The Two Ife Towns With Rich Historical Identity, By Comrade Taiwo Otitolaye

Preamble

In the realm of Yoruba history and culture, there exist towns that share a common ancestry, language, and traditions. This narrative delves into the captivating story of two ancient Yoruba towns: Ijebu-Ife and Ife-Yagba (Ife-Olukotun). Their shared heritage, cultural affinity, and historical bond form the foundation of this exploration.

Introduction

Ijebu-Ife, situated in Ojowo District, Ijebu East Local Government of Ogun State, while Ife-Yagba (Ife-Olukotun), headquartered in the South East Yagba District of Yagba East Local Government in Kogi State, are two Yoruba towns with a rich historical connection.

The prefix “Ife” in their names serves as a testament to their shared ancestry, tracing back to the revered Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba Race.

The Evolution of Ile-Ife and the Yoruba Identity

Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba Race, has undergone significant transformations throughout history. Embracing change as an inevitable aspect of life, the Yoruba people have adapted to shifting circumstances.

As aptly captured in a quote from my undergraduate political campaigns at Kwara State Polytechnic, “Change is the Law of life, and those who move along with the wind of change, are certain to be the best of their time.”

This philosophy has guided the Yoruba people’s transformation from Ife-Oodaye (City of the dawn of the Yoruba) to Ife-Ooyelagbo (City of the survivors), who survived the deluge and migrated to settle in another land within their territory.

For example, after part the Continent of Atlantis (which spread to the present South West Nigeria) sunk under the sea, the survivors have to move to another location. This is what is known as the second dispersal.

Shared Heritage and Cultural Affinity

1. Common Ancestral Home: Both towns share a common ancestral home in Ile-Ife, the birthplace of the Yoruba civilization.

2. Linguistic Ties: The Ijebu and Yagba dialects are closely related, reflecting their shared heritage.

3. Cultural Similarities: Ijebu-Ife and Ife-Yagba (Ife-Olukotun) share common Yoruba names, culture, festivals, bravery, and occupations.

4. Education and Modernity: Both towns have embraced modernity, with their inhabitants being well-educated to navigate local and international networks.

The Ajalorun Title: A Symbol of Unity

The most striking aspect of the connection between Ijebu-Ife and Ife-Yagba (Ife-Olukotun) is the Ajalorun title, shared by the paramount rulers of both towns. This title serves as a powerful symbol of their shared identity and heritage.

Both Ijebu-Ife and Ife-Olukotun (IFE-YAGBA) migrated from Ile-Ife in about 1450 AD, although there have been migrations within migration; each bearing the AJALORUN TITLE to found their respective town within the then Yoruba Country.

History stated that IFA divination instructed the migration of the two different groups (one to Ijebu-Ife and the other group to IFE-YAGBA (Originally they maintained the name Ajalorun for the town but later changed to (Ijebu-Ife and Ife-Yagba (respectfully).

A second migration saw some of the siblings and group members that came to Ife-Yagba settling in Ejuku and Isao (both are still near neighbours today in the same South East Yagba District of Kogi State

Before the 1914 coarced amalgamation of the diverse nationalities, and upto self-rule under the leadership of the late Sage and Elderstatesman Obafemi Awolowo, the Yoruba Country was a model among comity of nations globally.

Awo was the second Yoruba modern nation builder after Oduduwa, he ushered in a golden era of the Yoruba. What we are seeing today, are the relics of Awo’s dream and vision for the single largest homogeneous black people on the surface of the earth.

The Atlantis Connection and Archaeological Significance

The existence of the Continent of Atlantis, alluded to by archaeologists like Forbenus, a German historian with a Kenyan mother, has been corroborated by spiritual archives and archaeological findings.

A remarkable discovery by Russian scientists in 1990, the “baby fish” (a baby with fish scales), provided evidence of Atlantis’ existence.

The “baby fish” narrated its origin and the existence of Atlantis, describing how its people would occasionally observe the primitive life the people of the Earth live.

Also, my elderly friend, the late Justice Adewale Thompson, then columnist of “MEGAFORCE” in the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper alluded to ‘”Atlantis” in his Book “Black People of The World”

Historical Importance of the three Blocks (AKU META) of Ife-Yagba (Ife-Olukotun)

The three Blocks are: Ohi, Ona and Otun.

Ohi symbolizes the left side of a pathway, Otun the right side of a pathway while Ona symbolizes the Path and creates a balance (unity) between Ohi and Otun. This setting is common in many ancient Yoruba town.

The TRIPOD formation also represents the Yoruba saying that “Aaro meta ki da obe nu”. Literally translated “Three stone (stove) make the soup save on the fire.”

The traditional settings for Ife-Yagba

IGHAREJE: The Ighareje comprises of the seven Obas that governed their own separate kingdoms in the ancient town of IFE-YAGBA. These Kings are: Ona 1. (Agbana Nla) and 2. (Ajagbona) Ohi. 3. (Okohi) and 4. (Obadoka). Otun. 5. (Olu Ere (6) Obaliha and. 7. Olukotun are the seven high Obas that make up the Central Political and traditional system that governs the town under the paramount rulership of AJALORUN.

The Central Palace was situated at Oke-Ife (meaning the hilly part of IFE-YAGBA. It was very common to situate the King’s palace on a hilly area because of the security architecture to protect the palace against external interlopers and invaders.

The Oba -in-Council is headed by AJALORUN the paramount ruler with five chiefs from each of the AKU META (three Blocks: Ohi, Ona and Otun). Any ruling AJALORUN appoints the chief of staff of his choice just as we have today every president and governor appointing their Chief of Staff.

The five (5) chiefs from each of the three (3) Blocks making fifteen (15) are the King Makers.

The traditional rite of AJALORUN. was demanding. An AJALORUN-ELECT in IFE-YAGBA for his coronation would have to provide 200 bags each of: (I). beans. (ii). guinea corn, (iii). gari. (iv) 200 numbers each of yam tubers. (v). Heads of cattle, (vi). Sheep. (vii). Goats (viii) chicken (ix). Kolanuts as part of the materials for the traditional rites

AJALORUN is a revered title. I remember vividly my early teenage years, my grandfather, High Chief Jacob OTITOLAYE, Ode Giri, Obajem, Igbo-Owa Clan in Ona usually tell me the stories on his ceaseless struggles to become the AJALORUN and his exploits as a veteran of the World War II. He transited in 1970 to a higher realm at a ripe age of over 100 years.

Listed here are the past AJALORUN

1st HRH AJALORUN Fagbanla from Igbo-Owa

2nd HRH AJALORUN Osadare from Igbo-Owa

3rd HRH AJALORUN Fasoba from Igbo-Owa

4th HRH AJALORUN Osasona from Igbo-Owa

5th HRH AJALORUN Ampitan from Igbo-Owa

6th HRH AJALORUN Ogungbemi from Igbo-Owa

7th HRH AJALORUN Osagbemi from Igbo-Owa

8th HRH AJALORUN Ikusagba from Igbo-Owa

9th HRH AJALORUN Fasua from Igbo-Owa

10th HRH AJALORUN Eletie from Etie Ohi

11th HRH AJALORUN Woya Firi Firi from Oke-Aga (Otun)

When it was the turn of Ogbo from the Otun Block to produce the AJALORUN, the candidate retained his title of O’korun which is a far lesser title to AJALORUN. For example, the Agbana Nla of Ona is a senior Oba to O’Kotun.

This manipulations has distorted the harmony and rich culture of the ancient town of IFE-YAGBA.

PAST AND PRESENT OLUKOTUN

1st HRH Aseja from Ogbo

2n HRH Okiki from Ogbo

3rd 1st HRH Obutegbagogo from Ogbo

4th HRH AAtabanu from Epo

5th HRH Botaru from Ogbo

6th HRH Adegba Lowo Orisa from Ogbo

7th HRH Ajibola from Ere

8th HRH Aso Omo Erin from Ere

9th HRH Usman Atobatele from Ogbo

10th HRH Salami Ajibola from Ere

11th and present HRH Shuaib Ayegbajeje from Ogbo

History will always repeat itself because humans due to manipulations have always fail to learn from history. Money, power and self interest have been placed over justice; and trying to suppress the TRUTH for primrose purposes

We must begin to decolonize our thinking, actions and inactions, to avert unnecessary chaos in our habitats; and globally to maintain harmony, love and progress.

The past rich history of Ijebu-Ife and Ife-Yagba (Ife-Olukotun) are hallmarks to learn from. This is a clarion call for men and women of conscience to put collective interest above sectional interest.

In conclusion, the historical and cultural bond between Ijebu-Ife and Ife-Yagba (Ife-Olukotun) serves as a testament to the rich and diverse heritage of the Yoruba people. Their shared ancestry, language, and traditions serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural identity and promoting unity among communities.

This narrative highlights the significance of embracing our shared heritage and learning from our history to build a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

COMRADE TAIWO OTITOLAYE is the National Coordinator, Oodua Liberation Movement (OLM)

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