IKIRUN HISTORICAL CITY IN YORUBALANDk
Ikirun, is an historical city that derived its name from the founder of the town called Akinorun. Akinorun is a hunter who founded Ikirun.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Ikirun is situated in the north-eastern part of Osun state of Nigeria in Osun northeast division Ikirun is located within latitude 7 degree 50 feet north of Equator and longitude 4 degree 40 feet east of Greenwich meridian. The town is located in a valley surrounded by 2 hills. Obagun/Gbogi hill to north and Aafo hill to the south and Alaroka and Idi-olo mountain to the east. Ikirun is centrally located in Osun north-east division of Osun state. It is bounded on the north by Inisa town in Odo-otin local government area. On the south by Osogbo, the Osun state capital. To the east by Iragbiji town in Boripe local government council. And on the west by Eko-Ende town also in Ifelodun local government council.
POPULATION
It is estimated that the population of Ikirun was about 60,826 (according to National Population Census, Ikirun).
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF IKIRUN, A TOWN IN OSUN STATE.
Ikirun is situated in the north-eastern part of Osun state of Nigeria in Osun northeast division Ikirun is located within latitude 7 degree 50 feet north of Equator and longitude 4 degree 40 feet east of Greenwich meridian. The town is located in a valley surrounded by 2 hills. Obagun/Gbogi hill to north and Aafo hill to the south and Alaroka and Idi-olo mountain to the east.
Ikirun is centrally located in Osun north-east division of Osun state. It is bounded on the north by Inisa town in Odo-otin local government area. On the south by Osogbo, the Osun state capital. To the east by Iragbiji town in Boripe local government council. And on the west by Eko-Ende town also in Ifelodun local government council.
Ikirun is a town that derived its name from the first ruler of the town called Akinorun. There was a hunter named Basetan. Basetan was uthe premier settler and the founder of the present day Ikirun. As stated earlier, Basetan was a hunter. And in his hunting expedition, he came across nearby habitation in “Igbo Irele”, a community headed by a man called Akinorun.
Basetan urged Akinorun to join him in present day Ikirun,and he agreed with Basetan. And since then Basetan left the governing of the settlement in the wardship of his new friend Akinorun, with the understanding that he would stand as the subordinate whenever he is around. With this arrangement,the rulership was progressively released to Akinorun and his descendants with Basetan as the Eesa, i.e., the second in command and till this day,”the Eesa” always come from the lineage of Basetan.
In acknowledgment of this arrangement, whenever a new Akinrun is mount on the throne, he is required to spend sometime in the Eesa’s palace as the Eesa’s guest (his original proprietor) before moving into his own palace. In due to this,it is captured In the oriki of the Basetan descendants as “omo arile gba ofe kunrin, which literarily means “he who has enough capacity in his compound to harbor male guests).
There is a memorial pillar in Oja Oba in Ikirun to date with the inscription; “Basetan, ode to te ilu Ikirun do, which literarily means “Basetan, the hunter who founded Ikirun.
TRADITIONAL IRELE FESTIVAL IN IKIRUN
The Irele festival comes up in July every year to coincide with harvest of new yams. In Ikirun, Ikirunnew yams must not be brought to the Obas market for sale until after Irele yam festival is held.
Irele festival is celebrated to commemorate the companion of founder of Ikirun. History has it that Akinorun came with a companion, named Irele. Like Akinorun he was a powerful hunter and warrior. They both first settle in what is known as Igbo Irele. Not quite long after their arrival at Igbo Irele, Akinorun took ill. He called his companion and his people, and handed the leadership over to Irele. Thereafter he died. The administration of the town and welfare of all that was left by Akinorun were in the hands of Akinoruns children and Irele. He took up the challenge and whenever war threatened Igbo Irele, he quickly rose and founght gallantly.
It was in appreciation of what Irele did for Ikirun when he was alive that the people deified him and made a covenant that they would worship him and offer him sacrifices every year during the month of July to coincide with harvest of the yams.
ORIKI OF IKIRUN
Ikirun Agunbe,
Ọmọ onile obi
Eleni ateeka, eleni ewele
Omo eru ko gbodo dere ni jinini, Iwofa wa ko gbodo d’otonporo
Ibile agunbe ni ogb’ofa l’ori.
Omo b’isu jin, na tan ma roun mu
B’onu,
irele mo ko n’isa nile baba mi,
irele ti mu ikirun r’okun ti mu r’osa
Irele ti mu ikirun dun gbongbon.
Oya se tan oya w’ole n’ile ira
Obalufon se tan o w’ole l’erin.
Igbati irele se tan lo wole nilu ikirun,
Pankere la n mu dubu osun nile baba tobi mi lomo,
Èèyàn ti n re ikirun agunbe e ma wule mu, oko d’ani,
Apata nla lo gba’le de ikirun
Otontori baba onikaluku won lo mosu lojosi,
Ikirun omo alakuko gagara ti nko lodo ona
Ikirun agunbe lasoro ana di baamiran
Kojumo otomo,
Agbori oro pete, omo moje
Be, momu be, hinun bebe, meeri, meemo,
Emi owi, eeh, gbogbo oro won yí.
NAMES OF PAST OBAS (KINGS) IN IKIRUN
As mentioned earlier, the former settlement at Igbo-Irele was short lived. However,since the birth of permanent and present site of the town, fifteen Akinrun has reigned over Ikirun town. They are as follows:
- Olasinde Obaara
- Gboleru
- Aye Munije
- Adedeji I
- Olusosun
- Fatolu
- Oyewole
- Lalowo.
- Oyebode.
- Ola.
- Akadiri 1887 – 1917 .
- Oba Kolawole 1917 -1940
- Oba Kusamotu Oyewole
- Oba Lawani Adeyemi Oyejola 1945 -1989
- Oba Abdul-Rauf Adewale Adedeji II 1991 – Present.
TRADITIONAL CHIEFS OF IKIRUN
The traditional chiefs of Ikirun are as follows :
1. Chief Eesa. He is the head of king makers
2. Chief Odofin
3. Chief Ojomu
4. Chief Elemo
5. Chief Aro
6. Chief Jagun
7. Chief Baale Okeba
8. Chief Olukotun
9. Chief Aogun Ogerende
WOMEN TITLE HOLDERS
Women also hold traditional titles in Ikirun such as Iyalode of Ikirun, Otun Iyalode, Osi Iyalode, Ekerin Iyalode and Iyaloja.
NAMES OF COMPOUNDS IN IKIRUN
1. Ile Adu 2. Alagbede 3. Aare Olugasa 4. Agbojari 5. Alagbede pon 6. Awodi Ogun 7. Ile Aloba 8. Alubata Agboja 9. Amola 10. Abitimo 11. Aromokanla 12. Aare-Onibon 13. Akan-an 14. Aare 15. Alaran 16. Abojo 17. Apanpa 18. Amugangan 19. Abudu 20. Agunjin 21. Agbere 22. Asuramu 23. Alataya 24. Akeremewe 25. Anlamole 26. Agbaleke 27. Alawo 28. Adeyeri 29. Akio 30.Agbopa 31. Aboke 32. Afonpe 33. Are-Ago 34. Aiwosi 35. Aje- Oba 36. Ajenbe 37. Agbori oko 38. Alagbaa 39. Alawe 40. Agba-akin 41. Aladi 42. Ajele- Ilorin 43. Aloba 44. Ajiyalu 45. Ajibesin 46. Asalu 47. Abidogun 48. Aro 49. Aresa 50. Aworo-Irele 51. Amolese 52. Arobo 53. Ajele 54. Ajimosun 55. Alalufaa (Isale Aafo) 56. Atere 57. Ajakaye Onipele 58. Ajana 59. Asaba 60. Ajele Okeba 61. Ago Okeba 62. Ajisefinni 63. Alufa Akanbi 64. Adedeji 65. Alabi 66. Aniyeye 67. Agunlo 68. Aliyu 69. Aborisade 70. Agbon 71. Ayara 72. Baale- Enle 73. Baba Osogbo 74. Orisayo 75. Balogun 76. Baale Gbenagbena 77. Baale Onilu 78. Baale Ponja Erintunde 79. Saba 80. Balogun Kojo 81. Baale Oke Aafo 82. Balogun Makinde 83. Baba Isale 84. Balogun Imole 85. Baba Oloya 86. Baale Arabanbi 87. Baale Babatola 88. Baale Soyan 89. Balogun Okeba 90. Bada 91. Baale Aludundun Ayan 92. Baale Oya Omo Onira 93. Eesa 94. Eesade 95. Enju 96. Egunjobi 97. Elejin 98. Elemo Abioye (Oke Aafo) 99. Elemo Ago 100. Efun Akun 101. Ebipologba 102. Elemoso Agan 103. Esu Agiriemu 104. Elemoso Ogun 105. Esubiyi 106. Eesorun Okeba 107. Elega 108. Eesa Olorombo 109. Gesinde 110. Gbalade 111. Gbenagbena 112. Gbesi 113. Iya Oba 114. Iyalaje 115. Idi Akoko 116. Tunde 117. Idi omo 118. Iyalode 119. Idi Okuta 120. Inurin 121. Jagun Aworinde 122. Jagun Ajibade 123. Jagun Oyewo 124. Kalemori 125. Kuoye 126. Kolawolu 127. Lanseje 128. Lamulamu 129. Laawe 130. Lagbeja 131. Masao 132. Motayo 133. Mofikoya 134. Mosalo 134. Megida 135. Naana 136. Osikolaba 137. Oluawo Onisegun 138. Olorebe 139. Olukuewu 140. Oluode 141. Otinlojuoti 142. Ologa 143. Olorunbasiri 144. Olomu 145. Olobedu 146. Ojomu Awerijaye 147. Olosun 148. Olaese 149. Olola Gogoro 150. Omitokun 151. Oluawo Onifa 152. Oyo Igbajo 153. Ojomu Agbosoye 154. Oloyan 155. Ogala 156. Onijabe 157. Olabugan 158. Oyewumi 159. Oluawo Onijabe 160. Oluode Fekete 161. Oibo Taiwo 162. Olota 163. Olaore 164. Oloya 165. Olorisa Oko 165. Oyo 166. Oloko 167. Oyelami 168. Olora 169. Owolabi 170. Obale 171. Ogun 172. Ogodu 173. Ojomu Alao 174. Olori Onisango 175. Odofin Awo 176. Olorungunna 177. Oluode Okeba 178. Ojongbodu 179. Oniwaye 180. Olobu 181. Olukolo 182. Osolo Okeba 183. Ogundeji Okeba 184. Olori Oloya 185. Olufon 186. Olonde 187. Okela 188. Oke Gboye 189. Omode 190. Ogbaro 191. Pajapaja 192. Patoro 193. Paado 194. Sagede 195. Simo Isale 196. Simo Oke 197. Sobaloju 198. Oke Owo 199. Shitu Adegboye 200. Sise 201. Sagbedo 202. Sunmonu Aweda 203. Samolope 204. Toibo. 205. Solo Ibikunle. 206. Ile Ponjo 207. Ile Agboja. 208. Ile Kondo sile. 209. Ile Adesekan. 210. Oloje’s Compound.
TRADITIONAL IRELE FESTIVAL IN IKIRUN
The Irele festival comes up in July every year to coincide with harvest of new yams. In Ikirun, Ikirunnew yams must not be brought to the Obas market for sale until after Irele yam festival is held.
Irele festival is celebrated to commemorate the companion of founder of Ikirun. History has it that Akinorun came with a companion, named Irele. Like Akinorun he was a powerful hunter and warrior. They both first settle in what is known as Igbo Irele. Not quite long after their arrival at Igbo Irele, Akinorun took ill. He called his companion and his people, and handed the leadership over to Irele. Thereafter he died. The administration of the town and welfare of all that was left by Akinorun were in the hands of Akinoruns children and Irele. He took up the challenge and whenever war threatened Igbo Irele, he quickly rose and founght gallantly.
Irele announced his imminent death and gave certain instruction that must be adhere to by the people. He gave them two calabashes with the instructions never to open them. He then dipped osanyin staff into the ground with instructions that whenever an attack was imminent, the people should go there and call his name upon which he would fight for them. He added that when he died he black dog must be sacrificed. With this instructions, Irele, according to legend, entered into the ground. Akinoruns eldest son, Akinbiyi continued the administration.
APPRECIATION
It was in appreciation of what Irele did for Ikirun when he was alive that the people deified him and made a covenant that they would worship him and offer him sacrifices every year during the month of July to coincide with harvest of the yams.
EGUNGUN FESTIVAL IN Ikirun
In Yoruba land, there is a festival which is called Egungun festival. In Ikirun, Chief Ojomu is the traditional Chief in charge of Egungun Ilu (Town masquerade) while Chief Olota is the leader of all Egungun Oje (Magical masquerade) of the town.
Egungun festival comes up in May every year and holds for seven (7) consecutives days. It is Chief Olota and Chief Ojomu who fix the days of the Celebration of Egungun festival in Ikirun. On the appointed day, Akinorun and his traditional Chiefs moves to celebrate in the residence of Chiefs Ojomu and Olota, they will later proceed to Igbo Igbale for further ceremonies. On the third day known as Ojo Ita all Egunguns in Ikirun would comes out. There are two types of Egungun in Ikirun. The first group are the Egungun Ilu otherwise known as Eegun Olore. They do whip on one another to entertain people. These include Doodika (Sika), Orogun meji, Labinkolo, Yemoja, and Yerepe. The second category is the Egungun Oje. They are masquerades who performs magical acts (Idan) to entertain people. These include Owolewa, Eyeba, Alagbaa and Eyefo-odo.
On the seventh day (Ijo Ije), Chief Ojomu and Olota do feast the Egunguns, celebrants and other traditional chiefs. They prepare meals such as pounded yam and egusi soup. All Egunguns come out and pay homage to Akinrun and his Chiefs at the palace. The Egunguns will entertain the Oba and the Chiefs and thereafter offer prayer for Akinrun. As part of the ceremony, the masquerades proceed to the central market, near the Akinruns palace where they entertain the townfolks by blessing the artisans, traders and market men and women. The people in turn give present such as kolanut and money to all the masquerades.
Ikirun Day Celebration
The idea behind Ikirun Day Celebration was the outcome or aftermath of a meeting of all Clubs in Ikirun which took place in December, 1991. The main objectives or purpose of Ikirun Day Celebration are as follows: First, to give the indigenes of Ikirun an opportunity to get acquaninted with the progress that their town has made so far, its problems and aspirations, and therefore make an assessment of the areas which various clubs and associations could be of help, financially and morally to the historic town. Secondly, Ikirun Day Celebration is an occasion of re-union. The Day is celebrated so as to generate rapport among Ikirun indigines by bringing them together in a carnival-like atmosphere, at least once a year. Thirdly, to bring home Ikirun indigenes who sojourn in far away places without coming home for many years. Fourthly, the Day is also set aside to generate and raise funds for the developmental projects e.g. building of modern palace for Akinrun. Lastly, to invite visitors, investors outsiders and friends to Ikirun in order to know the indigines and appreciate the beauty and culture of the township. The first Ikirun Day came up on 18 April 1992 at Akinorun Grammar School premises, Ikirun. The Day was preceded by prayers in the mosques and churches, symposium and paying of homage to Kabiyesi by the people of Ikirun at home and abroad.
DAILY & WEEKLY MARKETS IN IKIRUN
The following are major markets in Ikirun:
1. Oja Oba which is attended every day. It is situated directly in front of the Obas palace. It is a market for daily needs of the citizens. Activities commence as early as 7am and till around 10pm on a daily basis.
2. Oja Oba Adeyemi popularly known as Oja Alamisi i.e. Thursday Market. It is attended once every Thursday. It is situated along Oke Afo-Express junction road, Ikirun. What is mostly sold in Thursday Market are fruits, foodstuff that are brought from various villages closer to Ikirun. The market is opens as early as 5am and closes by 6.30pm.
3. Oja Oba Adedeji popularly known as Oja Monday which is attended every Monday. It is situated directly in front of Akinorun Grammar School, Railway Station Road, Ikirun. Most of the items sold in this market is similar to that of Thursday market, the market’s opening and closing hour is the same with that of Thursday Market.
4. Oja Oba Adedeji, popularly known as Oja Satide is attended every Saturday and is situated along State Hospital Road, Ikirun. It is a mini weekend market, where traders from various village come to sell their farm produce.
5. Oba Adedeji Shopping Complex, situated along Oke Afo, Osogbo Road, Ikirun.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS NEEDED AT IKIRUN
1. Construction of more classrooms in our primary and secondary schools. 2. Expansion of market stalls 3. Citing of small scale industries 4. Provision of street lights in Ikirun 5. Repairs of broken water pipes in the town 6. Rehabilitation and tarring of existing township roads. 7. Erection of roundabout at Oba Adedeji market 8. Provision of recreational facilities 9. Establishment of higher institution of learning 10. Equipping the Ikirun Library with current books and computers. 11. Efficient distribution of mail in Ikirun 12. Establishment of more banks 13. Construction of Cultural Center 14. Construction of a Stadium 15. Award of Scholarship to indigines 16. Renovation of Townhall.
Federal Government Agencies Office In Ikirun
The following are the Federal Government Establishments in Ikirun:
- The Nigerian Police Divisional Headquarters Iyaganku, Ikirun
- The Nigerian Police, Motor Traffic Division, Oja Oba, Ikirun
- Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Station Road, Ikirun
- General Post Office Station Road, Ikirun
- National Population Commission Old Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat, Ikirun
- Federal Office of Statistics, Ikirun
- Immigration Office, New Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat, Ikirun
- State Security Services, Ikirun
- National Orientation Agency (NAO), Old Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat, Ikirun.
- National Youth Service Corps Zonal Headquarters, New Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat, Ikirun.
- Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Along Ikirun-Ofa Express Road, Ikirun.
OSUN STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES OFFICE
The Osun State Government Establishment offices in Ikirun are as follows:
a. Osun State Agricultural Mechanization Corporation, State Headquarters, Ikirun. a. Ministry of Education Along Iragbiji Road, Ikirun.
b. Fire Service Along Station Road, Ikirun.
c. Chief Magistrate Court Iragbiji Road, Ikirun.
d. High Court Eko Ende Road, Ikirun
e. Ministry of Health (Primary Health Care Center), Olaore Estate, Inisha Road, Ikirun.
f. Ministry of Works (Zonal Office), Eweta, Ikirun.
g. Osun State Property Development Corporation (Agunbe Estate), Osogbo Road, Ikirun.
h. Land and Physical Planning Bureau, Labaeka Estate, Old Inisha Road, Ikirun.
i. Osun State Water Corporation (Zonal Office), Old Inisha Road, Ikirun.
j. Ifelodun Local Government Education Authority Akinorun Grammar School-Express Junction, Ikirun.
k. Ministry of Finance, Commerce and Industry (Internal Revenue) Oke Afo, Ikirun.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS NEEDED AT IKIRUN
1. Construction of more classrooms in our primary and secondary schools.
2. Expansion of market stalls
3. Citing of small scale industries 4. Provision of street lights in Ikirun
5. Repairs of broken water pipes in the town
6. Rehabilitation and tarring of existing township roads.
7. Erection of roundabout at Oba market
8. Provision of recreational facilities
9. Establishment of higher institution of learning
10. Equipping the Ikirun Library with current books and computers.
11. Efficient distribution of mail in Ikirun
12. Establishment of more banks 13. Construction of Cultural Center
14. Construction of a Stadium
15. Award of Scholarship to indigines
16. Renovation of Townhall.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND
REFERENCES
IKIRUN A TOWN IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA By Taye Olasunkanmi Bello, Adeolu Printing Press, Adenuga Gbongan. Osun State, Nigeria. 1st edition, 1997. Printed in Nigeria.
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