Sub-ethnic group Yoruba, Nigeria
The Ìjẹ̀bú people are a Yoruba subgroup hailing from Nigeria. located in the southwest of the country. The Ijebu people speak the Ijebu language.
Description
The Ijebu share boundaries on the north with the Ibadan, on the west with the Egba and on the east with the Ilaje, all of which are other subgroups of the Yoruba.[1] The Ijebus are one of the most populous of all of the sub groups of the broader Yoruba ethnic group.[2] and were allegedly the first Yoruba sub-ethnic group to establish relations with the Europeans in the 15th century.[3] The Ijebus, though split into various divisions (including Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Ogbo,Ijebu Igbo, and Ijebu Remo), see themselves as united Ijebus..[2] The Ijebu people are known for the trade and production of very tasty cassava flakes (popularly known as Garri).
Ijebu divisions and traditional leaders
The Awujale of Ijebuland: The paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, though considered the paramount ruler and leader, mainly rule over Ijebu Ode division and several other towns and villages around Ijebu Ode and it environs with several kings under Awujale leadership. 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. He ascended the throne at the age of 25. The Awujale just celebrated his 90th birthday.[4]The seat of Awujale is in Ijebu Ode.
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 Mogoosu is traditionally the spiritual leader of the Ijebu people and responsible for traditionally crowning the Awujale during coronation, hence called Oba tin gbade loba lori. The seat of Mogoosu is in Ibido Ogbo.
The Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo: Considered leader to the Ijebu Igbo division wish is also divided into five clans; Oke-Sopin, Oke-Agbo, Ojowo, Atikori, and Japara, each with its own Oba (King) to govern each of these clans and all submit to leadership of the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo. The seat of Orimolusi is in Ijebu Igbo.
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. The present Akarigbo is Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, who ascended the throne on 7 December 2017 as the 19th Akarigbo of Remoland. The seat of Akarigbo is in Shagamu.
They are industrious and known to be thrifty. Many industrialists in Nigeria are of Ijebu stock. This include Chief Adeola Odutola, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye, Chief Okusanya Okunowo, Mike Adenuga. Bisi Rodipe amongst others.
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. Renowned for its deep spiritual significance and vibrant displays, Ojude Oba stands as one of the most prestigious and celebrated festivals in both Ijebuland and Ogun State at large.[5]
Notable people
References
