Brief History of Iwo Land

Brief History of Iwo Land in Osun State

Credit

Jacob’Great Olaoluwa Adesina

TRADITION OF ORIGIN OF IWO 

The migration pattern of many Yoruba towns are often attached to Ile-Ife, the believed cradle of Yoruba race and civilization. The history of many places tells the story of the wars waged by the countries in question. Their kings are great by the successes achieved in war time. Their nobles show their nobility by their achievements at the war front. However, while Iwo shared similar sentiment of having a strong connection with Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race, the reason for their migration is far from wars but that of direct and willing migration from Ile-Ife. Iwo is located round towns and major settlements which includes Asa, Oluponna, Ile-Ogbo, Ogbaagba, Kuta, Telemu, Ikire-Ile, Bode-Osi, Ajagba, Ajagunlase and Ikonifin just to mention a few. The rulers of these aforementioned settlements pay traditional homage to the Oluwo of Iwoland, the paramount ruler in the area. It must therefore be noted with satisfaction that people of Iwo and its environs co-exist peacefully together while believers of Christian, Islamic and Traditional religions intermingle among one another without problem.

Iwo is one of the ancient towns in Yorubaland. Its early history like the history of most Yoruba kingdoms, started at Ile-Ife early in the 11th century. Tradition relate that Adekola Telu, son of the sixteenth Ooni of Ife, Luwo Gbagida, who migrated from Obalooran’s compound in Ile-Ife after the death of his mother. Meanwhile, another related account out the actual founder to be Akiola Telu, this perhaps does not mean historical fallacy but mistake of identity which may occur at any time. This account suggested that Akiola Telu as the account narrated was truly a son of Luwo Gbagida from the compound which had been given above in Ile-Ife, but left during the reign of his mother, Luwo Gbagida. The reason for this according to Chief Adedapo Omotosho was because; Luwo was a female king which suggested that Akiola Telu was not from a royal family. He was therefore after consulting Ifa oracle was given beaded crown by his mother and a mandate by Ifa oracle to settle wherever he sees much parrot.

Adebayo therefore insinuated that Luwo advised Telu to migrate partly because the tradition had been established in about the 9th century for princes to migrate and found new kingdoms, as such was the case of Oyo, Ila and others. Importantly as noted by him was because of the harsh reign of Luwo, and this makes it difficult for any of her offspring to succeed her. He otherwise suggested that Telu was sent out after the death of her mother. As little contradictory these accounts are, they obviously was not far too differ as both belief Telu whether Akiola or Adekola was a son of Luwo Gbadida, the female monarch in Ile-Ife and that Telu migrated due to his mother advised, mandate from Ifa oracle or sent out of Ife after Telu death, shows reason for his migration, which we cannot be précised upon. Telu and his entourage set out westward until they finally reached Ogundigbaro, (on the confluence of river Osun and Oba). It had been opined that these migrant had settled at four different places before arriving at Ogundigbaro, one of which according to Adebayo was a nameless location near Ile-Ife where Telu was said to have been harried by Ijesa raiders. Ogundigbaro was not destined to be a permanent settlement for the migrant who left in the third dry season for reason of flood of the confluence, incessant attack of reptiles and outbreak of smallpox.

The third calamity was said to be the major reason why the people left the settlement to migrate further westward after due consultation with Ifa oracle. The next stop was made at Igbo-Orita late in the 16th century. Akiola Telu was believed to have died in Ogundigbaro before Rounmu who lot of leadership fell on led the people to Igbo-Orita as discussed above. Igbo-Orita which is situated in the adjacent of present day Boy’s Approved School, Iwo was only settled for half a century according to Adebayo. Incessant attacks and conflict in the settlement such as summonis is and outbreak of smallpox sent the people packing. Three descendants of Telu reigned here. They were Rounmu (who probably led the group there), ganfenumodi and Jikanmu (who had the most eventful reign). A separate account stated that while it was epidemic that sent them packing, they consulted Ifa oracle before leaving. Ifa therefore ordered them to leave Igbo Orita for a place where Eye Odidere (Parrot) abounded. It was on their way that Jikanmu fell sick and was being carried along by a man named Aimaku. As fate would have it, Jikanmu eventually gave up the ghost very near a river, which has today being named Adeke River (River where the King died – Obadeke) today. The man who was credited for founding the present Iwo was Olumade Parin. Parin had taken over from Jikanmu after his death, and had led the people to where Parrot is abounded. It was on their way that Jikanmu fell sick and was being carried along by a man named Aimaku. As fate would have it, Jikanmu eventually gave up the ghost very near a river, which has today being named Adeke River (River where the King died – Obadeke) today.

The man who was credited for founding the present Iwo was Olumade Parin. Parin had taken over from Jikanmu after his death, and had led the people to where Parrot is abounded. That was how Parin became the first Oluwo in around 17th century, as he was Joshua of biblical story who led the Iwo people to their present settlement. The people first settled and stayed at Ile-Oloya, in that house, Otomporo and the corpse of Jikanmu are deposited in that house, this perhaps is the reason why any successive King after leaving Onto house for his seclusion ritual must necessary visit the place before any major travelling. Meanwhile, Adebayo in his own account wrote that “On the site, Parin met Babagidigbo and Olaside Beku, descendant of Telu’s follower from Ile-Ife, who being hunter had left Igbo-Orita in search of game”. The origin of the name Iwo was not known, but certain tradition claimed that the name involved from the saying, “E je kaa ma wo” when the people asked their leader if that place was going to be their permanent settlement. Meanwhile, Adebayo noted the phonological relation with Luwo their maternal ancestor and the people might have been Iwo from the beginning.

Click here for direction to Iwo in Osun State Nigeria

References.

Facebook.com – Jacob’Great Olaoluwa Adesina

Article of Iwo in Osun Wikipedia. com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwo,_Osun

Oluwo of Iwo Palace Image – Credit of Sahara Reporter.com -http://saharareporters.com/

Willie Abi Oyesola Alamu, The Tree has Blossomed (Iwo; Ola Ayediran Print, 1992)

1. G. Adebayo, “Origin and Development of Iwo to 1960” in Journal

Oral Interview with Chief Prince Adedapo Omotoso, Isale-Oba, Teacher, 70+, Iwoland, 19/2/2018)

Oral Interveiw with Prince R. Akanji, 70, Retired Civil Servant, conducted at Iwo, 19th  February, 2018

Oral Interveiw with Alhaja Salimotu Araokanmi, 75+, Trader, conducted at Iwo, 19th  February, 2018

Oral Interveiw with Prince Chief Oladosun Adebayo Abolusodun, 70+, Farmer, conducted at Iwo, 19th  February, 2018

Oral Interveiw with Chief Ayinla Moshood, 70, Retired Civil Servant, conducted at Iwo, 3rd February, 20.