CELEBRATING IJEBU MAN! AREA COMMANDER AJIBADE AT 50

Ijebu people are considered to be the first among the Yoruba speakers to come into contact with the Europeans, who came to them in the beginning of the 14th century. Ijebu Empire has always been (and still is) an organized and strong nation that was able to protect itself from harm. The nation was divided into five parts: Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-Ife, Ijebu-Ososa, Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu-Remo. Now, it remains the largest ethnic group among all Yoruba people.

Ijebus were the first Yoruba-speaking people to invent money. The empire was big on metal work and metal production, so it is not surprising at all that it decided to create their own coins. They were called Owo Ijebu, and many nations in Africa and Europe accepted the coins. There was also money made out of cowry shells that were called Owo Eyo. It was also accepted in many Yoruba kingdoms.

There are a lot of origin legends of the Ijebus. Many claim that the origin of Yoruba people and Ijebu in particular are related to the Jebusites and other biblical people. However, it is not very likely. Among other legends, there is one that connects Ijebu to Mecca. According to it, the legendary ancestor of the Yoruba, Oduduwa, had to leave Mecca, so he went and created Ijebuland where today’s Lagos and Ogun State stand.

We can recite all of these legends for hours, but it will get too boring. Therefore, here are the most famous ones we haven’t touched on:

Ijebu came to their current place of residence from Waddai, Sudan;

The ancestors of Ijebu migrated from Owodaiye Kingdom, Ethiopia;

Ijebus share traditions and rites with the Nubians, Tigrians and Axumites.

There are about as many opinions on the matter as there are people. However, nobody can know for certain where the ancient Ijebus actually came from.

Therefore, without further ado, let’s talk about Ijebu Ode, where my very good friend, a prince, who has just turn 50, Area Commander Ajibade Adekunle Ariyo whose life has touched many lives positively, comes from.

Ijebu-Ode is a historic Yoruba town in Ogun State, which was established in the 16th century. It is about 15 minutes away from Ijebu Igbo. The city is located between Benin City and Shagamu. It is considered to be the largest town where Ijebus live. It is also known for being the capital of Ijebuland. The Ijebu Kingdom ruler or Awujale, as he is called in Ijebuland, has his residence there.

Today, it is a quiet and cozy city in southwestern Nigeria, which lures people in with its history, culture and tranquility.

The origin of Ijebu Ode title

It is traced to two names of original founders, Olode, who was a relative of the first Awujale, and Ajebu. Some people said that these two men existed at different times. However, as the legend went, they encountered a third man, Ajana in a dense forest, which is now Ijebu-Ode. Together, they asked Ifa (oracle) for advice on where to build their homes. The oracle sent Ajeba to the place now known as Imepe. The other two men ended up staying together and settling in the place of today’s Ita-Ajana.

The historical division

Ijebu-Ode had an interesting division system. The town was comprised of two wards, Porogun and Iwade, and the latter was further divided into North and South Iwade (Oke and Isale). Wards, in turn, were subdivided into Ituns (quarters). There were 25 Ituns in total, each with its own head called Oloritun. Together, all of the heads were called Oloritun Medogbon, and they represented the ancient council of the Ijebu-Ode.

Economic and political importance of the city

Back in the day, Ijebu-Ode used to be a very big deal, both in the economy and the political life of the region. As it was the capital of a large empire, it was a prominent figure on the trade market at that time. It oversaw the trade between Lagos Lagoon and the Yoruba periphery. However, when the Yoruba civil war struck in 19th century, Ijebu closed the trading routes as a way to oppose Ibadan. But then the British came in 1982, defeated the Awujale and destroyed the trade monopoly the Ijebus had.

The Ojude-Oba festival

One of the main attractions of Ijebu-Ode is its traditional festival. Starting about 100 years ago, it is still held annually on the third day after Eid al-Adha. On this day, people celebrate the king, the traditions and culture of the Ijebus and honouring the founders of the Ijebu-Ode. The festival usually attracts people from all over the world.

The current Awujale

Today’s Awujale comes from a royal ruling family of Anikinaiya. His name is Sikiru Kayode Adetona. He was born on May 10, 1934 and became the Awujale on April 2, 1960 during a formal ceremony. Sikiru has been an Awujale for 57 years now, and the 83-year-old king still rules strong. However, these days, his post is mostly ceremonial.

Area Commander Ajibade Adekunle is Ijebu son. He is one of the Ijebu sons that have always made the city proud in his chosen career. In his chosen career as a Traffic Compliance Officer (TRACE), he has show decency while discharging his duty to humanity by dedicating all his life to protect the lives and properties of the people. People like him in our nation is worthy of emulation. A very humble man to a fault.

Aji as he is fondly called was born 50years to the family of late Mr. T.A. Ajibade in Odogbolu, Odogbolu local government area of Ogun State.

He attended Emmanuel Primary School, Italupe, Ijebu-Ode, later proceeded to Anglican Comprehensive high school, Ikotu, Ijebu-Ode. Adekunle gained admission into Ogun State Polytechnic now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta for his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Town and Regional Planning. He went further to bag his Higher National Diploma at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro in the year 1995.

In his quest for knowledge, Commander Ajibade later went to Ogun State University now, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye for his Bachelor degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He has Masters of Science in (M.Sc) in Transportation and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Due to his doggedness and steadfastness towards saving lives and properties, Ajibade has received many awards from different organization. He works with Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), and he is presently Area Commander 4 of the agency in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt.

Area Commander remains one of the finest TRACE officer that believes in integrity and hardworking. His motto about live is “Safety First”. He has dedicated all his life to the service of humanity. He is ever ready to lend his hands of assistance or support to anybody that comes to him.

A lover of downtrodden, he is a giver; calling him a philanthropist is not an overstatement. 

Aji, as you celebrate your golden jubilee this month, on 10^th of December, I pray God to answer all your heart desires. You have shown a sense of humility and integrity in serving your father’s land, you believe in equity and justice and you don’t compromise your standard on any vital issue no matter whose horse is guar. May the Lord reward you bountifully, I celebrate you my brother. Congratulations!!!