Ibadancityng, Ibadan (2025)

25/05/2025

OONI CELEBRATES OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 68TH BIRTHDAY..

The Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula and Natural Head of the Yoruba Race Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, heartily celebrates a prominent son of Oduduwa land, the former Executive Governor of Osun State and former Honourable Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, on the occasion of his 68th birthday.

Aregbesola, popularly called Ogbeni, is not just a political figure; he is an institution of progressive ideology, a grassroot mobilizer, and an unapologetic defender of the masses. His contributions to the enthronement of participatory democracy and infrastructural transformation both in Lagos and Osun States remain glaring testimonies to his legacy. As a true comrade and revolutionary thinker, his politics has always been people oriented and focused on building sustainable development from the foundation upward.

Arole Oduduwa extols Ogbeni Aregbesola as a strong-willed descendant of Oduduwa, whose political consistency, ideological discipline, and undiluted loyalty to progressive causes have made him a worthy icon in the annals of Nigerian politics. His deep understanding of the inner workings of governance, his intellectual capacity, and his uncompromising spirit of activism continue to inspire a generation of change agents across Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

On this special milestone of 68 fruitful years, the House of Oduduwa prays that Olodumare grants Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola sound health, enduring grace, and renewed strength to keep championing noble causes for the emancipation and upliftment of our people.

May your wisdom continue to serve as a compass for justice, good governance, and equity in the land.

Ire o! Aseyi samodun!

Afon a gbo kaka ko to wo!!!

24/05/2025

OONI CROWNS OLOJUDO ALAYEMORE OF IDO OSUN, SAYS ALL CROWNS ARE FROM ILE-IFE

The Natural Head of the Yoruba race and Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council(SNTRC)of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, has crowned Oba Olayinka Isola Jokotade Ilufemiloye II, as the 47th Olojudo-Alayemore of Ido-Osun in Osun State.

The historic coronation, held on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, attracted an array of traditional rulers, political dignitaries including the state’s governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, community leaders, and proud sons and daughters of Ido-Osun from across Nigeria and the diaspora. It marked not just a royal enthronement, but also a profound celebration of Yoruba heritage, cultural pride, and a reaffirmation of the age-old bond between Ile-Ife and Ido-Osun—whose progenitor migrated from the cradle of Yoruba civilization several centuries ago.

Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, who is a member of The National House Representatives, Abuja, Hon. Bamidele Salam, hailed the occasion as a moment of cultural rebirth.

He emphasized that the youthful monarch's energy and intellect will serve as catalysts for the town’s advancement. “This is a testament to our vibrant cultural heritage. We are committed to working hand in hand with His Majesty to ensure that Ido-Osun witnesses monumental development.

"We beseech Oba Ilufemiloye II to uphold justice, fairness, and equity throughout his reign, and to hold infrastructural development in the highest esteem," Salam said.

ADELEKE CALLS NEW KING FATHER OF ALL
The Executive of Osun State, HE Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, who personally graced the occasion, extended heartfelt congratulations to the new Olojudo and applauded the traditional rulers of the state.

He noted that the selection process adhered strictly to age-long traditions and protocols, thereby ensuring

21/05/2025

OONI HOSTED BY OKUN PEOPLE IN KOGI, CALLED NUMBER ONE KING WITH ENVIABLE CHARACTER REAFFIRM THEIR LOYALTY.

Ooni of Ife and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ọjájá II, has assured the people of Okun region in Kogi State of the right of place within the Oduduwa dynasty.globally encouraging them to always maintain their ancestral roots in Ile-Ife which remains cradle and traditional headquarters for the people of the Oduduwa race worldwide.

Ooni Ogunwusi, the Permanent Chairman, Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs made the remarks on Saturday during his historic visit to the kingdom of Mopa in Kogi State where he held meetings with the Okun traditional rulers who later accompanied him to attend the 1st Year Coronation Anniversary ceremony of the Elulu of Mopa kingdom and Chairman of the Mopamuro Local Government Traditional Council, HRM, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun. He stated at the event that the boundaries separating the Okun people from their kinsmen in the southwest are merely artificial.

Ooni, Permanent Chairman of The Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers(SNCTR) charged the Okun people in the North Central geopolitical zone to always maintain their deep connection to Ile-Ife which is the ancestral home of the Kootu-Oojiire people of the Southwest and beyond, reminding them that their name connotes strength in the universal dialect of the Kootu-Oojiire dynasty.

"Okun’ means strength in English language and wherever the people of Okun are found globally, they exhibit strength in everything they do. Those who still reside in Ile-Ife demonstrate their strength through farming and hunting, proving that they are truly part and parcel of our race just like your other kinsmen like Egba, Oyo, Ekiti, Akoko, Remo and other several peoples who had left Ile-Ife to settle at the their respective present domains across Africa.

"I appeal to you all to continue to see yourselves as part of the Yoruba dynasty, irrespective of t

04/05/2025

OONI AND SULTAN, GREATEST KINGS IN NIGERIA - Former President Jonathan

Hosting Ooni Ogunwusi and his entourage at his Otuoke country home in Otuoke town near Yenagoa on Thursday described the African foremost monarch as a great gift given to Africa, saying whenever the National government wants to do something in the country, the two most prominent kings they call are the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife, calling them the two greatest kings in the country.

"Your Majesty, I used to tell you that I'm from Osun state, I did my NYSC in the town of Iresi in Osun state, maybe that was why I was very close to Osun state while I was the President. You Osun people may not know the importance of the Ooni because he's your traditional ruler. When I was there as the President, I met a committee of National Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Sultan and Ooni were the permanent Co-chairmen of all the Nigeria's traditional rulers, Sultan for the North and the Ooni for the entire South. That tells you the pedigree of the Ooni of Ife when it comes to kingship in Nigeria". President Jonathan said.

Signed;
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media and Public Affairs,
Ooni's Palace,
Ile-Ife.

27/01/2025

OONI RESOLVES ISSUES BETWEEN AARE AFE BABALOLA AND DELE FAROTIMI

The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ojaja II in company of about prominent Yoruba traditional Rulers in Ekiti state was at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) last night to appeal to the founder of the university Aare Afe Babalola to forgive the human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi and withdraw the ongoing criminal case instituted against him.

Ooni Ogunwusi arrived Ado Ekiti at about 10:08pm last night into the waiting hands of Aare Afe Babalola himself accompanied by the Vice Chancellor Professor Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde
Bursar Pastor Joseph Modupe Babalola,
The school PRO, Deans of various faculties at the university and the legal team of Afe Babalola handling Farotimi's criminal case.

The Vice chancellor in her welcome speech at the meeting acknowledged Ooni's love for the school's founder and the school itself which she described as one of the leading universities in Africa.

The Ooni briefed the journalists outcome of the meeting which was earlier held close door between Afe Babalola and the Ooni accompanied by Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole Joseph Adebayo, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adejinmi Adu, Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Dr. Emmanuel Aladejare Agunsoye II and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti who doubles as Chairman, Ekiti Council Of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ilori Faboro that having watched the scenarios surrounding the criminal case instituted against Dele Farotimi with rapt attention, it has become very imperative to apply Alternative Dispute Resolution method which Yoruba race was known for in the past because it's a case between father and son.

"We have come today to appeal to Aare Babalola to forgive his son; Dele Farotimi and what we want from him is to withdraw the criminal charges against Farotimi today.

"Aare Afe Babalola, you are an elderstateman, you have seen it all, you are one of the iconic voices in this country, a great man per excellence, you are a rare breed who has excelled in everything you have touched in this life, a very God fearing elderstateman, above all, you are one of the proponents of the Yoruba ethos of Omoluwabi which has been your strongest value that you hold in our country. This what we are using to bring down the tempo in what has happened between you and your son Dele Farotimi. We have been very proud of you as a great Yoruba elderstateman. You have done great things for this race and Nigeria such that your name can never be forgotten."

"We've all come together as traditional Rulers to discuss with you on this issue and this gentleman Dele Farotimi is your son and you must forgive him and withdraw the criminal charges against him. As a father, you have soft sons and you have tough sons, Dele Farotimi is a tough son of yours. You have indeed made a point that your name can not be be messed with".

"I hereby withdraw the criminal charges against Farotimi" - Afe Babalola.

When given the microphone to respond to the request made by the Ooni and the traditional Rulers, Aare Afe Babalola did not hesitate to accept the request saying he grew up as a child to understand such interventions by the traditional rulers. He declared he had not only forgiven Dele Farotimi but also will instruct his lawyers to withdraw the criminal charges against him with immediate effect, because of the honour for the Ooni and the other Obas.

"Today is a very important day for me, I'm a Yoruba man and I'm very proud to be one. Ewi of Ado has come here to meet me on this matter, former president Obasanjo has intervened, same with Bishop Matthew Kukah and a host of other prominent Nigerians to ask for the exact thing you have come to ask for this evening., my answer to them has been "NO" but today my answer is "YES"

Your coming is unquantifiable in terms of money, who Am I? When the colonialists came here in 17th century or thereabouts, they found as a fact that Yoruba land was a highly organised society with an advanced systems of government with each town headed by an Oba who was regarded as a replica of God on earth. His words were commands."

In the middle ages, the Greeks had a saying"the meadow that grow on the bank of a river which obeys the direction of the flood remains strong forever but the meadow that grow that disobey the direction of the flood were broken asunder".

Aare Babalola concluded his response with a an Adage in Yoruba saying " Eni ti o ba nI nkan lati se, kii wo elegan rara" meaning "those who change the world for the better do not wait to respond to criticism"

He said he had listened to the Ooni's advice and he certainly didn't want to be a meadow by the riverside which disobeys the flood.

I was a lawyer who defended the EFCC law, yes I'm corrupt, I was given an oil block, when I looked at the money and saw that it was too much , I rejected it, yes I'm corrupt, I was offered ministeria

09/01/2025

Copper alloy figure of an Ọọ̀ni, or king of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, from the Wunmonije archaeological site, southwestern Nigeria, c. early 14th century AD.

“The diadem of the Wunmojie king with striated facial marks displays a rosette pattern surmounted by a pointed plume, this motif resting atop a concentric circle.
[…]
Number symbolism in diadem and other forms is important in these and other ancient Ife art works serving to mark grade and status. According to Ife Obatala Chief Adelekan, eight-petal rosettes are associated with higher Obatala grades. That the Wunmonije king figure wears an eight-petal rosette, while the Aroye vessel and Olokun head incorporate sixteen-petal forms is based on power difference. Eight is the highest number accorded humans, suggests Chief Adelekan, whereas sixteen is used for gods.”

-Art in Ancient Ife, Birthplace of the Yoruba.

18/07/2024

History of the Bassa-Nge People (How they defeated the Igalas in a battle).

The Bassa Nge's of today are Nupe's who migrated from Gbara in south-west Bida just a little over hundred years ago.

Their first place of settlement was in Kaaba which is today occupied by the Okun's (Yoruba) of Kogi State.The place Kabba was named by the Bassa settlers because they intended to use it as a maize farm (kaba means maize).

The Nupe's now Bassa had to leave because of the incessant slave raiding in the area.
Subsequently they moved to mount Patti and became the first settlers on Mt Patti in Lokoja. The name "Patti" is the Nupe word for Mountain.

After victory over Muhammadu Maikarfi of Katsina, the Nupe's crossed the Niger River in 3 batches. the first batch headed by the Lerama family called on the others by saying 'e dabe kpata' which means 'come one come all' in the Nupe tongue. thus Kpata became the first settlement across the River.

The crossing was made through 'am kpata' meaning 'river bank' in Nupe's which is currently the kpata market area of lokoja. The Second batch who crossed the river were headed by the Mopa family.

The Mopas returned to invite their brothers who were left on Patti, non returned because they had discovered a fertile swampy bank which decided to settle in, they named it 'Ndadumo' meaning 'swampy land'. this name was later adulterated to 'Gadumo'now in Lokoja

After due consultations the last batch were asked to split into 3 groups, since they were the traditional warrior. When they did, two groups crossed under the watch of the other group who were to remain behind to watch over 'Lokodja' meaning 'uniting place'.

The third group adviced the Mopas to 'follow this path and enter' meaning 'dawn kolo' or 'let the remnants follow here n enter' meaning 'adawn kolo' in the native Nupe language which is now the 'Adankolo' in Lokoja.

Of the two groups that crossed in the last batch, on reaching Kpata, the Lerama's told them of the occultic Igalas at 'Ogboloku'. warriors as they were, they set forth for their traditional duty to fight the Igalas giving them a decisive defeat. the Lerama's in order to show a sign of total defeat to the Igalas moved to Gboloko to establish a palace with the traditiona Nupe heritage title of Etsu.

The Igalas however rallied themselves and threatened to attack the new king (Etsu). so quickly, warriors were sent to scout the area. They camped near the only sweet
water 'Amonoku' because the igalas had poisoned all the other sources of water.

When they returned, they informed the Etsu that the igalas were camped at Dekina. so the Etsu took it upon himself to be in the battle field to ensure a total annihilation and defeat of the igalas.

Before leaving, the Etsu made an agreement that in case of death, the Mopas should continue the Etsuship of 'Baa sa' land
At a decisive battle, the Nupes of this newly found 'Baa sa' land defeated the igalas thoroughly at a place east of the 'sweet waters' 'Amonoku' and all the land was littered with igala blood.

The Attah of igala barely managed to escape alive upon which reaching Idah,he cursed any of his people who will marry from the new Nupe people that such a person will die in poverty.
(note that the curse was because he was defeated and this new people seemed to be more industrious, although the Igala's of today have tried to change this narrative to suit their egos)

After defeating the Attah igala, the Etsu left an order that one of the warrior groups remain behind as eastern guards while the other follows him back to Gboloko
Before he left however, one of the guards asked what to do with the dead bodies of the slain Igala's. He replied thus 'Effiwn e tu emi Ajugu' meaning 'Sweep it and build the house of the Chief guard' and that marked the beginning of Effin people and why their leaders are originally from Emi Ajugu.

While new Nupes in the area prepared to invade Dekina, the Igala's seeing that they were at their wits end invited the white man 'Mr Cook' or 'Masta kooku' as the people called him to assist them.

Because of superior weapon from the white man and bravery of the New Nupe's people, the battle of the 'black stone' meaning 'Zhintaku' (shintaku) ended as stalemate. The white man came from Idah using modern boats.

Because he couldn't defeat the Bassa people, he requested that they leave out of free will. They told him that they had no plans of leaving as the land was 'baa sa' 'meaning fertile'.
Mr. Cook then registered the land and the people as 'Bassa' in his diary which was later to be used as an official document for naming the Bassa or Bassa Nge in 1983 by the Shagari regime. (see Longman atlas or Collins atlas both of 1982, you will see Bassa land captured as Nupe).

13/07/2024

List of Yoruba Obas In Republic of Benin🇧🇯🇧🇯

1. Alaketou of Ketu
Ketu.

2. Onipopo of Popo,
Heve Alahussan

3. ONISABE of Sabe
SAVE,

4. Alajowun of Ajowun,
Ajowun

5. ALAJASE Onikoyi of AJASE-ILE,
Porto-Novo,

6. Onisale of Isale,
Isale

7. Onilikimu of Ilikimu,
Ilikimu.

8. Onidiyin of Idiyin,
Idiyin.

9. Oniweere of Ajaweere,
Ajaweere.

10. Onipobe of Ipobe
Ipobe.

11. Oniohorije of Ohori,
Ohorije.

12. Ologunba of Ogunba

13. Onitowe of Towe
Towe

14. Oniganna of Iganna,
Iganna.

15. Onimasse of Masse,
Masse.

17. Onisakete of Sakete,
Sakete

18. Onitako of Itako
Itako

19. Onifanyin of Ifanyin
Ifanyin

20. Onihounme of Hounme

21. Obake of Dangbo
Dangbo

22. Onikalavi of Kalavi
Kalavi

23. Oba Aja of Toviklen

24. Egbakotan of Dasa,
Dasa,

25. Onitapa of Tapa,
Ajase

26. Onimanigri of Manigri
MANIGRI,

27. Onikoko of Ikoko,
IKÔKO,

28. Alakpassi of Akpassi
AKPASSI

29. Onikani of Ikani
IKANI

30. Onitchaourou of Chaourou

31. Onibasila of Basila
Basila

32. Onibante of Bante,
Bante

33. Olota of Kunrumi,
Kpomase.

34. Onilache of Ilache
ILACHE

This information Credited to Chief Tolulase Taye Oguntosin Of Ajase Benin Republic 🇧🇯🇧🇯

26/06/2024

What is the original Yoruba word for CUP?

18/06/2024

Ìyàmi Àjẹ́:

Àwọn Ìyàmi are different from the white man’s definition of witches.
The publication of “Malleus Maleficarum”—written by two well-respected German Dominicans in 1486, was essentially a guide on how to identify, hunt, and interrogate witches.
In essence, Oyinbo witches were hunted down and killed.
But in Yorubaland, back in those days, Àwọn Ìyàmi proudly identified themselves by tying three cowry shells on their left ankle.

Early witches were people who practiced “witchcraft”, using magic spells and calling upon spirits for help or to bring about change.
The advent of Christianity made people think witches to be pagans doing the Devil’s work. Whereas many were simply natural healers or so-called “wise women” whose choice of profession was misunderstood.

In the book of 1 Samuel, King Saul sought the Witch of Endor to summon the dead prophet Samuel’s spirit to help him defeat the Philistine army. The witch roused Samuel, who then prophesied the death of Saul and his sons. The next day, according to the Bible, Saul’s sons died in battle, and Saul committed su***de.

Àwọn Ìyàmi, according to the Yoruba belief system, Àjẹ́ represents the mystic power of womanhood.
Àwọn Ìyàmi like all mothers can show a tough side and a loving side. We never want to offend the physical or spiritual Ori (head) of our mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters! We must always strive to show respect and good character.

Àjẹ́ is raw spiritual energy, possessed mostly by women, say about 95 percent of women.
When this energy resides with men, such men are called Oṣó.

According to Ifá, Àwọn Ìyàmi did not start out to be wicked, it was humans that betrayed and broke the pact.
The Àjẹ̀ Funfun, for example, possess knowledge, power, blessings, and protection. They can reprimand as well if you offend, but they will always give you the opportunity to apologize/appease them. Unfortunately, they are not that many.

Ìbà Ẹyẹ ṣóró-mọga ṣío-ṣío
Ìbà Ẹyẹ mọ̀gà-ṣorò hiò-hiò
Bìrìpé ojú àlá
Abiyamọ ẹmọ́lóló abẹ́ òpó
Abiyamọ eégún abojú kedere
Ẹyẹ abapá-winni
Ẹyẹ abẹsẹ̀-winni
Ẹyẹ abìrìn àrà l’ẹ́sẹ̀ méjèèjì!!
Ìbà Ẹyẹ ìṣẹ̀ǹbáyé, Ọlọ́wọ́gbọgbọrọ tíí y’ọmọ rẹ̀ l’ọ́fìn!

We remember the Iyaami Aje today…
Photo: Ota, Nigeria

17/06/2024

Discover the Rich History of Oyo State! 🌟

Oyo State was established in 1976, originally carved from the Western State to include Osun State before they split in 1991. This historical evolution contributes to the state's homogeneity, inhabited predominantly by the Yoruba ethnic group, including the Oyos, Oke-Oguns, Ibadan, and Ibarapas.

Before colonization, the old Oyo Empire was a significant part of the Yoruba Empire, reigning from around 1300 to 1896. After its fall, the modern Oyo State, known as “New Oyo” or Oyo Atiba, was established in the 1830s to differentiate itself from the former capital, ‘Old Oyo’ (Ọ̀yọ́-Ilé).

The Alaafin, the supreme traditional leader of the Oyo people, continues to serve in a ceremonial capacity today. Since British colonial times, Ibadan has been the administrative hub of the Old Western Region.

Notable towns and cities in Oyo State include Ọyọ, Ogbomọsọ, Ibadan, Isẹyín-Okeogun, Ipapo-Okeogun, Kíṣì-Okeogun, Okeho-Okeogun, Saki-Okeogun, Igbeti-Okeogun, Eruwa-Ibarapa, Iroko, Lanlate, OjeOwode-Okeogun, Sepeteri-Okeogun, Ilora-Oyo, Jobele-Oyo, Awe-Oyo, Ilérò-Okeogun, Okaka-Okeogun, Igbo Ora-Ibarapa, and Idere.

Join us in celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Oyo State! 🙌

14/06/2024

OKADA the Nigeria popular word for Motorcycle was named after a village in Edo state !!!
Originally It was nicknamed after Okada Air, the very first Private-Airline in Nigeria {1983 -1997}. A now defunct Nigeria Airline Named after the Owner Sir Chief Dr,Gabriel Osawaru Hometown OKADA-Town..

OKADA Town is located in Ovia North east and it also houses the very first private university {IUO} in Nigeria;
The word Okada itself is derived from two edo words; Oke means hill in Edo language while Ada is a name of a River.
‘Oke’ & ‘Ada’ -“The hill top of River Ada”

In January 2020 the word “OKADA” was added to the OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY— “a noun for motorcycle in the dictionary”
but in actual sense it’s an edo word & the very first Edo word in the English
Dictionary..

Ibadancityng

25/05/2025

24/05/2025

21/05/2025

04/05/2025

27/01/2025

09/01/2025

18/07/2024

13/07/2024

26/06/2024

18/06/2024

17/06/2024

14/06/2024

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category