "130 years after: Kiriji war re-echoes". Vanguard News. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  25. ↑ Who's who in Nigeria. Newswatch. 1990. ISBN 978-978-2704-12-2.
  26. ↑ Fatubarin, Ayo (2008). A Toast of Ijesa People. Keynotes Publishers. ISBN 978-978-37584-2-1.
  27. ↑ Africa Who's who. Africa Journal Limited. 1991. ISBN 978-0-903274-17-3.
  28. ↑ Who's who in Nigeria. Newswatch. 1990. ISBN 978-978-2704-12-2.
  29. ↑ Abudugana, Adebiyi Jelili (2007). Towards Re-branding Unilag: The Stewardship of Oye Ibidapo-Obe. Reedoh Publishers. ISBN 978-978-083-415-9.
  30. ↑ "Wetin to know about Ibidapo-Obe, former UNILAG VC wey die". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  31. ↑ Tell. Tell Communications Limited. 2000.
  32. ↑ Africa Who's who. Africa Journal Limited. 1991. ISBN 978-0-903274-17-3.
  33. ↑ "Chief Samuel Olatunde Fadahunsi, CON (1920- 2014)". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 28 August 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  34. ↑ "Chief S.O. Fadahunsi, OFR, CON: Tribute to an exceptional leader and engineer". Vanguard News. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  35. ↑ Ajayi, J. F. Ade; Akinseye-George, Yemi (2002). Kayode Eso: The Making of a Judge. Spectrum Books. ISBN 978-978-029-312-3.
  36. ↑ Akinseye-George, Yemi (1997). Justice Kayode Eso & the Challenge of Substantial Justice in Nigeria. J. West Publications. ISBN 978-978-163-088-0.
  37. ↑ "The relevance of January 14 in Oyo (2)". Vanguard News. 29 December 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  38. ↑ "Ilesa Grammar School:The Labour Of Our Heroes Past". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  39. ↑ Fatubarin, Ayo (2008). A Toast of Ijesa People. Keynotes Publishers. ISBN 978-978-37584-2-1.
  40. ↑ Adeyekun, Olusola (2000). The Making of Ijesa Legendary Heroes. Olusola Adeyekun Publishing Company.
  41. ↑ III, Editorial (27 April 2019). "Joy Ogwu, Bolaji Akinyemi: Where are they now?". Blueprint Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  42. ↑ Alabi, Wale; Ajirire, Tosin (1990). Baba Sala!. Limelight Showbiz Publications. ISBN 978-978-30638-1-5.
  43. ↑ Nigeria Magazine. Government of Nigeria. 1986.
  44. ↑ Jeyifo, Biodun (1984). The Yoruba Popular Travelling Theatre of Nigeria. Department of Culture, Federal Ministry of Social Development, Youth, Sports & Culture.
  45. ↑ "Ace comedian, Baba Sala, is dead | Premium Times Nigeria". 8 October 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  46. ↑ "Aregbesola raises concerns about 'fair-weather' people joining APC". 21 February 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  47. ↑ The News. Independent Communications Network Limited. March 2009.
  48. ↑ "The Ijèsà rally for N500m health project". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  49. ↑ "Tribute to Prof. Isaac Adewole at 63". Tribune Online. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  50. ↑ "Celebrating the Egghead that Wears the Crown, By Shola Oshunkeye - Premium Times Opinion". 22 October 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  51. ↑ Fatubarin, Ayo (2008). A Toast of Ijesa People. Keynotes Publishers. ISBN 978-978-37584-2-1.
  52. ↑ Ojo, Tony (2001). Let Somebody Shout Hallelujah!: The Life and Ministry of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. Honeycombs Cards and Prints. ISBN 978-978-35178-9-9.
  53. ↑ "Ilesa Grammar School:The Labour Of Our Heroes Past". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  54. ↑ "30 years of Adeboye's leadership of RCCG". Vanguard News. 19 January 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  55. ↑ God the Holy Spirit: The Mystery of Christianity. Lawrence Olufemi Obisakin. ISBN 978-978-029-809-8.
  56. ↑ "W.F Kumuyi At 75: As It Was On Day One…". Vanguard News. 12 June 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  57. ↑ "Kumuyi and unlimited joy in Ijesaland". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. 5 December 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  58. ↑ Agbaje-Williams, Babatunde; Ogundiran, Akinwumi (1992). Cultural Resources in Ijesaland, Western Nigeria. Ijeṣa Cultural Foundation. ISBN 978-978-2015-14-3.
  59. ↑ Donnelly, John (10 March 2004). "A name, not a number - Taipei Times". Taipei Times. Archived from the original on 1 September 2006. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
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