Ijebu-Igbo, a significant town in Ogun State, Nigeria, recently celebrated a momentous occasion: the installation of its new Orimolusi, Oba Lawrence Adebajo. This event marked the end of a 28-year interregnum caused by legal battles and intense disputes over the throne. For many indigenes, particularly those under 27, this was the first time witnessing such a ceremony.
Map of Ogun State, Nigeria.
The installation was a moment of joy for Ijebu-Igbo indigenes both at home and abroad, joined by friends from all walks of life. Schools were closed and business activities were suspended to allow everyone to partake in this epochal event.
A Town Steeped in History
Ijebu-Igbo, the headquarters of Ijebu North LGA, is bordered by Oyo, Osun, and Ondo states. The town was one of the three earliest settlements in the state in the 15th Century. It is also the home town of late eminent politician and Afenifere Chieftain, Chief Abraham Adesanya; late Senator Buruji Khasamu; Senator Adegbenga Kaka, a former Deputy Governor of the state, among others.
The Orimolusi stool is a first-class title recognized by the government. The last Orimolusi, Oba Sami Adetayo, passed away in May 1994, leaving the seat vacant for 24 years due to succession disputes.
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The Long Road to Installation
In 2018, the state government under Governor Ibikunle Amosun's administration attributed the delay in the emergence of a new Oba to "various court cases, instituted by warring factions in the town." The then Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jide Ojuko, explained that government interventions to settle the rift between the warring families had been unsuccessful due to protracted court cases.
In December of the previous year, hope emerged when 11 warrant chiefs were inaugurated to commence the process of filling the stool. However, it was not until January 5, 2022, that Prince Lawrence Jaiyeola Adebajo was elected as the new Orimolusi.
Adebajo secured six votes, defeating Prince Soliu Sadiku, who received four votes. Subsequently, the state government approved Adebajo's appointment as the new Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, effective February 16, 2022, paving the way for his official installation.
The Official Installation
On Wednesday, Governor Dapo Abiodun officially installed the new Orimolusi at a ceremony held at Abusi Edumare in Ijebu Igbo. The governor presented the letter of appointment and the staff of office to Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo in the presence of an enthusiastic crowd.
With this appointment, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo became a member of the Ijebu Traditional Council and a permanent member representing the Ijebu Traditional Council at the Ogun State Council of Obas.
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In a statement, the State Government congratulated the new Orimolusi and wished him good health, long life, and a peaceful and prosperous reign.
A street scene in Ijebu Igbo.
Governor's Address and Future Prospects
During the installation, Governor Abiodun emphasized the pivotal role of traditional rulers in sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the people. He promised that his government would continue to prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of traditional rulers, recognizing them as indispensable partners in the state’s security architecture and development agenda.
The governor also acknowledged Ijebu-Igbo’s significance as a center of commerce and knowledge, attracting people from diverse backgrounds. He urged the people to pay their taxes and rates to enable the government to provide infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
Oba Adebajo's Pledge
In his speech, the newly installed traditional ruler expressed gratitude to the people of Ijebu Igbo and the state government for their support. Oba Adebajo sought the cooperation of other traditional rulers to ensure the socio-economic and political development of Ijebu Igbo. He pledged not to disappoint the people and called for unity in rebuilding the town.
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About Ijebu-Igbo
Ijebu Igbo (Yoruba: Ìjẹ̀bú-Igbó) is a town in Ogun State, Nigeria. The name Ijebu-Igbo (Ijebu + forest) refers to the forested nature of this region within the larger Ijebu area.
Ijebu-Igbo comprises five distinct towns: Okesopin, Ojowo, Atikori, Oke-Agbo, and Japara. Each of these clans has an Oba (king) to govern them, all of whom submit to the leadership of the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo. There are also hundreds of villages and hamlets under Ijebu Igbo.
According to oral tradition, the founder of Ijebu-Igbo was Prince Onayelu, a skilled hunter who chose not to return to Ijebu Ode after his younger brother controversially acceded to the throne.
The Ijebu People
The Ìjẹ̀bú people are a Yoruba subgroup primarily located in the southwest of Nigeria, in the states of Lagos and Ogun. They speak the Ijebu dialect of the Yoruba language and share boundaries with the Ibadan, Egba, and Ilaje subgroups.
The Ijebu people trace their origins to Ilé Ifẹ̀ and are believed to have settled in their current location between 1,000 and 2,000 years ago. They are known for their trade, industriousness, and the production of cassava flakes (Garri).
The Ijebu are split into various divisions including Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Ogbo, Ijebu Igbo and Ijebu Remo, see themselves as united Ijebus.
The Ijebu people are known for the trade and production of very tasty cassava flakes (popularly known as Garri).
The Ijebu people, like other Yoruba peoples, trace their origins to Ilé Ifẹ̀, but not necessarily to Oduduwa.
It is also believed that the grave of Queen Sheba is located in Ijebuland.
Traditional Leadership
The traditional head of the Ijebu kingdom is the Awujale. Other notable traditional rulers include:
- The Awujale of Ijebuland: The paramount ruler of Ijebuland, mainly ruling over Ijebu Ode division. The paramount ruler and leader is Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland who has been on the throne for 64 years, making him the longest reigning king in Nigeria.
- The Mogoosu of Ibido Ogbo: Considered leader to the Ijebu Ogbo division wish consisted of 16 Ogbo communities (Ogbo Merindinlogun) and other communities in the environs like Mogungbade Egbe (Egbe Mogoosu) village and others.
- The Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo: Leader of the Ijebu Igbo division, divided into five clans: Oke-Sopin, Oke-Agbo, Ojowo, Atikori, and Japara.
- The Akarigbo of Remoland: The paramount ruler of (33) towns and villages that makes up Remo division, with several Obas under the leadership of The Akarigbo.
Ijebu Culture
A notable ceremony by the people of Ijebu is Ojude Oba, meaning "The King's Forecourt,". It is an ancient festival celebrated by the Yoruba people of Ijebu-Ode, a prominent town in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Held annually on the third day after Eid al-Kabir (Ileya), the festival is an occasion for paying homage and showing respect to the Awujale, the traditional ruler of Ijebuland.
The Ijebus speak a distinctive dialect that belongs to the South-East group of Yoruba dialects.
The installation of Oba Lawrence Adebajo as the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo not only fills a long-vacant traditional seat but also signifies a renewed hope for unity, progress, and cultural preservation in Ijebu-Igbo.
Table 1: Key Figures in the Orimolusi Installation Process
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Governor of Ogun State | Dapo Abiodun |
| New Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo | Oba Lawrence Adebajo |
| Chairman of the Local Government | Mr. Bolaji Odusanya |
| Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (2018) | Jide Ojuko |
"Ojude Oba: Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people
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