A_Short_History_of_Ila_Orangun

A SHORT HISTORY OF ILA-ORANGUN, GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. The ancient city of Ila-Orrangun is situated on latitude 8 North of the equator and longitude 4.30 East of the Greenwich. It’s about 50 kilometer North East of Oshogbo. It’s a gate way to both Ondo and Kwara States and share boundaries with Ora, Oke-Ila. And Otun-Ekiti to the North-East; Arandun, Rore and Aranorinto the North. Oyan to the West, Otan-Ayegbaju to the South-West and Oke-Imesi in Ondo State to the East. ORIGIN The origin of Ila-Orangun people is not matter for debate and controversy. It is commonly accepted that their cradle city is Ile-Ife and Oduduwa was their progenitor. Oduduwa with his Ifa oracle descended Ile-Ife around 10th century during the day time. There he met a priest called Agiri-Logbon Agbonmiregun and some chiefs who did not accept him as their leader. Oduduwa then consulted Ifa oracle on what to do. Ifa told him that at riverside, there is a beautiful Lady waiting, she will be his wife.Oduduwa saw the Lady by name Adetinrin Anasin by the riverside and made her his wife. Anasin Adetinrin gave birth to a male child called Ifagbamila. Ifagbamila was born on a day known in Ifa oracular calendar as “Ojo Ila-ye-Fun”. Oduduwa declared supplucity during the naming ceremony of his child. People were lavishing entertained to the amazement of all the attendants. Hence before dispersing they came to Oduduwa in group to pledge their support and loyalty to him as their leader and warrior. Fagbamila was nurtured at Ipetumodu according to Ifa oracle directive. Impressed by the change of his fortune and the astonishing performance of his heir Fagbamila, Oduduwa set out and built for him a “BIG HOUSE”, Ile-Nla at the outskirt of the palace called ILARE, where he was of age and with wives and a lot of property. At the dispersal age of 13, Fagbamila, after the Ita-Ijero deliberations, concluded his arrangement to leave Ile-Ife and parted with his father to establish his own Kingdom. Before he left, his father Oduduwa blessed him and gave half of his property- beaded crowns, pathfinder (Ada-Ogbo) with which to clear his path, staff of office (Opa Orere) to charter his course, retinue of soldiers, servants, Igbemos, a follower for each compound house holds to accompany and minister unto Fagbamila, so also Ifa-Ajobo and Edan of Ogboni society in his adventure for his own kingdom. Because Fagbamila inherited “Half-Half” of his father’s properties hence,”half- half or “Ilaji-Ilaji” was reduced to “ILAJI”. The Odu Ifa for Ajagunla (ifa corpus) with which he left Ile-Ife was “OSE-MEJI” meaning “ORO-MI-GUN” thus finally “Ilaji-Ni-Mopin-Oromi-Gun” became “Fagbamila Oro-mi-gun-Ile-nla,Aremo-Oodua”. At the death of his father Oduduwa, Fagbamila Oro-mi-gun the their, inherited his fathers wives and other crowns. His other brothers had left Ife for different destinations. Such as Ado of Benin, Onipopo of Popo Olowu of Owo, Onisabe of Sabe, Alaketu of Ketu, Alafin of Oyo the last of them. Hence, Orangun of Ila possesses more beaded crowns more than his brother’s obas in Yoruba land today. The search for his kingdom took Fagbamila to Niger River Bank and Nupe land while in constant consultation withIfa-Ajobo and Ada-Ogbo. An important personality in the entourage of Fagbamila was his mother,”ANASIN ADETINRIN” being her only child and out of love and care, she choosed to follow him than stay behind with Oduduwa. In the course of his search and attended battles, Fagbamila led Olugbon, Aresa, Onikoyi and Olumuaperin to help his Younger brother Oranmiyan of Oyo to conquer the Ibaribas notable among them was a Nupe captive Elenpa Iyanda, a veteran Nupe warrior, who eventually became his chief warrior. Hence, Fagbamila was nicknamed “A great warrior” (AJAGUNN-NLA), and that became part of his name Thus he was addressed” Fagbamila Ajagunla Oran-mi Gun Ile –nla Ile-Ila-Orangun, name of the present town was derived from “Ile-Nla-Oran-mi-gun”. Subsequent Obas of the town refined the name to Orangun Ile-Ila or Orangun of Ila. Many of Fagbamila’s followers dropped in the course of their sojourn and he established for them their settlements which grew to become IGBOMINA KINGDOM with reasonable autonomy, but all recognizing as their head and his settlement, the capital of the kingdom. Example of the settlement are Omun-aran, Aradun, Ajase-ipo ,Oro,Omupo, Shaare, Igbaja, Oke Ode, Isanlu Ilofa, Rore, Otun, Gogo, Ora, Iludun e.t.c. before finally setting down at Igbo-Ajagun nla, Fagbamila With his entourage had stop over at Odo-Eyin, Ilade and Kodomu. Satisfied with this new settlement, he said ”Ogbo-mi mona” (My pathfinder has shown me the way).this was reduced to “Ogbomina” and later Igbomina, name of the people and Kingdom established by Fagbamila Ajagun Aremo Oodua. Anasin Adetinrin died at Igbo Ajagunla where Fagbamila reign for about 130yrs before he sank into mother earth. Traditional evidence assert that he did not die but sank.Ebora ila is the spirit of Fagbamila. Fagbamila was succeeded by his eldest child, Amontagesi. Orangun Amontagesi reign for long in Igbo Ajagunla before he lead his people out to Ila-yara on consultation with Ifa Ajobo where he ruled for more than 50yrs.Amota had two children, Adeboye and Ogboye.There were incessant war-fare in all the kingdom so Amontagesi being very powerful before sought to learn more medicine from the Owus. He turned himself to a beautiful female girl and married the Olowu of Owu land. When he finished learning more powers about the same time he reached home, his son Adeboye who had been in the Palace as regent was however, threatened by the return of his father and committed suicide. he is referred to as “Adeboye Ogba . Who use death to senior his father .Amota regained his ruler ship as Orangun of ila. Amota ruled for a short time before he died and Ogboye became Oramgun at Ila-Yara,Ogboye begart Oboyun. Apakimo,Arutu Oluokun, Igbonnibi-Lado, Olagbaye, Olakale (a.k.a Baba Ebo) At the demised of Orangun Ogboye, his eldest son Oboyun became the Orangun, Oboyun. He had no male child, hence after his demise the sons of Ogboye battled for the crown. On consultation with Ifa Ajobo, Ifa choosed Arutu Oluokun to be the Orangun to the amazement of Apakimo who was older than him (Arutu),though of the same mother. Arutu was installed Orangun at Ila –Yara. The installation of Arutu Oluokun infuriated Apakimo and started reacting turbulently there by making the town ungovernable. The polarization and attendant problems drove many out of Ila-Yara and established Ila community in Ilahun, Ilase, ilawe, ila odo, lla, Ijebu-ife llale. on consultation with Ifa Ajobo, Orangun Arutu Olokun, Igbonnibi Lado,Olakale and others led the remaining rightful successor to the throne, Orangun Arutu took the crowns, sword, (Ada Ogbo), staff of office (Opa Orere), Ifa Ajobo, Edan Ogboni in their custody. they had a brief stop-over at ILA-AJO BEHIND OKE AGUNBELEWO before setting at Ila Magbon along Agbamu road. The attendant problem and polarization also drove Apakimo out of Ila-Yara with his favourites to settle at Okiri and then Igboyun where he continued his hunting expediton. At Ila Magbon news came to Orangun Arutu that the condition of his brother ,prince Apakimo was deplorable and pitiable. Orangun Arutu then sent for Prince Apakimo and he came to meet him at Ila Magbon. His condition was truly deplorable. Orangun Arutu Oluokun now installed him at Ila-Magbon as Orangun and gave him beaded crown and paraphilenia of office as Orangun of Igbohun. He also gave him people selectively made from different compounds in Ila-Magbon to follow him and minister unto him to make him happy. The compound names of the people from Ila-Magbon that followed Orangun Apakimo are still in use till now at Igbohun now Oke-Ila. Some of the compound names are:- Ile Orangun, IleAlapinni, Ile Elemona, Ile-Obala, Ile-Obale (e.t.c.) The menace of earthworms short lived Orangun Arutu Oluokun and the people at Ila-Magbon. On consultation with Ifa oracle, it was revealed that the spike of “Opa Orere” had touched the ground somewhere and that they should go back to the place. Igbonnibi who handled the staff confessed and had to go back. They journey back about three km.from Ila-Magbon, Orangun Arutu Oluokun, to old age, he cold not go further he then handled over all the Orangun paraphilenia of office and the crown to Adegbiji Igbonibi to become Orangun. Orangun Arutu Oluokun with his Chief-Servant (Asoju Oba) sank into the ground at Igbo Moloodo. (Paraoke). Where he is being worshipped every year. Orangun Adegbiji lado Igbonnibi, Olakale his brothers and others, now led his people out to their present abode, Ila-Orangun in 1425 AD. At present in Ila-Orangun, some groups of people help Orangun in day-to-day administration of the ancient city. they perform different functions at different times. They are:- 1. The Igbemos - who knows much about the Orangun from his installation to his death and princes who reign as Owas in Ila kingdom. 2. The traditional Chiefs: these are in groups: a. Egbe Obaala b. Egbe Obalotin c. Egbe Ikegbe d. Egbe Eelu e. Egbe Ojua f. Egbe Loguun g. Egbe Janmoo h. Egbe Emese i. Egbe Iyalode 3. The Omo-Owa Chiefs, Eso and Ebo. ROYAL RULING HOUSES IN ILA-ORANGUN At present there are three Royal Ruling Houses in Ila-Orangun, namely: a. Arutu Ruling House 1. Obalotin (Elewerolado) 2. Olugunna 3. Abalagemo 4. Jagun 5. Offini Fasenu 6. Adegbile 7. Afolabi b. Igbonnibi Ruling House: 1. Atere 2. Olumobi 3. aregun 4. Opayakata 5. Agbedegbede 6. Aresikeye 7. Alagbo 8. Oloo Iperin 9. Owada Edunde 10. Obalotin Oloja Oke 11. Tojokun 12. Onigbon c. Okomo Ruling House: 1. Orangun (Oke-Ejigbo) 2. Obaloja 3. Olomaase 4. Ologede 5. Arogangan 6. Loogun 7. Agada 8. Elemukan 9. Orunkunrin 10. Odoofa 11. Obasolo Ogori 12. Olotonporo 13. Owaada Iperin 14. Obasolo Ameso 15. Aniyeloye PAST AND PRESENT ORANGUN OF ILA 1. Fagbamila Ajagunnla 1070-1200AD Igbo Ajagunla 2. Amotagesi 1201-1290 Ila-Yara 3. Ogboye 1290-1314 Ila-Yara 4. Oboyun-mo-Yara 1314-1353 Ila-Yara 5 Arutu Oluokun 1353-1425 Ila Magbon 6. Adegbiji Lado Igbonnibi 1425-1504 Ila Orangun 7. Olakale (Baba Ebo) 1504-1560 Ila Orangun 8. Adebiyi Ijimigodo 1460-1581 Ila Orangun 9. Ajibade Aroyehun Offini 1582-1608 Ila Orangun 10. AdeyemiOkusu 1608-1630 Ila Orangun 11. Adejoorin Okomokasa 1640-1680 Ila Orangun 12. Adedeji Aniyeloye 1680-1710 Ila Orangun 13. Omolaoye Baba Atere 1710-1745 Ila Orangun 14. Adediti Iyanda Edunde 1745-1760 Ila Orangun 15. Aderosin Agbedegbede 1760-1789 Ila Orangun 16. Olajojobi Agboluaje 1 1789-1845 Ila Orangun 17. Bamigboye Ariyowonye 1845-1886 Ila Orangun 18. Adeyemi Amesomoye 1886-1909 Ila Orangun 19. Folayanka Atobatele 1909-1923 Ila Orangun 20. Oyinlola Arojojoye 1923-1936 Ila Orangun 21. Adetoyi Orimadegun 1937-1947 Ila Orangun 22. Adedapo Agboluaje 2 1947-1960 Ila Orangun 23. Adetona Ayeni Ariwajoye 1 1967-1999 Ila Orangun 24. Abdulwahab Olukayode Oyedotun Bibire 1 2003 till date Ila Orangun SOOTHSAYING OF THE CURRENT ORANGUN OF ILA Olukayode Alabi omo Bibire Omo Arutu Oluokun Omo amilonisa oogun Omo O gbeegun gbela Omo ila nso l’oko Omo oogun gbendugbendu Omo k’a mu laje Ka moogun ka fi gbomo ila ye Omo a loke lada Omo a loko ni kere Omo Oba eleni elewere, lado Omo opala bori agogo Omo ogede gbodo sogbin sora Omo eja ngbenu ibu s’ola O o pe lori oye awon baba re, kanrin. TRADITIONAL KING MAKERS AND THEIR COMPOUNDS 1. Obaala of Ila 2. Obaafa of Ila 3. Obaale of Ila 4. Obaaro of Ila 5. Ejemu of Ila 6. Obaasinkin of Ila 7. Elemona of Ila TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS IN ILA-ORANGUN 1. Ogun Festival - July in every year 2. Oke Festival - 3. Egungun Ila Festival - March in every three years 4. Osun Ipetu Festival - August in every year 5. Aworo Ose festival - August in every year 6. Otonporo Festival - August in every year 7. Oro Festival - August/September every year FEMALE YOUTH ORGANIZATION IN ILA TRADITION The institution of female youth organization in Ila tradition otherwise referred to as EWE is dated back to the institution of Obaship in Ila-Orangun. The female youth organization (EWE) is a traditional group associated with the major festivals in the town such as Ogun, Oke, Egungun, Osun Ipetu, Aworo Ose and Oro. Ewe group could be likened to the female choristers in modern religious organizations today but with the addition of performing rituals which go beyond sing-songs. Membership is mainly from among maidens. However, a member of the Ewe group who is on marriage must pay off the required discharge listed items which include pounded yam, he-goat, groundnut, sugar cane, bean-cake and an agreed amount of money before she is left off the hook. During their festivals the Ewe group carry about “Esuku” – a special gourd smeared with cock blood, cork feathers, cam wood and white chalk. They also carry the Oba’s fan as a mark of Monatchial Authority along with a special lamp called “Atupa Olojumeje”. The Ewe groups are distinctive from other cultural group through their mode of dressing e.g. dyed cam-wood clothe and agogo style of hair-do with beads. LIST OF EWE GROUPS 1. Ewe Ogun 2. Ewe Oke 3. Ewe Egungun Oja 4. Ewe Ooosa Ose 5. Ewe Oro 6. Ewe Aran This documentation was compiled by: Oba Adebisi Babatunde Owajigbo of Ejigbo Orangun Prince Adeniran Folorunso, and written by Prince Akande J. A. O. (JP) The web document was uploaded by Michael Adewale Olubode Odediji (Ejemu Oke Ejigbo Compound).