Info For Y'all Egba People: Yoruba Sub-Tribe Of Freedom-Fighters, Intellectuals As Well As Artistic People
The Egba are ancient freedom-fighters, highly intellectual, artistic as well as agriculturalist Yoruboid-speaking people that forms the sub-set of the larger Yoruba ethnic grouping of West Africa, peculiarly inwards Nigeria as well as the Republic of Benin. Egba people who were also traders reside inwards Southwestern Nigeria inwards the metropolis of Abeokuta, the Capital of Ogun State.
Egba people of Ogun State
Egba people who are the original founders of the metropolis of Abeokuta which they part with Owu people (later arrivals), had an chance of their ground also settled on past times missionaries (in the 1840s) past times Sierra Leone Creole (Saro, who were Nigerians as well as others Africans descendants repatriated from diaspora dorsum to Sierra Leone) who later became prominent every bit missionaries as well as every bit businessmen. It must live emphasized that Abeokuta’s success every bit the working capital missive of the alphabet of the Egbas as well as every bit a link inwards theLagos - Abeokuta oil-palm merchandise led to state of war with Dahomey (now Republic of Benin Republic). In the battle at Abeokuta inwards 1851,the Egbas were aided past times the missionaries as well as also armed past times the British. Thus, they were able to defeat King Gezo’sDahomey Army that was unique as well as famous inwards the history of West Africa for its mutual practise of using women warriors. Another Dahomey onset was repulsed inwards 1864. Troubles inwards the 1860s with the British inwards Lagos led the Egbas to unopen the merchandise routes to the coast as well as they expelled its missionaries as well as European traders at most 1867.
Egba people are direct descendants of Orafiyan, boy as well as successor of Oduduwa, the progenitor of Yoruba people. They were nether a federation of 3 groups-Ake, Okeona as well as Gbagura scattered over 150 towns as well as including the modern metropolis of Ibadan, Oyo as well as Ijaye. Egba people were parts of the famous pre-colonial African Oyo empire (Kingdom) inwards Nigeria.
Up until the 18th Century, the Egba people lived inwards a cluster of villages around a identify known every bit Orile-Itoko, every bit a dependent area territory of the old Oyo Empire, which was i of the strongest empires that e'er existed inwards West Africa. Just similar the Roman Empire, the Oyo empire was so rigid that it easily quelled whatever cast of uprising or rebellion from whatever of its subject-states. It was withal shocking when a picayune known, but brave warrior, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, arose from amid the Egba people as well as led the land inwards an uprising against the Oyo Army’s continuous business of their land, the starting fourth dimension inwards the history of political as well as armed forces confrontation with the Oyo kingdom. The defeated the Oyo the world forces non alone liberated the Egba people from the stronghold of the Oyo kingdom, it also signaled the disintegration of the all-mighty empire as well as the little land of Egba ceased to live a colony of the Oyo empire as well as became a costless province patch Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, upward to this day, is regarded every bit the begetter of the Egba people for his outstanding roles inwards the people’s liberation.
However, the weakening mightiness of the Oyo Empire every bit a outcome of continuous disintegration of the kingdom as well as ascent of quondam colonies similar Ibadan, Ijebu as well as the likes coupled with the boom of the slave trade, exposed the land to frequent attacks from Ibadan every bit good every bit Dahomey, some other large empire with its headquarters inwards today’s Republic of Benin Republic.
Thus, betwixt 1825 as well as 1830 when it became expedient that the Nation of Egba tin can no longer withstand the frequent attacks of the slave hunters from Ibadan as well as Dahomey, the Egba people, on the directives of the Ifa Oracle, was led past times main Shodeke, on a long but tortuous journeying that brought them to the western side of the massive outcrop of granite rocks called “OLUMO”, that is “Oluwa fimo” important God puts an cease to our wandering. The real indicate the oracle asked them to relocate to.
HRH Alake of Egbaland, Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo & Helen Oketunji (Publisher, Vintage magazine, UK)
Historically Egba people used to people without kings, hence the mutual saying:"“Egba ko l’olu, gbogbo nwon ni nse bi Oba” (Egbas withdraw hold no king, they are all of them similar masters) “Olu wa’ l’Oyo” (The Rex of Oyo). That is to say, they withdraw hold no Rex that rules. The Rex is acknowledged every bit the caput of the government, but alone every bit a figure head. More marked was this when they lived inwards split upward townships before their concentration at Abeokuta. The Ogbonis constitute the town council, as well as they are also the executive, as well as fifty-fifty the " king" was dependent area to them. The same dominion holds practiced fifty-fifty at Abeokuta for each township. Amongst the highest Ogboni titles are : —
The Aro, Oluwo, Apena, Ntowa, Bala, Basala Baki, Asipa, Asalu, Lajila, Apesi, Esinkin Ola, Bayimbo, Odgfin. The warriors rank side past times side after the Ogbonis, the Balogun as well as the Seriki beingness the most important. The Egbas withdraw hold been important members of ruling political parties, music, art, feminism advocacy, liberty as well as republic as well as at the forefront of Human Rights campaigns. In fact, they withdraw hold contributed significantly to the political evolution of Nigeria as well as the world.
Professor Akinwande Oluwole "Wole" Soyinka, an Egba-Yoruba homo as well as a Nigerian playwright as well as poet. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize inwards Literature, the starting fourth dimension African to live so honored.
The likes of Adetokunbo Ademola, the Ransome Kuti family, Madam Tinubu, George Sodeinde Sowemimo, Wole Soyinka, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, Olusegun
Osoba, Dimeji Bankole as well as others cannot live forgotten inwards the political history as well as political evolution of Nigerian.
The Egbas tin can live distinguished from other Yoruba grouping with how their facial tribal marks are cut. The Egba facial grade is known every bit the Abaja Oro, i.e. the upright Abaja is distinctive of the Egbas. They consist of 3 perpendicular lines each most 3 inches long on each cheek. The younger generations, however, withdraw hold their lines rather faint or of shorter lengths indistinguishable from the Pele.
On clothing, Egba men have on trousers, kembe/sokoto for down; and the top is Buba as well as Agbada; cap, Fila (a beti aja). Their women wear: Down, Wrapper, Iro; Top, Buba; Headgear, Gele; Others – Ipele – Piece of stuff placed on the shoulder or wrapped around the waist.
Their staple nutrient Food is Lafu (White Amala) as well as Ewedu soup; Wara, (Cottage Cheese Drink)
The Egba people withdraw hold their ain National Anthem every bit a grouping of people. Below is the anthem:
Egba Anthem
Lori oke o'un petele Ibe l'agbe bi mi si o Ibe l'agbe to mi d'agba oo Ile ominira
Chorus: Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo; Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo
Abeokuta ilu Egba Un ko nii gbagbe e re Un o gbe o l'eke okan mi Bii ilu odo oya Emi o f'Abeokuta sogo Un o duro l'ori Olumo Maayo l'oruko Egba ooo Emi omoo Lisabi E e
Chorus: Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo; Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo
Emi o maayo l'ori Olumo Emi o s'ogoo yi l'okan mi Wipe ilu olokiki o L'awa Egba n gbe E e
Chorus: Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo; Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo
There are some other songs that the egba people sing, hither is i of them:
Egba ile ibe nigbagbo ti se wa, Egba ile ibe nigbagbo ti se wa
sa wa Egba lo ni jesu o
Here goes some other brusk one
Awa lo 2nd abeokuta, ilu rere ilu olola
ilu to duro lase oluwa, Egba omo lisabi.
An “egungun'' festival inwards Ijaiye-Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital
Geography as well as Economy
Abeokuta lies inwards the fertile province of wooded savanna, the surface of which is broken past times masses of grayness granite. It is spread over an extensive area, beingness surrounded past times mud walls xviii miles inwards extent.
Palm-oil, timber, rubber, yams, rice, cassava, maize, cotton, other fruits, as well as shea butter are the main articles of trade. It is a key export location for cocoa, palm products, fruit, as well as kola nuts. Both rice as well as cotton fiber were introduced past times the missionaries inwards the 1850′s as well as withdraw hold go integral parts of the economy, along with the dye indigo. It lies below the Olumo Rock, domicile to several caves as well as shrines. The town depends on the Oyan River Dam for its H2O supply.
Abeokuta is the headquarters of the Federal Ogun-Oshin River Basin Authority, which is responsible for evolution of ground as well as H2O resources for Lagos, Ogun, as well as Oyo states. Included inwards this are irrigation, food-processing, as well as electrification.
Local industries include but are non express to fruit canning plants, plastics, breweries, sawmills, as well as an aluminum products factory. South of town are the Aro Granite Quarries.
Abeokuta, Olumu Rock
Language
Egba people speaks North-West Yoruba (NWY) dialect of the Yoruboid languages which belongs to the larger Niger-Congo linguistic communication phylum. Apart from Egba people of Abeokuta, NYW dialect is also spoken inwards Ibadan, Ọyọ, Ogun as well as Lagos (Eko) areas.
Ransome kuti family
North-West Yoruba is historically a portion of the Ọyọ empire. In NWY dialects, Proto-Yoruba /gh/ (the velar fricative [ɣ]) as well as /gw/ withdraw hold merged into /w/; the upper vowels /i ̣/ as well as /ụ/ were raised as well as merged with /i/ as well as /u/, exactly every bit their nasal counterparts, resulting inwards a vowel organization with vii oral as well as 3 nasal vowels. Ethnographically, traditional authorities is based on a segmentation of ability betwixt civil as well as state of war chiefs; lineage as well as descent are unilineal as well as agnatic.
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History
The story of Abeokuta, the abode of the Egbas, started with their liberation from the sovereignty as well as over Lord-ship of the Alafin of Oyo Empire, to which the Egbas hitherto belonged.
The Liberation took identify betwixt 1775 as well as 1780, nether the leadership of Lisabi, a resident of Igbehin, but who was born inwards Itoku. He organized a motion nether the refer of Egbe “Aaro” Tradition mutual Aid society.
Lisabi later used the mutual Aid assistance to costless the Egba past times organizing the simultaneous killing of the Ajales or the Ilaris inwards all Egba towns, inwards 1780, starting from Igbehin. In all to a greater extent than than 600 llaris or Ajeles were wiped out inwards i day. Ilaris the representative of the Alafin of Oyo as well as collectors of the tribute paid to the coffer of Alafin from all territories nether the Oyo Empire.
The Ajales or Ilaris inwards general, behaved similar an Army of Occupation inwards the places they administered. Their Tyrannical rules grade them out every bit musical instrument of oppression as well as suppression of the people. It was this Authoritarian dominion of the Alafin as well as reckless life’s trend of this Ilaris inwards Egbaland that threw upward Lisabi as well as is Peers who were resolve to convey an cease to the evil dominion at all cost. The adoption of the universal pop Aaro organization of cooperation past times the “Egbe Ologun” (Arms Bearers Club) was the strategy Lisabi used to plot against the Ilaris inwards his Igbehin town. All the other Egba town rose as well as killed the Ilaris inwards their midst.
As presently every bit the intelligence reaches metropolitan Oyo the Oloyo wasted no fourth dimension inwards dispatching an Army to crunch the Egbe Rebellion. But Lisabi divisional anticipated inwards the Reprisal an had factored it into his conception the Army of vengeance was routed as well as the liberty of the Egbas from the yoke of the Alafin was sealed. The fourth dimension to which this Episode inwards Egba is to relate was betwixt 1775 an 1780. The flow betwixt 1780 as well as 1828 inwards the history of Egba was post-Lisabi era inwards the Egba forest.
One would withdraw hold idea that having been liberated from the vice similar grip of imperialisms the Egba were non given to serve whatever monarch, fifty-fifty though they withdraw hold an Oba, as well as their constitution was monarchy but would strive to sustain their novel found liberty past times forging stronger cooperative relation amid them selves. That was non to live some factors which were inherent inwards their psychological brand upward presently re-surface i time the focused of their un commons unity (somehow superimpose past times Lisabi strength of character) was missing the internal squabbles as well as disaffection amid the people were oft fertilized past times the inter-personal dissention amid the leaders who were mainly chiefs.
Around 1829, Lamodi of Igbehin as well as Balogun of the Egba, living inwards Maye’s army camp inwards Ibadan, decided that the Egba should observe a way of escape from Maye’s bondage. The Egbas had heard most Abeokuta before on inwards their request for a identify with practiced safety to settle in. they sent main Sobookun, the Baamokun of Ilugun, as well as others to convey a handful of globe as well as the outcome was propitious.
History revealed that the Egbas did non larn to Abeokuta at the same time. The starting fourth dimension batch to arrived Abeokuta consisted of Egba Alake, Oke Ona, as well as Gbagura, inwards that order. Later Olufakun led the Owu to Abeokuta, patch others followed. Lamodi lost is married adult woman inwards an epic battle patch trying to foreclose his starting fourth dimension son, Osota, from beingness captured past times Maye’s army, who were pursuing the Egba. But before he died, he handed over the curtain of leadership Sodoke. The seriki of the Egbas, Sodeke, inwards 1830 led the Egba Alake into Abeokuta. Balogun Olunloye, the Balogun Ilugun, led Ogba Oke-Ona whilst Oluwole Agbo, Balogun Ojo Gbagura, led the Gbagura to Abeokuta, likes Joshua inwards the bible. Sodeke of Iporo finally led the Egbas to Abeokuta inwards 1830.
It was revealed that an Iloko main named Idowu Liperu had before been living at the settlement. He had cross the Ogun River as well as settles on a farmland, were 3 hunters, namely Jibulu, Ose as well as Olunle joined him. Unlike, Liperu, who erected a solid with the assistance of the as well as so Olubara Lafa the 3 hunters lodge inwards caves nether the Olumo Rock. It was them who told the Egba delegate who came to pick out soil samples most the Olumo Rock.
Later, Adagba as well as other displace to the stone to bring together Liperu as well as the 3 hunters, who had settle there. Adagba was a brave man, who had is farmland located real unopen to olumo rock. The settlement was called “Oko Adagba,” the other homo for Abeokuta patch Olumo Rock took his refer from it beingness natural furnished with apartment. “Olumo “means built past times the Lord.” Other historians maintained that the important of olumo is “Oluwa Fimo” important God position an cease to our hostility against the Egbas as well as their suffering.” Abeokuta is also known every bit “Abe Olumo”.
After the demise of main Sodeke, Abeokuta has no leaders for quite a issue of years. The direction of the town was left inwards the hands of chiefs similar Ogunbona, the Balogun of Ikija, Okukene the Sagbua of Ake; Someye, the seriki who later became Bashorun who succeeded Apati, Bada of Kemta as well as others.
The Egbas realized that they are non united every bit they had been when Sodeke brought them together. The idea of having an Oba came to them as well as the lot vicious on Okukene, the Sabua of Ake as well as caput of Egba Ogboni – an industrious woodcarver. He installed the Alake of Abeokuta on August 8, 1854. Oba Okukene’s reign witnessed the advancement of Christianity, commerce as well as the advent of European merchants inwards Abeokuta.
He died inwards 1862. An interregnum of most vii years elapsed betwixt the expiry of Okukene as well as the installation of some other Oba inwards the individual of Ademola 1 – who reigned betwixt 1869 as well as 1877. He was succeeded past times Oyekan who reigned betwixt 1879 to 1881. It was the plough of Luwaji to reign betwixt 1885 to1889. Osokalu ruled betwixt 1891 as well as 1898. Egba became a land during Oba Osokalu. Gbadebo 1, ruled betwixt 1889 to1920. Sir Ladapo Ademola II reigned from 1920-1962. Oba Adeshina Gbadebo II reigned from 1963 to 1971. Oba (Dr.) Oyebade Lidepe ruled betwixt 1972 as well as the twelvemonth 2005.
Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukene IV, born fourteen September 1943, was elected the Alake of Egbaland on 2 August 2005 as well as reigns till date. He is from Laarun Ruling House, a grandson of the 6th Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, who ruled from 188 to 1920.
Economy
Abeokuta is an agro-based marketplace with little as well as middle flat agro industries. The people create agricultural products such every bit Yams, Cassava, Rice, Corn, Palm oil, Poultry, Cottons as well as vegetables. It also serves every bit an exporting indicate for cocoa, palm create as well as kolanuts.
Due to the rocky terrain of some parts of the city, it has for many years been domicile to a issue of quarry industries.Although, cotton fiber was introduced past times the Missionaries inwards the 1850’s, Cotton weaving, pottery as well as necktie as well as dye (Adire) are all traditional crafts of the Abeokuta people.
The metropolis is reputed to live the working capital missive of the alphabet of the necktie as well as dye manufacture inwards Nigeria. The centre of Adire making as well as marketing inwards Abeokuta is at the pop Itoku marketplace at Kenta.
“The dyes were initially extracted from grasses as well as leaves which were soaked for a issue of days inwards monastic tell to extract the dye from it. However, when the Malian traders came to Nigeria inwards the early on portion of the 20th Century, they introduced chemic dyes which came inwards varying colours. This evolution gave a boast to the manufacture as well as made the procedure of adire making a lot faster inwards a bid to run across the growing need for it, says Mrs Malaolu, an adire merchant.
Political structure
The convention which the Egba people operated since 1830 was never codified until 1897 when the EGBA UNITED GOVERNMENT became structured. Under the convention, the quarters were broadly grouped nether 4 natural rulers namely:
The ALAKE of AKE, the OSILE of OKE-ONA, the AGURA of GBAGURA, as well as the OLOWU of OWU
The ALAKE who was accepted every bit the paramount leader assumes the title: THE ALAKE OF EGBALAND, who beingness the chairman of the other Egba kings, represents the involvement of all the Egbas inwards all aspects that concern the Kingdom.
The amalgamation of the Egba people inwards Abeokuta shared political powers inwards varying degrees nether the next broad classifications:
The OGBONIs - the SENATE
The War Chiefs - the OLOGUNs who prosecuted wars
The PARAKOYIs - the Commercial Chiefs who dominated the Economic sector
The OLODEs - the Hunting Chiefs whose go was small-scale but nevertheless significant
Next to the natural rulers, the OGBONI chiefs constituted the Executive Council inwards the direction of the State. Their advice was highly valued past times the natural rulers who invariably consulted them inwards confidence before taking whatever major decisions. The Ogbonis adjudicated over cases involving murder, adultery, divorce, recovery of debts, etc.
The Court, their discussion was constabulary correct from the settlement of the Egba inwards Abeokuta, until much later after the Adubi War.
They run across regularly to deliberate over the affairs of their communities. For a citizen to discountenance a summons from Ogbonis was considered outright treason. They earned their income through fines as well as gifts or tributes inwards the cast of nutrient or produce.
The amalgamation of the Egba people inwards Abeokuta shared political powers inwards varying degrees nether the next broad classifications:
The OGBONIs - the SENATE
The War Chiefs - the OLOGUNs who prosecuted wars
The PARAKOYIs - the Commercial Chiefs who dominated the Economic sector
The OLODEs - the Hunting Chiefs whose go was small-scale but nevertheless significant
The War Chiefs - the OLOGUNs -were responsible for executing wars declared past times the natural ruler or considered necessary at their ain discretions. They were expected to live militarily prepared all the time, either to wage the Obas state of war or to ward off attacks from invaders. Sometimes, the War Chiefs wielded much ability which could constitute a threat to the safety of tenure of Oba himself.
Chief Olusegun Osoba the Akinrogun of Egbaland,and Aremo Awujale of Ijebuland, journalist, as well as quondam MD Daily Times of Nigeria, was (born July fifteen 1939) at an Egba settlement inwards Osogbo called Egbatedo to Pa as well as Madam Jonathan Babatunde Osoba of blessed Memory. He was elected on 2 dissimilar occasions every bit Governor of Ogun State starting fourth dimension from Jan 1992 until Nov 1993 on the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The PARAKOYIs - the Commercial Chiefs superintended over matters of commerce as well as merchandise inwards general. They were responsible for the polish running of the commercial life of the community as well as offered economical advice to the state.
The OLODEs - the Hunters’ Chiefs looked after the affairs of farming as well as hunting inwards peace time.
During wars, they performed Para-military duties.
Generally, the Egbas had smashing honour for their Chiefs as well as each of the 4 groupings commanded smashing honour from the entire citizenry. This was why whatever individual with the correct way as well as inclination aspired to obtain a chieftaincy championship past times whatever way possible. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 adult woman was unremarkably included every bit a Chief inwards each grouping to stand upward for the involvement of the womenfolk.
Wars fought as well as won past times the Egbas
Owiwi war- Between the Egbas as well as the Remos inwards 1832
Oluyole war- This state of war was betwixt the Egbas as well as Oyo inwards 1834-1835
Iperu war- This was fought inwards 1836
1st Dahomey war- Between the Egbas as well as the Dahomey inwards 1844-1845
2nd Dahomey war- inwards 1851
third Dahomey war- inwards 1853
quaternary Dahomey war- inwards 1864
Olu of Ilaro Yewa (Egbado) Ilaro town, western Ogun state, South Western Nigeria. Located on the quondam merchandise route from the towns of the empire of Oyo to the port of Porto-Novo (now the working capital missive of the alphabet of Benin), twoscore miles (64 km) southwest, it was established past times the belatedly 18th century every bit the working capital missive of the alphabet as well as main merchandise centre of the Egbado people (a subgroup of the Yoruba). With the decline of Oyo inwards the early on 19th century, the Egbado kingdom was raided for slaves past times the Dahomeyans until it was absorbed inwards the 1840s as well as '50s past times the to a greater extent than powerful Egba kingdom at Abeokuta (29 miles [47 km] northeast). As a dependent area town, Ilaro served the Egba every bit a trading postal service on the western route from Lagos to Ibadan. In the 1860s European missionaries arrived as well as established the Yoruba Anglican Mission inwards Ilaro. Following the 1890 delineation of colonial boundaries past times the French as well as the British, the Egbado, who felt oppressed past times Egba rule, asked for British protection as well as command of their territory. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 British armed forces garrison was built inwards Ilaro inwards the same year. Modern Ilaro is a collecting indicate for cocoa, palm oil as well as kernels, kola nuts, vegetables (especially rice as well as okra), as well as fruits grown inwards the surrounding area. Yams, cassava, as well as corn (maize) are also cultivated past times the town's farmers. Cotton weaving as well as dyeing (with locally grown indigo) are traditional industries. There are deposits of limestone (used past times a cement industrial plant life at Ewekoro, thirteen miles [21 km] east-northeast) as well as phosphate inwards the vicinity. Ilaro is the site of a federal polytechnic college. It is located at the cease of a spur on the Lagos-Nguru railway as well as lies at a junction of local roads. Population 42,410 (1992 Estimate).
Egba- Abeokuta town, capital of Ogun state, South Western Nigeria. It is situated on the eastward banking enterprise of the Ogun River, around a grouping of rocky outcroppings that ascent higher upward the surrounding wooded savanna. It lies on the main railway (1899) from Lagos, 48 miles (78 km) south, as well as on the older body route from Lagos to Ibadan; it also has route connections to Ilaro, Shagamu, Iseyin, as well as Kétou (Benin). Abeokuta ("refuge amid rocks") was founded inwards most 1830 past times Sodeke (Shodeke), a hunter as well as leader of the Egba refugees who fled from the disintegrating Oyo Empire. The town was also settled past times missionaries (in the 1840s) as well as past times Sierra Leone Creoles, who later became prominent every bit missionaries as well as every bit businessmen. Abeokuta's success every bit the working capital missive of the alphabet of the Egbas, and every bit a link inwards the Lagos-Ibadan oil-palm merchandise led to wars with Dahomey, (now Benin). In the battle at Abeokuta inwards 1851, the Egba, aided past times the missionaries as well as armed past times the British, defeated King Gezo's Dahomeyan the world forces (unique inwards the history of western Africa for its mutual practise of using women warriors). Another Dahomeyan onset was repulsed inwards 1864. Troubles inwards the 1860s with the British inwards Lagos led the Egba to unopen the merchandise routes to the coast as well as to expel (1867) its missionaries as well as European traders. to a greater extent than | enlarge Osile of Oke-Ona After the Yoruba civil wars (1877-93), inwards which Abeokuta opposed Ibadan, the Egba Alake ("king") signed an alliance with the British governor, Sir Gilbert Carter, that recognized the independence of the Egba United Government (1893-1914). In 1914 the kingdom was incorporated into the newly amalgamated British Colony as well as Protectorate of Nigeria. The Abeokuta riots of 1918 protested both the levying of taxes as well as the "indirect rule" policy of Lord Frederick Lugard, the British governor-general, which made the Alake, formerly primus inter pares ("first amid equals"), the supreme traditional leader to the detriment of the other quarter chiefs. Modern Abeokuta is an agricultural merchandise centre (rice, yams, cassava, corn [maize], palm oil as well as kernels, cotton, fruits, vegetables) as well as an exporting indicate for cocoa, palm produce, fruits, as well as kola nuts. to a greater extent than | enlarge Agura of Gbagura .
Abeokuta was a walled town, as well as relics of the old wall silent exist. Notable buildings include the Ake (the residence of the Alake), Centenary Hall (1930), as well as several churches as well as mosques. Secondary schools as well as primary teachers' colleges at Abeokuta are supplemented past times the University of Agriculture (formerly the University of Lagos Abeokuta campus), which specializes inwards science, agriculture, as well as technology, as well as the Ogun State Polytechnic (1979; a college). Pop. (1996 est.) 427,400.. Rice as well as cotton fiber were introduced past times the missionaries inwards the 1850s, as well as cotton fiber weaving as well as dyeing (with locally grown indigo) are straightaway traditional crafts of the town. to a greater extent than | enlarge Olubara of Ibara Abeokuta is the headquarters for the Federal Ogun-Oshin River Basin Authority with programs to harness ground as well as H2O resources for Lagos, Ogun, as well as Oyo states for rural development. Irrigation, food-processing, as well as electrification projects are included. Local manufacture is express but straightaway includes fruit-canning plants, a plastics factory, a brewery, sawmills, as well as an aluminum-products factory. South of the town are the Aro granite quarries, which provide edifice materials for much of southern Nigeria, as well as a huge, modern cement industrial plant life at Ewekoro (18 miles [29 km] south).
Traditional Council Members
1. His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo The Alalake of Egbaland President
2. His Royal Majesty (Dr) Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso The Oshile of Oke-Ona Egba
3. His Royal Majesty Oba Halidu Laloko Sobekun The Agura of Gbagura
4. His Royal Majesty Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu The Olowu of Owu
5. His Royal Majesty Oba Moshood A. Oyede The Olota of Ota
6. His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) J. O. Omolade Olubara of Ibara
7. His Royal Majesty Oba N. A. Adekanbi The Olofin of Isheri
8. His Royal Majesty Oba (Apostle) M. A. A. Olabode The Omola of Imala
9. His Royal Majesty Oba A. O. Oyero The Oniro of Iro
10. His Royal Majesty Oba Michael A. Fatona The Elewo Ilewo
11. His Royal majesty Oba J. O. O. Tella The Onisaga of Isaga
12. His Royal Majesty Oba S. A. Oloyede The Onijale of Ijale
13. His Royal Majesty Oba S. O. Fasina Onikooko of Kooko
14. His Royal Majesty Oba S. A. Ojugbele The Onilogbo of Ilogbo
15. His Royal Majesty Oba S. A. Oladipupo The Olu of Ifo
16. His Royal Majesty Oba A. K. Akamo The Olu of Itori
17. His Royal Majesty Oba F. O. Makinde The Olu of Igbein
18. His Royal Majesty Oba Onitele of Itele - (Vacant)
To live candid Abeokuta is the most influential with other Yoruba towns
Abeokuta was founded inwards 1830 past times warriors like:
LAMODI-Who initiated the displace to ABEOKUTA was as well as so the BALOGUN of EGBA,he died on the way as well as never made it to the promised ground ABEOKUTA.
SODEKE-Who was as well as so the SERIKI of EGBA led the fleeing EGBAs to ABEOKUTA inwards 1830 after the expiry of LAMODI.
SODEKE’s begetter was from Iporo but his mother,EFUWON,was from Gbagura.
THE CROWNING of EGBA OBAs
eighth August,1854 -OKUKENU who held the championship of Sagbua,the postal service of headship of the Ogbonis,was crowned the ALAKE of AKE.Losii,an Ake homo was the starting fourth dimension selection but he died before he could live installed.
In 1855 - the Owu followed adjust past times crowning PAWU every bit OLOWU of OWU
1870 - The AGURA was crowned
1897 - OLOKO (now OSILE) was crowned
14th April,1952 – OLUBARA, Oba Samuel Adetola Adesina Lalubu the 2nd was the starting fourth dimension to live crowned inwards Abeokuta Town.
( history revealed that in that location had been vii OLUBARAs who were crowned at Ibara Orile)
Egba United Government
HISTORY OF ABEOKUTA
Wars fought as well as won past times the Egbas
Owiwi war- Between the Egbas as well as the Remos inwards 1832
Oluyole war- This state of war was betwixt the Egbas as well as Oyo inwards 1834-1835
Iperu war- This was fought inwards 1836
1st Dahomey war- Between the Egbas as well as the Dahomey inwards 1844-1845
2nd Dahomey war- inwards 1851
third Dahomey war- inwards 1853
quaternary Dahomey war- inwards 1864
THE ALAKE of EGBALAND
The OLOWU of OWU
The AGURA of GBAGURA
The OSILE of OKE-ONA
The OLUBARA of IBARA
The Alake of Egbaland HRH Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo Okukenu IV
The Olowu of OWUAbeokuta HRH Oba Adegboyega Olusanya Dosumu The Amororo II
The Agura of Gbagura HRH Oba Halidu Laloko Sobekun II
The Osile of Oke-Ona HRH Oba Adedapo Tejuoso Karunwi III
The olubara of Ibara HRH Oba Jacob Omolade Lafa II
In depth History of Egba People
The Egbas are a little offshoot of the Yorubas Proper, who occupy the south-eastern districts of that province. They origin- ally occupied the surface area bounded past times for sure imaginary lines drawn, say, from Ijaye to run across the Ogun River at Olokemeji, as well as along it to its mouth, as well as some other from the same indicate via Ibadan to the westward of Jebu Remo downward to the coast. They lived inwards hamlets as well as villages for the most, portion independently of i another, as well as never nether i rule. All the principal families of the Egbas describe their root from Oyo, hence the mutual proverb " Egbas who withdraw hold non their root inwards Oyo are slaves," i.e., belong to the conquered aboriginal population. Most of the chiefs sprang from the Esos of Oyo. It would seem as well as so that during the wars of conquest, a issue of these war-like Esos, nether the leadership of the King's half-brother, was detached from the main army, carrying their arms to those regions where they later on settled, inwards the immediate neighbourhood of the Owns. Abeokuta, every bit nosotros straightaway know it, of course of report had no existence then. Each of what is straightaway called the " townships " was a split upward hamlet or hamlet with its ain main ; they were loosely grouped into 3 divisions, but rather independent of i another, but all acknowledging the King's blood brother (the Alake) every bit their Primus. They were :
1. Egba Agbeyin. These were the Egbas proper, as well as nearest the I jebu Remos. The principal towns were : Ake, the main town, Ijeun, Kemta, Iporo, Igbore, etc.
2. Egba Oke Ona, i.e., those situated close the banks of the River Odo Ona. Oko the main town, Ikereku, Ikija, Idomapa, Odo, Podo, etc. Their main is called the Osile.
3. Egba Agura or Gbagura : these were situated close the Oyo districts, as well as indeed they contain genuine Oyos inwards large numbers, as well as to a greater extent than oft than non they partake of their characteristics largely, hence
they are nick-named " Oyos amid Egbas." The principal towns were : Agura the chief, Ilugun, Ibadan, Ifaye, Ika, Ojo, Ilawo, etc.
The Egbas were on the whole few inwards number, as well as occupied a express territory ; this tin can real good live proved past times the fact, that after a flow of to a greater extent than than one-half a century, they withdraw hold been compelled past times stress of circumstances to alive together within i wall, as well as inwards spite of large accessions from other tribes, they silent cast but a unmarried large town. Situated, every bit they were then, far from the centre of life as well as activity, they were picayune idea of. They had no split upward Rex because all the principal chiefs as well as distinguished personages were go bearers of the Alafin, hence the mutual saying, " Egba ko I'olu, gbogbo nwon ni nse hullo Oba " (Egbas withdraw hold no King, they are all of them similar masters) " Olu wa' royo " (The King is at Oyo). It may live noted, that every kid born to a reigning Alake must withdraw hold an Oyo facial grade ; as well as that is so to this day. In early on times the Alake ranks amid the junior members of the Royal Family ; for that argue in that location has never been a distinct royal household unit of measurement arnong the Egbas. The main rulers inwards each segmentation were unremarkably elected (by divination) from whatever i of the 153 townships ; an Ikija homo for illustration has been " Rex " of Itesi, an Ijeun homo an Alake. In this honour also the Gbaguras differ from the others.
In later times, at Abeokuta, i Jibode, a wealthy trader as well as traveller, who vainly endeavoured to obtain the Primacy of Ake, left children as well as grandchildren who eventually attained the coveted position, which was a singular illustration of to a greater extent than than i fellow member of a household unit of measurement becoming an Alake, but as well as so they were all born inwards dissimilar townships.
The Osile is said to live an unfortunate championship because, to a greater extent than than whatever of the other divisions, the Oke Ona people were to a greater extent than ptone to slaughter human victims; everytime the Osile entered the Ogboni
house, he must walk on the blood of a virile individual victim, as well as when he comes out on that of a woman individual ! Also that Osiles never top away a natural expiry ; when their excesses became unbearable they were unremarkably stoned to expiry ; hence the appellation of their main town, " Oko " — i.e., a pelting stone. For that argue the Egbas were reluctant to resuscitate the championship at Abeokuta until Governor McCallum of Lagos inwards 1897 on the occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee ordered the Egbas as well as others to reorganise their government, as well as fill upward up vacant titles.
Since the devastation of the City of Owu (as nosotros shall view below) as well as the unification of the Egba villages, the Owus withdraw hold domiciled with them. Hence the so-called Four United Kings of the
Egbas : although Owu is non Egba.
Other version
After the autumn of Owu, as well as the penalisation inflicted upon some Egba towns for secretly befriending
the beleaguered city, the army camp at Idi Ogugun broke up, as well as the leading Ife as well as Ijebu generals returned domicile to their respective masters, but the remainder of the allied armies with the Oyo refugees
were invited past times the Ijebus to Ipara, a town of Ijebu Remo. Making this identify their headquarters, these restless bands of marauders found business for their arms inwards conquering as well as subjugating several towns inwards Ijebu Remo nether the Awujale of Ijebu Ode, viz Ode, Iperu, Ogere as well as Makun.
As stated inwards the preceding department in that location were some friendly Egba chiefs who joined the marauders at Idi Ogugun as well as at Ipara, as well as straightaway they were all living together at Ibadan. The most influential amid them were : — Lamgdi, Apati, Ogunbona, Oso, Gbewiri, as well as Inakoju. Ogundipe, who afterwards became a notable main at Abeokuta was as well as so but a blacksmith as well as a individual soldier.
Pretext was presently found for waging state of war with the Egbas who were as well as so living inwards little villages scattered all over the surface area betwixt Ipara as well as Ibadan. Several expeditions were made from their
base of operations at Ipara, as well as Iporo, Eruwon, Oba, Itoko, Itesi, Imo, Ikereku, Itoku, etc., were taken.
The next are the names of the distinguished war-chiefs inwards this receive : — Oyo chiefs — Oluyedun, Lakanle, Oluyole, Adelakun, Opeagbe, Abitiko, Yismati, Oluoye, Koseiko, Abidogun, Osun, Laleitan, Bankole, Fadeyi Ogani-ija, Agbeni, etc. All these chiefs joined the allied the world forces every bit individual soldiers, but the fortunes of state of war raised them to positions of smashing distinction.
Notwithstanding this, they were looked downward upon past times the Ife as well as Ijebu leaders nether whose auspices they joined the state of war against Owu, as well as had no vox inwards their councils. But they were presently to present their superiority.
His Royal Highness Oba Gbedegbo I, 1898 - 1920.
Creator: Johnston, Harry Hamilton, Sir, 1858-1927 -- Photographer
Source:Britain across the seas: Africa; a history as well as description of the British Empire inwards Africa.
Ife chiefs — Maye (the generalissimo inwards the absence of Singusin) Ogugu, Derin-Okiin, Labgsinde, Ogini, Aregbe, Olufadi, Degoke, Kugbayigbe, Oluygde, Epo, Kudayisi.
Ijebu chiefs — Kalejaiye, Amoibo, Osunlalu, Oguade, Argwgsanle, etc.
Rich with the booty of these expeditions, as well as finding no fresh fields of functioning for their arms they decided to disband the army. The Ijebu state of war chiefs returned domicile as well as the Ifes laid out to render past times way of Oorun ; the Oyos who had nowhere to go to accompanied them. There were thousands of Oyos already inwards Ife districts.
At Oorun (a Gbagura town) they found fresh job for their arms when the men of that identify refused them a passage. Another circumstance also occurred which hastened the siege of
Oorun as well as the autumn of the remaining Egba townships.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 dispute arose betwixt the people of Idomapa a neighbouring town as well as the Gbaguras most territorial limits which at length broke out into state of war as well as Oluwole the Rex of Idomapa who was the
weaker of the 2 combatants asked the aid of Labgsinde i of the leading Ife war-chiefs, as well as through him the remainder of the Ife as well as Oyo war-chiefs against Ajiboso the Rex of the Gbaguras. The
allies encamped at Idomapa as well as Oorun was the scene of conflict, where the Gbaguras concentrated all their forces to oppose the Idomapas as well as their allies.
The Gbagura the world forces was swelled past times reinforcement from Ika, Owe Ikija, Iwokoto. The competition was furious as well as i Ogaro a gallant war-chief greatly distinguished himself inwards the defense strength of Oorun. As long every bit he could handgrip his bow as well as arrows, the enemy was kept at bay; but he vicious inwards an engagement, as well as at the same fourth dimension famine had commenced its direful work, as well as so the assailants successfully reduced the town.
As their fighting men had all fallen at Oorun the conquest of all the remainder of the Gbagura towns was complete. Oorun when captured was fired ; beingness a town situated on a high hill, the conquerors were able past times the aid of the lite to pursue their victory to the side past times side town which they found deserted, as well as so on to the side past times side as well as the side past times side until they reached Ojoho. The towns deserted as well as overrun that nighttime were Oorun, Ijaiye- maja, Kosi-kosi, Ikerekuiwere, Ora, Ibadan. Ofa as well as Oje were also deserted, but the conquerors did non know of this till 3 days after every bit they lay exterior their line of march.
Oba Gbadebo I, Alake of Abeokuta (1892-1920 5th from left) with his Chiefs as well as British colonial administrator. Picture taken inwards 1905
From Ibadan they followed upward the conquest to Ojokodo Iwohaha, as well as Eguoto; all these places were deserted as well as plundered inwards i nighttime as well as past times the dawn of solar daytime they were before Ojoho. Ojoho offered a stout resistance as well as beingness weary from long marches the conquerors retired to observe a resting place. Of all the towns overrun the previous night, Ibadan lonely they found non destroyed past times fire, as well as so this marauding band hastily occupied it, the war-chiefs taking possession of whatever chemical compound they chose, as well as their men with them as well as thus Ibadan was over again re-peopled but non by
the owners of the town, but past times a composite band of marauders, consisting of Oyos, Ifes, Ijebus, as well as some friendly Egbas, Maye a bold as well as brave Ife chieftain beingness their leader. Next to him was Labgsinde also an Ife, but, through his mother, of Oyo descent.
These 2 leaders were men of dissimilar grapheme as well as opposite temperament. Maye was of an irritable temper, inwards manners petroleum as well as domineering, as well as never failed at all times to present his
contempt for the Oyos, chiefly because they were homeless refugees. At the caput of the Oyos was Lakanla a bold as well as brave leader who lonely of all the Oyo war-chiefs could venture to opened upward his rima oris when Maye spoke. Labosinde on the reverse was most agreeable as well as real fatherly inwards his manners as well as thence much respected past times all.
First role, third from left; Oba Adeniji Adele (1949–1964) of Lagos with (First role, quaternary from left) Alake of Abeokuta, Oba Ladapo Samuel Ademola II (27 Sep 1920 - 27 Dec.1962). Picture taken circa 1950.
Our source: Nigerianostalgia
Ibadan straightaway became the headquarters of these marauders from which identify Ojoho was besieged as well as at length taken. At this fourth dimension also Ikeiye Owe as well as a portion of Ika were deserted ; the Ika people escaping to Iwokoto. All these were Egba villages of the Gbagura section.
As stated inwards the preceding department in that location were some friendly Egba chiefs who joined the marauders at Idi Ogugun as well as at Ipara, as well as straightaway they were all living together at Ibadan. The most influential amid them were : — Lamodi, Apati, Ogunbona, Oso, Gbewiri, as well as Inakoju. Ogundipe, who afterwards became a notable main at Abeokuta was as well as so but a blacksmith as well as a individual soldier.
Rivalry was so rife amid these diverse tribes that altercations were frequent, as well as i led to a civil war. In a populace coming together held at the Isale Ijebu quarter of the town, Lamodi an Egba main shot Ege an influential Ife main downward dead with a pistol, as well as inwards the commotion which ensued Lamodi himself was slain. For fearfulness of the Ifes avenging the expiry of Ege the Egbas withdrew inwards a body from Ibadan as well as encamped on the other side of the Ona river, most 3 or 4 miles distant. Here also they were sick at ease as well as after divination they sent for i Sodeke to live their leader, as well as they escaped to Abeokuta as well as so a farm hamlet of an Itoko man, as well as a resting identify for traders to as well as from the Oke Ogun districts. Sodeke was at the caput of this novel colony until his death. This was most the twelvemonth 1830 They were continually swelled past times Egba refugees from all parts of the province as well as also past times Egba slaves who had deserted their masters. At Abeokuta the refugees kept together according to their household unit of measurement distinctions, viz. : —
1. The Egba Agbeyin comprising Ake the main town, Ijeun, Kemta, Imo, Igbore, etc. These were nether the Alake every bit chief.
2. Egba Agura (or Gbagura) comprising Agura the main town Ilugun, Ibadan, Ojohg, Ika, etc., nether the Agura every bit chief.
3. Egba Oke Ona with Oko the main town. Ikija, Ikereku, Idomapa, Odo, Podo, etc., nether the Osile every bit chief.
Fela Kuti, Egba man
Egba people of Ogun State
Egba people who are the original founders of the metropolis of Abeokuta which they part with Owu people (later arrivals), had an chance of their ground also settled on past times missionaries (in the 1840s) past times Sierra Leone Creole (Saro, who were Nigerians as well as others Africans descendants repatriated from diaspora dorsum to Sierra Leone) who later became prominent every bit missionaries as well as every bit businessmen. It must live emphasized that Abeokuta’s success every bit the working capital missive of the alphabet of the Egbas as well as every bit a link inwards theLagos - Abeokuta oil-palm merchandise led to state of war with Dahomey (now Republic of Benin Republic). In the battle at Abeokuta inwards 1851,the Egbas were aided past times the missionaries as well as also armed past times the British. Thus, they were able to defeat King Gezo’sDahomey Army that was unique as well as famous inwards the history of West Africa for its mutual practise of using women warriors. Another Dahomey onset was repulsed inwards 1864. Troubles inwards the 1860s with the British inwards Lagos led the Egbas to unopen the merchandise routes to the coast as well as they expelled its missionaries as well as European traders at most 1867.
Egba people are direct descendants of Orafiyan, boy as well as successor of Oduduwa, the progenitor of Yoruba people. They were nether a federation of 3 groups-Ake, Okeona as well as Gbagura scattered over 150 towns as well as including the modern metropolis of Ibadan, Oyo as well as Ijaye. Egba people were parts of the famous pre-colonial African Oyo empire (Kingdom) inwards Nigeria.
Up until the 18th Century, the Egba people lived inwards a cluster of villages around a identify known every bit Orile-Itoko, every bit a dependent area territory of the old Oyo Empire, which was i of the strongest empires that e'er existed inwards West Africa. Just similar the Roman Empire, the Oyo empire was so rigid that it easily quelled whatever cast of uprising or rebellion from whatever of its subject-states. It was withal shocking when a picayune known, but brave warrior, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, arose from amid the Egba people as well as led the land inwards an uprising against the Oyo Army’s continuous business of their land, the starting fourth dimension inwards the history of political as well as armed forces confrontation with the Oyo kingdom. The defeated the Oyo the world forces non alone liberated the Egba people from the stronghold of the Oyo kingdom, it also signaled the disintegration of the all-mighty empire as well as the little land of Egba ceased to live a colony of the Oyo empire as well as became a costless province patch Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, upward to this day, is regarded every bit the begetter of the Egba people for his outstanding roles inwards the people’s liberation.
Fela Kuti (born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti;[1] fifteen Oct 1938 – 2 August 1997), Egba-Yoruba homo also known every bit Fela Anikulapo Kuti or only Fela, was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, musician, composer, pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre, human rights activist, as well as political maverick
However, the weakening mightiness of the Oyo Empire every bit a outcome of continuous disintegration of the kingdom as well as ascent of quondam colonies similar Ibadan, Ijebu as well as the likes coupled with the boom of the slave trade, exposed the land to frequent attacks from Ibadan every bit good every bit Dahomey, some other large empire with its headquarters inwards today’s Republic of Benin Republic.
Egba man, Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan, lawyer, interim President of Nigeria inwards 1993
Thus, betwixt 1825 as well as 1830 when it became expedient that the Nation of Egba tin can no longer withstand the frequent attacks of the slave hunters from Ibadan as well as Dahomey, the Egba people, on the directives of the Ifa Oracle, was led past times main Shodeke, on a long but tortuous journeying that brought them to the western side of the massive outcrop of granite rocks called “OLUMO”, that is “Oluwa fimo” important God puts an cease to our wandering. The real indicate the oracle asked them to relocate to.
HRH Alake of Egbaland, Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo & Helen Oketunji (Publisher, Vintage magazine, UK)
Historically Egba people used to people without kings, hence the mutual saying:"“Egba ko l’olu, gbogbo nwon ni nse bi Oba” (Egbas withdraw hold no king, they are all of them similar masters) “Olu wa’ l’Oyo” (The Rex of Oyo). That is to say, they withdraw hold no Rex that rules. The Rex is acknowledged every bit the caput of the government, but alone every bit a figure head. More marked was this when they lived inwards split upward townships before their concentration at Abeokuta. The Ogbonis constitute the town council, as well as they are also the executive, as well as fifty-fifty the " king" was dependent area to them. The same dominion holds practiced fifty-fifty at Abeokuta for each township. Amongst the highest Ogboni titles are : —
The Aro, Oluwo, Apena, Ntowa, Bala, Basala Baki, Asipa, Asalu, Lajila, Apesi, Esinkin Ola, Bayimbo, Odgfin. The warriors rank side past times side after the Ogbonis, the Balogun as well as the Seriki beingness the most important. The Egbas withdraw hold been important members of ruling political parties, music, art, feminism advocacy, liberty as well as republic as well as at the forefront of Human Rights campaigns. In fact, they withdraw hold contributed significantly to the political evolution of Nigeria as well as the world.
Professor Akinwande Oluwole "Wole" Soyinka, an Egba-Yoruba homo as well as a Nigerian playwright as well as poet. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize inwards Literature, the starting fourth dimension African to live so honored.
Osoba, Dimeji Bankole as well as others cannot live forgotten inwards the political history as well as political evolution of Nigerian.
Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (August 24, 1937 – July 7, 1998), Egba-Yoruba homo oft referred to every bit M. K. O. Abiola, was a pop Nigerian Yoruba businessman, publisher, political leader as well as aristocrat of the Yoruba Egba clan. He ran for the presidency inwards 1993, as well as is widely regarded every bit the presumed winner of the inconclusive election since no official concluding results were announced. He died inwards 1998, after beingness denied victory when the entire election results were dubiously annulled past times the preceding armed forces president Ibrahim Babangida because of alleged evidence that they were corrupt as well as unfair.
The Egbas tin can live distinguished from other Yoruba grouping with how their facial tribal marks are cut. The Egba facial grade is known every bit the Abaja Oro, i.e. the upright Abaja is distinctive of the Egbas. They consist of 3 perpendicular lines each most 3 inches long on each cheek. The younger generations, however, withdraw hold their lines rather faint or of shorter lengths indistinguishable from the Pele.
Egba adult woman inwards traditional dress
On clothing, Egba men have on trousers, kembe/sokoto for down; and the top is Buba as well as Agbada; cap, Fila (a beti aja). Their women wear: Down, Wrapper, Iro; Top, Buba; Headgear, Gele; Others – Ipele – Piece of stuff placed on the shoulder or wrapped around the waist.
Their staple nutrient Food is Lafu (White Amala) as well as Ewedu soup; Wara, (Cottage Cheese Drink)
The Egba people withdraw hold their ain National Anthem every bit a grouping of people. Below is the anthem:
Egba Anthem
Lori oke o'un petele Ibe l'agbe bi mi si o Ibe l'agbe to mi d'agba oo Ile ominira
Chorus: Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo; Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo
Abeokuta ilu Egba Un ko nii gbagbe e re Un o gbe o l'eke okan mi Bii ilu odo oya Emi o f'Abeokuta sogo Un o duro l'ori Olumo Maayo l'oruko Egba ooo Emi omoo Lisabi E e
Chorus: Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo; Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo
Emi o maayo l'ori Olumo Emi o s'ogoo yi l'okan mi Wipe ilu olokiki o L'awa Egba n gbe E e
Chorus: Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo; Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo
There are some other songs that the egba people sing, hither is i of them:
Egba ile ibe nigbagbo ti se wa, Egba ile ibe nigbagbo ti se wa
sa wa Egba lo ni jesu o
Here goes some other brusk one
Awa lo 2nd abeokuta, ilu rere ilu olola
ilu to duro lase oluwa, Egba omo lisabi.
An “egungun'' festival inwards Ijaiye-Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital
Geography as well as Economy
Abeokuta lies inwards the fertile province of wooded savanna, the surface of which is broken past times masses of grayness granite. It is spread over an extensive area, beingness surrounded past times mud walls xviii miles inwards extent.
Palm-oil, timber, rubber, yams, rice, cassava, maize, cotton, other fruits, as well as shea butter are the main articles of trade. It is a key export location for cocoa, palm products, fruit, as well as kola nuts. Both rice as well as cotton fiber were introduced past times the missionaries inwards the 1850′s as well as withdraw hold go integral parts of the economy, along with the dye indigo. It lies below the Olumo Rock, domicile to several caves as well as shrines. The town depends on the Oyan River Dam for its H2O supply.
Abeokuta is the headquarters of the Federal Ogun-Oshin River Basin Authority, which is responsible for evolution of ground as well as H2O resources for Lagos, Ogun, as well as Oyo states. Included inwards this are irrigation, food-processing, as well as electrification.
Local industries include but are non express to fruit canning plants, plastics, breweries, sawmills, as well as an aluminum products factory. South of town are the Aro Granite Quarries.
Abeokuta, Olumu Rock
Language
Egba people speaks North-West Yoruba (NWY) dialect of the Yoruboid languages which belongs to the larger Niger-Congo linguistic communication phylum. Apart from Egba people of Abeokuta, NYW dialect is also spoken inwards Ibadan, Ọyọ, Ogun as well as Lagos (Eko) areas.
Ransome kuti family
North-West Yoruba is historically a portion of the Ọyọ empire. In NWY dialects, Proto-Yoruba /gh/ (the velar fricative [ɣ]) as well as /gw/ withdraw hold merged into /w/; the upper vowels /i ̣/ as well as /ụ/ were raised as well as merged with /i/ as well as /u/, exactly every bit their nasal counterparts, resulting inwards a vowel organization with vii oral as well as 3 nasal vowels. Ethnographically, traditional authorities is based on a segmentation of ability betwixt civil as well as state of war chiefs; lineage as well as descent are unilineal as well as agnatic.
History
The story of Abeokuta, the abode of the Egbas, started with their liberation from the sovereignty as well as over Lord-ship of the Alafin of Oyo Empire, to which the Egbas hitherto belonged.
The Liberation took identify betwixt 1775 as well as 1780, nether the leadership of Lisabi, a resident of Igbehin, but who was born inwards Itoku. He organized a motion nether the refer of Egbe “Aaro” Tradition mutual Aid society.
Lisabi later used the mutual Aid assistance to costless the Egba past times organizing the simultaneous killing of the Ajales or the Ilaris inwards all Egba towns, inwards 1780, starting from Igbehin. In all to a greater extent than than 600 llaris or Ajeles were wiped out inwards i day. Ilaris the representative of the Alafin of Oyo as well as collectors of the tribute paid to the coffer of Alafin from all territories nether the Oyo Empire.
The Ajales or Ilaris inwards general, behaved similar an Army of Occupation inwards the places they administered. Their Tyrannical rules grade them out every bit musical instrument of oppression as well as suppression of the people. It was this Authoritarian dominion of the Alafin as well as reckless life’s trend of this Ilaris inwards Egbaland that threw upward Lisabi as well as is Peers who were resolve to convey an cease to the evil dominion at all cost. The adoption of the universal pop Aaro organization of cooperation past times the “Egbe Ologun” (Arms Bearers Club) was the strategy Lisabi used to plot against the Ilaris inwards his Igbehin town. All the other Egba town rose as well as killed the Ilaris inwards their midst.
As presently every bit the intelligence reaches metropolitan Oyo the Oloyo wasted no fourth dimension inwards dispatching an Army to crunch the Egbe Rebellion. But Lisabi divisional anticipated inwards the Reprisal an had factored it into his conception the Army of vengeance was routed as well as the liberty of the Egbas from the yoke of the Alafin was sealed. The fourth dimension to which this Episode inwards Egba is to relate was betwixt 1775 an 1780. The flow betwixt 1780 as well as 1828 inwards the history of Egba was post-Lisabi era inwards the Egba forest.
One would withdraw hold idea that having been liberated from the vice similar grip of imperialisms the Egba were non given to serve whatever monarch, fifty-fifty though they withdraw hold an Oba, as well as their constitution was monarchy but would strive to sustain their novel found liberty past times forging stronger cooperative relation amid them selves. That was non to live some factors which were inherent inwards their psychological brand upward presently re-surface i time the focused of their un commons unity (somehow superimpose past times Lisabi strength of character) was missing the internal squabbles as well as disaffection amid the people were oft fertilized past times the inter-personal dissention amid the leaders who were mainly chiefs.
Around 1829, Lamodi of Igbehin as well as Balogun of the Egba, living inwards Maye’s army camp inwards Ibadan, decided that the Egba should observe a way of escape from Maye’s bondage. The Egbas had heard most Abeokuta before on inwards their request for a identify with practiced safety to settle in. they sent main Sobookun, the Baamokun of Ilugun, as well as others to convey a handful of globe as well as the outcome was propitious.
History revealed that the Egbas did non larn to Abeokuta at the same time. The starting fourth dimension batch to arrived Abeokuta consisted of Egba Alake, Oke Ona, as well as Gbagura, inwards that order. Later Olufakun led the Owu to Abeokuta, patch others followed. Lamodi lost is married adult woman inwards an epic battle patch trying to foreclose his starting fourth dimension son, Osota, from beingness captured past times Maye’s army, who were pursuing the Egba. But before he died, he handed over the curtain of leadership Sodoke. The seriki of the Egbas, Sodeke, inwards 1830 led the Egba Alake into Abeokuta. Balogun Olunloye, the Balogun Ilugun, led Ogba Oke-Ona whilst Oluwole Agbo, Balogun Ojo Gbagura, led the Gbagura to Abeokuta, likes Joshua inwards the bible. Sodeke of Iporo finally led the Egbas to Abeokuta inwards 1830.
It was revealed that an Iloko main named Idowu Liperu had before been living at the settlement. He had cross the Ogun River as well as settles on a farmland, were 3 hunters, namely Jibulu, Ose as well as Olunle joined him. Unlike, Liperu, who erected a solid with the assistance of the as well as so Olubara Lafa the 3 hunters lodge inwards caves nether the Olumo Rock. It was them who told the Egba delegate who came to pick out soil samples most the Olumo Rock.
Later, Adagba as well as other displace to the stone to bring together Liperu as well as the 3 hunters, who had settle there. Adagba was a brave man, who had is farmland located real unopen to olumo rock. The settlement was called “Oko Adagba,” the other homo for Abeokuta patch Olumo Rock took his refer from it beingness natural furnished with apartment. “Olumo “means built past times the Lord.” Other historians maintained that the important of olumo is “Oluwa Fimo” important God position an cease to our hostility against the Egbas as well as their suffering.” Abeokuta is also known every bit “Abe Olumo”.
After the demise of main Sodeke, Abeokuta has no leaders for quite a issue of years. The direction of the town was left inwards the hands of chiefs similar Ogunbona, the Balogun of Ikija, Okukene the Sagbua of Ake; Someye, the seriki who later became Bashorun who succeeded Apati, Bada of Kemta as well as others.
The Egbas realized that they are non united every bit they had been when Sodeke brought them together. The idea of having an Oba came to them as well as the lot vicious on Okukene, the Sabua of Ake as well as caput of Egba Ogboni – an industrious woodcarver. He installed the Alake of Abeokuta on August 8, 1854. Oba Okukene’s reign witnessed the advancement of Christianity, commerce as well as the advent of European merchants inwards Abeokuta.
He died inwards 1862. An interregnum of most vii years elapsed betwixt the expiry of Okukene as well as the installation of some other Oba inwards the individual of Ademola 1 – who reigned betwixt 1869 as well as 1877. He was succeeded past times Oyekan who reigned betwixt 1879 to 1881. It was the plough of Luwaji to reign betwixt 1885 to1889. Osokalu ruled betwixt 1891 as well as 1898. Egba became a land during Oba Osokalu. Gbadebo 1, ruled betwixt 1889 to1920. Sir Ladapo Ademola II reigned from 1920-1962. Oba Adeshina Gbadebo II reigned from 1963 to 1971. Oba (Dr.) Oyebade Lidepe ruled betwixt 1972 as well as the twelvemonth 2005.
Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukene IV, born fourteen September 1943, was elected the Alake of Egbaland on 2 August 2005 as well as reigns till date. He is from Laarun Ruling House, a grandson of the 6th Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, who ruled from 188 to 1920.
Economy
Abeokuta is an agro-based marketplace with little as well as middle flat agro industries. The people create agricultural products such every bit Yams, Cassava, Rice, Corn, Palm oil, Poultry, Cottons as well as vegetables. It also serves every bit an exporting indicate for cocoa, palm create as well as kolanuts.
Due to the rocky terrain of some parts of the city, it has for many years been domicile to a issue of quarry industries.Although, cotton fiber was introduced past times the Missionaries inwards the 1850’s, Cotton weaving, pottery as well as necktie as well as dye (Adire) are all traditional crafts of the Abeokuta people.
The metropolis is reputed to live the working capital missive of the alphabet of the necktie as well as dye manufacture inwards Nigeria. The centre of Adire making as well as marketing inwards Abeokuta is at the pop Itoku marketplace at Kenta.
“The dyes were initially extracted from grasses as well as leaves which were soaked for a issue of days inwards monastic tell to extract the dye from it. However, when the Malian traders came to Nigeria inwards the early on portion of the 20th Century, they introduced chemic dyes which came inwards varying colours. This evolution gave a boast to the manufacture as well as made the procedure of adire making a lot faster inwards a bid to run across the growing need for it, says Mrs Malaolu, an adire merchant.
Political structure
The convention which the Egba people operated since 1830 was never codified until 1897 when the EGBA UNITED GOVERNMENT became structured. Under the convention, the quarters were broadly grouped nether 4 natural rulers namely:
The ALAKE of AKE, the OSILE of OKE-ONA, the AGURA of GBAGURA, as well as the OLOWU of OWU
His Royal Highness Oba Gbedegbo I,1898 - 1920
The ALAKE who was accepted every bit the paramount leader assumes the title: THE ALAKE OF EGBALAND, who beingness the chairman of the other Egba kings, represents the involvement of all the Egbas inwards all aspects that concern the Kingdom.
The amalgamation of the Egba people inwards Abeokuta shared political powers inwards varying degrees nether the next broad classifications:
The OGBONIs - the SENATE
The War Chiefs - the OLOGUNs who prosecuted wars
The PARAKOYIs - the Commercial Chiefs who dominated the Economic sector
The OLODEs - the Hunting Chiefs whose go was small-scale but nevertheless significant
Next to the natural rulers, the OGBONI chiefs constituted the Executive Council inwards the direction of the State. Their advice was highly valued past times the natural rulers who invariably consulted them inwards confidence before taking whatever major decisions. The Ogbonis adjudicated over cases involving murder, adultery, divorce, recovery of debts, etc.
Alake of Abeokuta (Egbaland) from left:Oba Ladapo_Ademola II, his begetter HRH. Oba Gbadegbo II as well as right,secretary
The Court, their discussion was constabulary correct from the settlement of the Egba inwards Abeokuta, until much later after the Adubi War.
They run across regularly to deliberate over the affairs of their communities. For a citizen to discountenance a summons from Ogbonis was considered outright treason. They earned their income through fines as well as gifts or tributes inwards the cast of nutrient or produce.
The amalgamation of the Egba people inwards Abeokuta shared political powers inwards varying degrees nether the next broad classifications:
The OGBONIs - the SENATE
The War Chiefs - the OLOGUNs who prosecuted wars
The PARAKOYIs - the Commercial Chiefs who dominated the Economic sector
The OLODEs - the Hunting Chiefs whose go was small-scale but nevertheless significant
The War Chiefs - the OLOGUNs -were responsible for executing wars declared past times the natural ruler or considered necessary at their ain discretions. They were expected to live militarily prepared all the time, either to wage the Obas state of war or to ward off attacks from invaders. Sometimes, the War Chiefs wielded much ability which could constitute a threat to the safety of tenure of Oba himself.
Chief Olusegun Osoba the Akinrogun of Egbaland,and Aremo Awujale of Ijebuland, journalist, as well as quondam MD Daily Times of Nigeria, was (born July fifteen 1939) at an Egba settlement inwards Osogbo called Egbatedo to Pa as well as Madam Jonathan Babatunde Osoba of blessed Memory. He was elected on 2 dissimilar occasions every bit Governor of Ogun State starting fourth dimension from Jan 1992 until Nov 1993 on the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The PARAKOYIs - the Commercial Chiefs superintended over matters of commerce as well as merchandise inwards general. They were responsible for the polish running of the commercial life of the community as well as offered economical advice to the state.
The OLODEs - the Hunters’ Chiefs looked after the affairs of farming as well as hunting inwards peace time.
During wars, they performed Para-military duties.
Generally, the Egbas had smashing honour for their Chiefs as well as each of the 4 groupings commanded smashing honour from the entire citizenry. This was why whatever individual with the correct way as well as inclination aspired to obtain a chieftaincy championship past times whatever way possible. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 adult woman was unremarkably included every bit a Chief inwards each grouping to stand upward for the involvement of the womenfolk.
The 3 Egba ruling traditional Kings
Owiwi war- Between the Egbas as well as the Remos inwards 1832
Oluyole war- This state of war was betwixt the Egbas as well as Oyo inwards 1834-1835
Iperu war- This was fought inwards 1836
1st Dahomey war- Between the Egbas as well as the Dahomey inwards 1844-1845
2nd Dahomey war- inwards 1851
third Dahomey war- inwards 1853
quaternary Dahomey war- inwards 1864
Olu of Ilaro Yewa (Egbado) Ilaro town, western Ogun state, South Western Nigeria. Located on the quondam merchandise route from the towns of the empire of Oyo to the port of Porto-Novo (now the working capital missive of the alphabet of Benin), twoscore miles (64 km) southwest, it was established past times the belatedly 18th century every bit the working capital missive of the alphabet as well as main merchandise centre of the Egbado people (a subgroup of the Yoruba). With the decline of Oyo inwards the early on 19th century, the Egbado kingdom was raided for slaves past times the Dahomeyans until it was absorbed inwards the 1840s as well as '50s past times the to a greater extent than powerful Egba kingdom at Abeokuta (29 miles [47 km] northeast). As a dependent area town, Ilaro served the Egba every bit a trading postal service on the western route from Lagos to Ibadan. In the 1860s European missionaries arrived as well as established the Yoruba Anglican Mission inwards Ilaro. Following the 1890 delineation of colonial boundaries past times the French as well as the British, the Egbado, who felt oppressed past times Egba rule, asked for British protection as well as command of their territory. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 British armed forces garrison was built inwards Ilaro inwards the same year. Modern Ilaro is a collecting indicate for cocoa, palm oil as well as kernels, kola nuts, vegetables (especially rice as well as okra), as well as fruits grown inwards the surrounding area. Yams, cassava, as well as corn (maize) are also cultivated past times the town's farmers. Cotton weaving as well as dyeing (with locally grown indigo) are traditional industries. There are deposits of limestone (used past times a cement industrial plant life at Ewekoro, thirteen miles [21 km] east-northeast) as well as phosphate inwards the vicinity. Ilaro is the site of a federal polytechnic college. It is located at the cease of a spur on the Lagos-Nguru railway as well as lies at a junction of local roads. Population 42,410 (1992 Estimate).
Egba- Abeokuta town, capital of Ogun state, South Western Nigeria. It is situated on the eastward banking enterprise of the Ogun River, around a grouping of rocky outcroppings that ascent higher upward the surrounding wooded savanna. It lies on the main railway (1899) from Lagos, 48 miles (78 km) south, as well as on the older body route from Lagos to Ibadan; it also has route connections to Ilaro, Shagamu, Iseyin, as well as Kétou (Benin). Abeokuta ("refuge amid rocks") was founded inwards most 1830 past times Sodeke (Shodeke), a hunter as well as leader of the Egba refugees who fled from the disintegrating Oyo Empire. The town was also settled past times missionaries (in the 1840s) as well as past times Sierra Leone Creoles, who later became prominent every bit missionaries as well as every bit businessmen. Abeokuta's success every bit the working capital missive of the alphabet of the Egbas, and every bit a link inwards the Lagos-Ibadan oil-palm merchandise led to wars with Dahomey, (now Benin). In the battle at Abeokuta inwards 1851, the Egba, aided past times the missionaries as well as armed past times the British, defeated King Gezo's Dahomeyan the world forces (unique inwards the history of western Africa for its mutual practise of using women warriors). Another Dahomeyan onset was repulsed inwards 1864. Troubles inwards the 1860s with the British inwards Lagos led the Egba to unopen the merchandise routes to the coast as well as to expel (1867) its missionaries as well as European traders. to a greater extent than | enlarge Osile of Oke-Ona After the Yoruba civil wars (1877-93), inwards which Abeokuta opposed Ibadan, the Egba Alake ("king") signed an alliance with the British governor, Sir Gilbert Carter, that recognized the independence of the Egba United Government (1893-1914). In 1914 the kingdom was incorporated into the newly amalgamated British Colony as well as Protectorate of Nigeria. The Abeokuta riots of 1918 protested both the levying of taxes as well as the "indirect rule" policy of Lord Frederick Lugard, the British governor-general, which made the Alake, formerly primus inter pares ("first amid equals"), the supreme traditional leader to the detriment of the other quarter chiefs. Modern Abeokuta is an agricultural merchandise centre (rice, yams, cassava, corn [maize], palm oil as well as kernels, cotton, fruits, vegetables) as well as an exporting indicate for cocoa, palm produce, fruits, as well as kola nuts. to a greater extent than | enlarge Agura of Gbagura .
Alake of Abeokuta (Egbaland) Oba Ladapo Ademola II inwards London, June 1937.
Creator: Hay Wrightson(1874 - 1949), Photographer.
Thanks to:National Portrait Gallery
Source:National Portrait Gallery.
Location:London,11 June 1937
Abeokuta was a walled town, as well as relics of the old wall silent exist. Notable buildings include the Ake (the residence of the Alake), Centenary Hall (1930), as well as several churches as well as mosques. Secondary schools as well as primary teachers' colleges at Abeokuta are supplemented past times the University of Agriculture (formerly the University of Lagos Abeokuta campus), which specializes inwards science, agriculture, as well as technology, as well as the Ogun State Polytechnic (1979; a college). Pop. (1996 est.) 427,400.. Rice as well as cotton fiber were introduced past times the missionaries inwards the 1850s, as well as cotton fiber weaving as well as dyeing (with locally grown indigo) are straightaway traditional crafts of the town. to a greater extent than | enlarge Olubara of Ibara Abeokuta is the headquarters for the Federal Ogun-Oshin River Basin Authority with programs to harness ground as well as H2O resources for Lagos, Ogun, as well as Oyo states for rural development. Irrigation, food-processing, as well as electrification projects are included. Local manufacture is express but straightaway includes fruit-canning plants, a plastics factory, a brewery, sawmills, as well as an aluminum-products factory. South of the town are the Aro granite quarries, which provide edifice materials for much of southern Nigeria, as well as a huge, modern cement industrial plant life at Ewekoro (18 miles [29 km] south).
His Royal Highness Samuel Ademola II, seventh Alake of Abeokuta with his fille at the Methodist Missionary Society
Traditional Council Members
1. His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo The Alalake of Egbaland President
2. His Royal Majesty (Dr) Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso The Oshile of Oke-Ona Egba
3. His Royal Majesty Oba Halidu Laloko Sobekun The Agura of Gbagura
4. His Royal Majesty Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu The Olowu of Owu
5. His Royal Majesty Oba Moshood A. Oyede The Olota of Ota
6. His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) J. O. Omolade Olubara of Ibara
7. His Royal Majesty Oba N. A. Adekanbi The Olofin of Isheri
8. His Royal Majesty Oba (Apostle) M. A. A. Olabode The Omola of Imala
9. His Royal Majesty Oba A. O. Oyero The Oniro of Iro
10. His Royal Majesty Oba Michael A. Fatona The Elewo Ilewo
11. His Royal majesty Oba J. O. O. Tella The Onisaga of Isaga
12. His Royal Majesty Oba S. A. Oloyede The Onijale of Ijale
13. His Royal Majesty Oba S. O. Fasina Onikooko of Kooko
14. His Royal Majesty Oba S. A. Ojugbele The Onilogbo of Ilogbo
15. His Royal Majesty Oba S. A. Oladipupo The Olu of Ifo
16. His Royal Majesty Oba A. K. Akamo The Olu of Itori
17. His Royal Majesty Oba F. O. Makinde The Olu of Igbein
18. His Royal Majesty Oba Onitele of Itele - (Vacant)
HRM, OSILE OKE-ONA EGBA, OBA ADEDAPO ADEWALE TEJUOSHO
To live candid Abeokuta is the most influential with other Yoruba towns
Abeokuta was founded inwards 1830 past times warriors like:
LAMODI-Who initiated the displace to ABEOKUTA was as well as so the BALOGUN of EGBA,he died on the way as well as never made it to the promised ground ABEOKUTA.
SODEKE-Who was as well as so the SERIKI of EGBA led the fleeing EGBAs to ABEOKUTA inwards 1830 after the expiry of LAMODI.
SODEKE’s begetter was from Iporo but his mother,EFUWON,was from Gbagura.
THE CROWNING of EGBA OBAs
eighth August,1854 -OKUKENU who held the championship of Sagbua,the postal service of headship of the Ogbonis,was crowned the ALAKE of AKE.Losii,an Ake homo was the starting fourth dimension selection but he died before he could live installed.
In 1855 - the Owu followed adjust past times crowning PAWU every bit OLOWU of OWU
1870 - The AGURA was crowned
1897 - OLOKO (now OSILE) was crowned
14th April,1952 – OLUBARA, Oba Samuel Adetola Adesina Lalubu the 2nd was the starting fourth dimension to live crowned inwards Abeokuta Town.
( history revealed that in that location had been vii OLUBARAs who were crowned at Ibara Orile)
Egba United Government
HISTORY OF ABEOKUTA
Wars fought as well as won past times the Egbas
Owiwi war- Between the Egbas as well as the Remos inwards 1832
Oluyole war- This state of war was betwixt the Egbas as well as Oyo inwards 1834-1835
Iperu war- This was fought inwards 1836
1st Dahomey war- Between the Egbas as well as the Dahomey inwards 1844-1845
2nd Dahomey war- inwards 1851
third Dahomey war- inwards 1853
quaternary Dahomey war- inwards 1864
Alake of Abeokuta (Egbaland) Oba Ladapo Ademola II, ninth August, 1945
THE ALAKE of EGBALAND
The OLOWU of OWU
The AGURA of GBAGURA
The OSILE of OKE-ONA
The OLUBARA of IBARA
The Alake of Egbaland HRH Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo Okukenu IV
The Olowu of OWUAbeokuta HRH Oba Adegboyega Olusanya Dosumu The Amororo II
The Agura of Gbagura HRH Oba Halidu Laloko Sobekun II
The Osile of Oke-Ona HRH Oba Adedapo Tejuoso Karunwi III
The olubara of Ibara HRH Oba Jacob Omolade Lafa II
In depth History of Egba People
The Egbas are a little offshoot of the Yorubas Proper, who occupy the south-eastern districts of that province. They origin- ally occupied the surface area bounded past times for sure imaginary lines drawn, say, from Ijaye to run across the Ogun River at Olokemeji, as well as along it to its mouth, as well as some other from the same indicate via Ibadan to the westward of Jebu Remo downward to the coast. They lived inwards hamlets as well as villages for the most, portion independently of i another, as well as never nether i rule. All the principal families of the Egbas describe their root from Oyo, hence the mutual proverb " Egbas who withdraw hold non their root inwards Oyo are slaves," i.e., belong to the conquered aboriginal population. Most of the chiefs sprang from the Esos of Oyo. It would seem as well as so that during the wars of conquest, a issue of these war-like Esos, nether the leadership of the King's half-brother, was detached from the main army, carrying their arms to those regions where they later on settled, inwards the immediate neighbourhood of the Owns. Abeokuta, every bit nosotros straightaway know it, of course of report had no existence then. Each of what is straightaway called the " townships " was a split upward hamlet or hamlet with its ain main ; they were loosely grouped into 3 divisions, but rather independent of i another, but all acknowledging the King's blood brother (the Alake) every bit their Primus. They were :
1. Egba Agbeyin. These were the Egbas proper, as well as nearest the I jebu Remos. The principal towns were : Ake, the main town, Ijeun, Kemta, Iporo, Igbore, etc.
Egba adult woman Chief Mrs. Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, quondam Chairman, UBA
2. Egba Oke Ona, i.e., those situated close the banks of the River Odo Ona. Oko the main town, Ikereku, Ikija, Idomapa, Odo, Podo, etc. Their main is called the Osile.
3. Egba Agura or Gbagura : these were situated close the Oyo districts, as well as indeed they contain genuine Oyos inwards large numbers, as well as to a greater extent than oft than non they partake of their characteristics largely, hence
they are nick-named " Oyos amid Egbas." The principal towns were : Agura the chief, Ilugun, Ibadan, Ifaye, Ika, Ojo, Ilawo, etc.
Egba wedding
The Egbas were on the whole few inwards number, as well as occupied a express territory ; this tin can real good live proved past times the fact, that after a flow of to a greater extent than than one-half a century, they withdraw hold been compelled past times stress of circumstances to alive together within i wall, as well as inwards spite of large accessions from other tribes, they silent cast but a unmarried large town. Situated, every bit they were then, far from the centre of life as well as activity, they were picayune idea of. They had no split upward Rex because all the principal chiefs as well as distinguished personages were go bearers of the Alafin, hence the mutual saying, " Egba ko I'olu, gbogbo nwon ni nse hullo Oba " (Egbas withdraw hold no King, they are all of them similar masters) " Olu wa' royo " (The King is at Oyo). It may live noted, that every kid born to a reigning Alake must withdraw hold an Oyo facial grade ; as well as that is so to this day. In early on times the Alake ranks amid the junior members of the Royal Family ; for that argue in that location has never been a distinct royal household unit of measurement arnong the Egbas. The main rulers inwards each segmentation were unremarkably elected (by divination) from whatever i of the 153 townships ; an Ikija homo for illustration has been " Rex " of Itesi, an Ijeun homo an Alake. In this honour also the Gbaguras differ from the others.
In later times, at Abeokuta, i Jibode, a wealthy trader as well as traveller, who vainly endeavoured to obtain the Primacy of Ake, left children as well as grandchildren who eventually attained the coveted position, which was a singular illustration of to a greater extent than than i fellow member of a household unit of measurement becoming an Alake, but as well as so they were all born inwards dissimilar townships.
The Osile is said to live an unfortunate championship because, to a greater extent than than whatever of the other divisions, the Oke Ona people were to a greater extent than ptone to slaughter human victims; everytime the Osile entered the Ogboni
house, he must walk on the blood of a virile individual victim, as well as when he comes out on that of a woman individual ! Also that Osiles never top away a natural expiry ; when their excesses became unbearable they were unremarkably stoned to expiry ; hence the appellation of their main town, " Oko " — i.e., a pelting stone. For that argue the Egbas were reluctant to resuscitate the championship at Abeokuta until Governor McCallum of Lagos inwards 1897 on the occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee ordered the Egbas as well as others to reorganise their government, as well as fill upward up vacant titles.
Since the devastation of the City of Owu (as nosotros shall view below) as well as the unification of the Egba villages, the Owus withdraw hold domiciled with them. Hence the so-called Four United Kings of the
Egbas : although Owu is non Egba.
Justice Adetokunboh Ademola (Chief Justice of Nigeria), with his father, Oba Ladapo Samuel Ademola (Alake of Egba Land)
Other version
After the autumn of Owu, as well as the penalisation inflicted upon some Egba towns for secretly befriending
the beleaguered city, the army camp at Idi Ogugun broke up, as well as the leading Ife as well as Ijebu generals returned domicile to their respective masters, but the remainder of the allied armies with the Oyo refugees
were invited past times the Ijebus to Ipara, a town of Ijebu Remo. Making this identify their headquarters, these restless bands of marauders found business for their arms inwards conquering as well as subjugating several towns inwards Ijebu Remo nether the Awujale of Ijebu Ode, viz Ode, Iperu, Ogere as well as Makun.
As stated inwards the preceding department in that location were some friendly Egba chiefs who joined the marauders at Idi Ogugun as well as at Ipara, as well as straightaway they were all living together at Ibadan. The most influential amid them were : — Lamgdi, Apati, Ogunbona, Oso, Gbewiri, as well as Inakoju. Ogundipe, who afterwards became a notable main at Abeokuta was as well as so but a blacksmith as well as a individual soldier.
Egba homo Chief Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams, QC, SAN (December 16, 1920 – March 26, 2005) was a prominent Nigerian lawyer who was the starting fourth dimension Nigerian to go a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. In the 1950s, he was a fellow member of the Action Group as well as later on became the government minister for local authorities as well as Justice. He was the president of the Nigerian Bar Association inwards 1959, the association is the leading body for lawyers inwards the country. He left politics inwards the 1960s, every bit a outcome of the political crisis inwards the Western Region of Nigeria.
Pretext was presently found for waging state of war with the Egbas who were as well as so living inwards little villages scattered all over the surface area betwixt Ipara as well as Ibadan. Several expeditions were made from their
base of operations at Ipara, as well as Iporo, Eruwon, Oba, Itoko, Itesi, Imo, Ikereku, Itoku, etc., were taken.
The next are the names of the distinguished war-chiefs inwards this receive : — Oyo chiefs — Oluyedun, Lakanle, Oluyole, Adelakun, Opeagbe, Abitiko, Yismati, Oluoye, Koseiko, Abidogun, Osun, Laleitan, Bankole, Fadeyi Ogani-ija, Agbeni, etc. All these chiefs joined the allied the world forces every bit individual soldiers, but the fortunes of state of war raised them to positions of smashing distinction.
Notwithstanding this, they were looked downward upon past times the Ife as well as Ijebu leaders nether whose auspices they joined the state of war against Owu, as well as had no vox inwards their councils. But they were presently to present their superiority.
His Royal Highness Oba Gbedegbo I, 1898 - 1920.
Creator: Johnston, Harry Hamilton, Sir, 1858-1927 -- Photographer
Source:Britain across the seas: Africa; a history as well as description of the British Empire inwards Africa.
Ife chiefs — Maye (the generalissimo inwards the absence of Singusin) Ogugu, Derin-Okiin, Labgsinde, Ogini, Aregbe, Olufadi, Degoke, Kugbayigbe, Oluygde, Epo, Kudayisi.
Ijebu chiefs — Kalejaiye, Amoibo, Osunlalu, Oguade, Argwgsanle, etc.
Rich with the booty of these expeditions, as well as finding no fresh fields of functioning for their arms they decided to disband the army. The Ijebu state of war chiefs returned domicile as well as the Ifes laid out to render past times way of Oorun ; the Oyos who had nowhere to go to accompanied them. There were thousands of Oyos already inwards Ife districts.
At Oorun (a Gbagura town) they found fresh job for their arms when the men of that identify refused them a passage. Another circumstance also occurred which hastened the siege of
Oorun as well as the autumn of the remaining Egba townships.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 dispute arose betwixt the people of Idomapa a neighbouring town as well as the Gbaguras most territorial limits which at length broke out into state of war as well as Oluwole the Rex of Idomapa who was the
weaker of the 2 combatants asked the aid of Labgsinde i of the leading Ife war-chiefs, as well as through him the remainder of the Ife as well as Oyo war-chiefs against Ajiboso the Rex of the Gbaguras. The
allies encamped at Idomapa as well as Oorun was the scene of conflict, where the Gbaguras concentrated all their forces to oppose the Idomapas as well as their allies.
The Gbagura the world forces was swelled past times reinforcement from Ika, Owe Ikija, Iwokoto. The competition was furious as well as i Ogaro a gallant war-chief greatly distinguished himself inwards the defense strength of Oorun. As long every bit he could handgrip his bow as well as arrows, the enemy was kept at bay; but he vicious inwards an engagement, as well as at the same fourth dimension famine had commenced its direful work, as well as so the assailants successfully reduced the town.
As their fighting men had all fallen at Oorun the conquest of all the remainder of the Gbagura towns was complete. Oorun when captured was fired ; beingness a town situated on a high hill, the conquerors were able past times the aid of the lite to pursue their victory to the side past times side town which they found deserted, as well as so on to the side past times side as well as the side past times side until they reached Ojoho. The towns deserted as well as overrun that nighttime were Oorun, Ijaiye- maja, Kosi-kosi, Ikerekuiwere, Ora, Ibadan. Ofa as well as Oje were also deserted, but the conquerors did non know of this till 3 days after every bit they lay exterior their line of march.
Oba Gbadebo I, Alake of Abeokuta (1892-1920 5th from left) with his Chiefs as well as British colonial administrator. Picture taken inwards 1905
From Ibadan they followed upward the conquest to Ojokodo Iwohaha, as well as Eguoto; all these places were deserted as well as plundered inwards i nighttime as well as past times the dawn of solar daytime they were before Ojoho. Ojoho offered a stout resistance as well as beingness weary from long marches the conquerors retired to observe a resting place. Of all the towns overrun the previous night, Ibadan lonely they found non destroyed past times fire, as well as so this marauding band hastily occupied it, the war-chiefs taking possession of whatever chemical compound they chose, as well as their men with them as well as thus Ibadan was over again re-peopled but non by
the owners of the town, but past times a composite band of marauders, consisting of Oyos, Ifes, Ijebus, as well as some friendly Egbas, Maye a bold as well as brave Ife chieftain beingness their leader. Next to him was Labgsinde also an Ife, but, through his mother, of Oyo descent.
These 2 leaders were men of dissimilar grapheme as well as opposite temperament. Maye was of an irritable temper, inwards manners petroleum as well as domineering, as well as never failed at all times to present his
contempt for the Oyos, chiefly because they were homeless refugees. At the caput of the Oyos was Lakanla a bold as well as brave leader who lonely of all the Oyo war-chiefs could venture to opened upward his rima oris when Maye spoke. Labosinde on the reverse was most agreeable as well as real fatherly inwards his manners as well as thence much respected past times all.
First role, third from left; Oba Adeniji Adele (1949–1964) of Lagos with (First role, quaternary from left) Alake of Abeokuta, Oba Ladapo Samuel Ademola II (27 Sep 1920 - 27 Dec.1962). Picture taken circa 1950.
Our source: Nigerianostalgia
Ibadan straightaway became the headquarters of these marauders from which identify Ojoho was besieged as well as at length taken. At this fourth dimension also Ikeiye Owe as well as a portion of Ika were deserted ; the Ika people escaping to Iwokoto. All these were Egba villages of the Gbagura section.
As stated inwards the preceding department in that location were some friendly Egba chiefs who joined the marauders at Idi Ogugun as well as at Ipara, as well as straightaway they were all living together at Ibadan. The most influential amid them were : — Lamodi, Apati, Ogunbona, Oso, Gbewiri, as well as Inakoju. Ogundipe, who afterwards became a notable main at Abeokuta was as well as so but a blacksmith as well as a individual soldier.
Rivalry was so rife amid these diverse tribes that altercations were frequent, as well as i led to a civil war. In a populace coming together held at the Isale Ijebu quarter of the town, Lamodi an Egba main shot Ege an influential Ife main downward dead with a pistol, as well as inwards the commotion which ensued Lamodi himself was slain. For fearfulness of the Ifes avenging the expiry of Ege the Egbas withdrew inwards a body from Ibadan as well as encamped on the other side of the Ona river, most 3 or 4 miles distant. Here also they were sick at ease as well as after divination they sent for i Sodeke to live their leader, as well as they escaped to Abeokuta as well as so a farm hamlet of an Itoko man, as well as a resting identify for traders to as well as from the Oke Ogun districts. Sodeke was at the caput of this novel colony until his death. This was most the twelvemonth 1830 They were continually swelled past times Egba refugees from all parts of the province as well as also past times Egba slaves who had deserted their masters. At Abeokuta the refugees kept together according to their household unit of measurement distinctions, viz. : —
1. The Egba Agbeyin comprising Ake the main town, Ijeun, Kemta, Imo, Igbore, etc. These were nether the Alake every bit chief.
2. Egba Agura (or Gbagura) comprising Agura the main town Ilugun, Ibadan, Ojohg, Ika, etc., nether the Agura every bit chief.
3. Egba Oke Ona with Oko the main town. Ikija, Ikereku, Idomapa, Odo, Podo, etc., nether the Osile every bit chief.
Here also the Owus joined them, i mutual calamity throwing them together. It was some considerable fourth dimension after that Ijaiye joined them, as well as so past times degrees all the Egba townships most 153
became concentrated at Abeokuta, the novel town comprising Ijemo Itoko as well as a few others who were already on the spot.
Until the expiry of Sodeke inwards A.D. 1844 the Egbas never spoke of having a Rex over them, Sodeke wielding supreme ability inwards a real paternal way. Of external relations, real picayune (if any) existed, each of these families managed its ain affairs, as well as in that location was no properly organized key government.
Even after the foundation ot Abeokuta in that location were silent some Egbas residing at Ibadan. Egba women also who were unable or unwilling to go with their husbands to the novel settlement were taken every bit wives past times the novel colonists at Ibadan as well as they became the mothers of most of the children of the starting fourth dimension generation of the novel Ibadan. From this it volition live seen that the electrical flow tale of the Egbas
beingness driven from Ibadan past times the Oyos is lacking inwards accuracy. Such as well as so is the foundation of the nowadays Abeokuta.
ABEOKUTA: Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 CITY FOUNDED UNDER THE ROCK
Contrary to the widespread sentiments inwards the Western world most Africa beingness a continent that was inhabited past times scattered groups of un-organized as well as uncultured animal-like humans prior to the business of the lands past times Europeans, Africa was indeed inhabited past times good cultured as well as organized grouping of peoples that withdraw hold formidably built empires every bit good every bit smaller territories before the Europeans as well as Arabs found their ways here.
The Egba land is i of such numerous nations that had existed before the European incursion which interfered inwards the gradual evolution of Africa’s development. It is also i of the to a greater extent than than 250 nations that were lumped together to cast the territory that is known today every bit the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Up until the 18th Century, the Egba people lived inwards a cluster of villages around a identify known every bit Orile-Itoko, every bit a dependent area territory of the old Oyo Empire, which was i of the strongest empires that e'er existed inwards West Africa. Just similar the Roman Empire, the Oyo empire was so rigid that it easily quelled whatever cast of uprising or rebellion from whatever of its subject-states. It was withal shocking when a picayune known, but brave warrior, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, arose from amid the Egba people as well as led the land inwards an uprising against the Oyo Army’s continuous business of their land, the starting fourth dimension inwards the history of political as well as armed forces confrontation with the Oyo kingdom. The defeated the Oyo the world forces non alone liberated the Egba people from the stronghold of the Oyo kingdom, it also signaled the disintegration of the all-mighty empire as well as the little land of Egba ceased to live a colony of the Oyo empire as well as became a costless province patch Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, upward to this day, is regarded every bit the begetter of the Egba people for his outstanding roles inwards the people’s liberation.
However, the weakening mightiness of the Oyo Empire every bit a outcome of continuous disintegration of the kingdom as well as ascent of quondam colonies similar Ibadan, Ijebu as well as the likes coupled with the boom of the slave trade, exposed the land to frequent attacks from Ibadan every bit good every bit Dahomey, some other large empire with its headquarters inwards today’s Republic of Benin Republic.
Thus, betwixt 1825 as well as 1830 when it became expedient that the Nation of Egba tin can no longer withstand the frequent attacks of the slave hunters from Ibadan as well as Dahomey, the Egba people, on the directives of the Ifa Oracle, was led past times main Shodeke, on a long but tortuous journeying that brought them to the western side of the massive outcrop of granite rocks called “OLUMO”, that is “Oluwa fimo” important God puts an cease to our wandering. The real indicate the oracle asked them to relocate to.
Olumo stone became the greatest strength as well as pillar of the Egba people, every bit it puts them at a advantage topographic point to sight their enemies from several kilometers away as well as allow them to properly strategise as well as brand utilization of the stone as well as the caves every bit protective shields against their enemies. The people as well as so constituted themselves into a confederacy of distinct groups as well as settled inwards the areas surrounding Olumo Rock. And every bit peace gradually returned, they told themselves as well as whosoever cared to heed that they are the “people from nether the rock” , that is, Abeokuta.
Thus, the metropolis of Abeokuta, the largest metropolis inwards today’s Ogun State as well as the capital, South-West Nigeria, is born. Located on the Ogun river, 78km northward of Lagos as well as 70km from the ancient metropolis of Ibadan , Abeokuta is a strategically located metropolis with a rich historical significance to Nigeria as well as Black Africa.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Due to its strategic topographic point as well as historical cum cultural significance every bit good every bit proximity to Lagos, a coastal city, Abeokuta became a sort of attraction to the missionaries every bit good every bit Sierra Leonean creoles every bit early on every bit the 1840s.
This led to the see of foremost missionary, Henry Townsend, whose see had been foretold past times the Ifa Oracle inwards 1843. Henry Townsend conducted the starting fourth dimension church building service inwards the novel metropolis on Jan 5, 1843. Similar efforts eventually led to the edifice of the starting fourth dimension church building inwards the whole of territories straightaway known every bit Nigeria inwards the metropolis of Abeokuta — St Peters Anglican Cathedral, Ake Abeokuta. It also boasts of beingness the metropolis where the Yoruba Language (one of the 3 major languages spoken inwards Nigeria was starting fourth dimension documented inwards impress as well as was also domicile to the starting fourth dimension Newspaper inwards Nigeria — Iwe Irohin – which was inwards circulation inwards the 1860s as well as remained so till 1867 when problem with the British inwards Lagos led the metropolis authorities to unopen the merchandise routes to the coast as well as expel its European traders as well as missionaries. Abeokuta, survived many challenges to go a powerful strength every bit the working capital missive of the alphabet of the Egba people as well as topographic point of the Egba United government, especially during as well as after the Yoruba civil wars which pitched Abeokuta against Ibadan. After the wars, the Alake (King) of Egba, who was the caput of Egba United government, signed an alliance with the British governor, Sir Gilbert Cartar, which made the British Government to grant independence to the Egba United Government inwards 1893. The metropolis of Abeokuta enjoyed this privilege every bit a working capital missive of the alphabet metropolis of an independent nation, i time again, until 1914 when the Northern as well as Southern protectorates were amalgamated to cast the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Fela Kuti, Egba man
Its people as well as culture
Abeokuta is an agro-based marketplace with little as well as middle flat agro industries. The people create agricultural products such every bit Yams, Cassava, Rice, Corn, Palm oil, Poultry, Cottons as well as vegetables. It also serves every bit an exporting indicate for cocoa, palm create as well as kolanuts.
Due to the rocky terrain of some parts of the city, it has for many years been domicile to a issue of quarry industries.Although, cotton fiber was introduced past times the Missionaries inwards the 1850’s, Cotton weaving, pottery as well as necktie as well as dye (Adire) are all traditional crafts of the Abeokuta people.
The metropolis is reputed to live the working capital missive of the alphabet of the necktie as well as dye manufacture inwards Nigeria. The centre of Adire making as well as marketing inwards Abeokuta is at the pop Itoku marketplace at Kenta.
“The dyes were initially extracted from grasses as well as leaves which were soaked for a issue of days inwards monastic tell to extract the dye from it. However, when the Malian traders came to Nigeria inwards the early on portion of the 20th Century, they introduced chemic dyes which came inwards varying colours. This evolution gave a boast to the manufacture as well as made the procedure of adire making a lot faster inwards a bid to run across the growing need for it, says Mrs Malaolu, an adire merchant.
Olumo Rock: The monument that made the city.
Paradise Nature Park, Abeokuta
At most 2 kilometers from Itoku marketplace is Olumo rock, a massive outcrop of granite rocks, which peaks at most 137 meters higher upward the bounding main level. Located inwards the portion of Abeokuta called Ikija, Olumo stone prides itself every bit the symbol of Egba unity as well as the foundation of the city. History has it that a famous hunter as well as farmer named Adagba discovered the stone some 200 years ago.
Under the stone was a cave which was partitioned into a issue of rooms using clay slabs. The cave with the rooms were used every bit hide-outs past times the people during wars.
Overtime, most of the rooms withdraw hold caved inwards due to the over 200 years of have on as well as tear with alone i room standing till today. Olumo is a magnificent site to behold every bit it serves every bit tourist finish inwards Nigeria today. Right on top of the rock, a tourist tin can view the entire landscape of the metropolis of Abeokuta as well as beyond. The centre was inwards 2006 upgraded to run across the electrical flow moving ridge of technological advancement with the introduction of elevators.
It is worshipped annually, the latest beingness March3, 2012 to grade the Lisabi Day. Abeokuta metropolis has produced illustrious sons as well as daughters, who had carved a niche for themselves inwards Nigeria as well as the world inwards general. They include Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a one-time armed forces Head of State as well as two- term civilian president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Late Chief M.K.O Abiola, business concern mogul, political leader as well as philantropist, the belatedly Chief Simeon Adebo, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations, quondam Head of the interim Federal Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Amos Tutuola, writer of palm vino drinkard, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti as well as Prof. Wole Soyinka.
Beyond the imposing profile of the stone metropolis as well as Olumo are a warm as well as accommodating laid of people, who cherish peace higher upward whatever other considerations.
source:http://insidewatchafrica.com/abeokuta-a-city-founded-under-the-rock/
Ademola II - The Alake of Egbaland at Trowbridge 1937
ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU & OTUNBA BOLA KUFORIJI OLUBI
Yoruba adult woman on the correct with an Edo on the left
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