IDOWA

15/07/2025

*AS MARY SLESSOR ENDED THE KILLING OF TWINS, SO DID AWUJALE SIKIRU KAYODE ADETONA END RITUAL KILLINGS IN THE NAME OF TRADITION*

In the history of Nigeria, certain individuals stood as turning points between darkness and enlightenment. Just as *Mary Slessor* courageously ended the barbaric killing of twins in 19th-century Calabar, *His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, Ogbagba II, the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland,* will forever be remembered as the one who broke the age-old chains of ritual killings done in the name of tradition upon the death of kings.

Before his intervention, it was widely believed and horrifyingly practised that when an Oba died, several innocent souls, sometimes tens, were killed to "accompany" him to the afterlife. Even more disturbing was the belief that parts of the late king’s body, such as his kidney, were to be roasted and preserved for the consumption of his successor, to supposedly confer spiritual control over the kingdom.

But like Slessor, who came from Scotland and gave twins a chance at life, Oba Sikiru Adetona used his royal authority and legislative influence to give the living a chance to remain alive. The *Ogun State Chiefs Law,* which he boldly sponsored and championed, abolished these outdated and inhumane practices. It opened the door for peace, freedom of movement, continued economic activity, and most importantly, respect for human dignity, even in times of royal transition.

Thanks to him, Obas are now celebrated and buried according to their personal beliefs, whether Islamic, Christian, or traditional. And today, no single innocent life was taken in his honour, yet the whole world celebrated his impactful reign.

So I ask:
*Is Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona worthy of celebration?*

*Is there any real "loss" in ending those rituals?*

Many things have changed with time. We no longer travel only by foot, we use cars. We don’t eat only with hands, we use spoons.
Progress must never be held back by outdated customs.

Awujale lived, reigned, and passed, not only as a king but as a reformer. His legacy stands tall among Nigeria’s greatest change-makers.

May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

*Alhaji Hon. Chief Yusuf O. Olusanya*
_Sobaloju & Imole-Adinni, Idowa_
_For Aafin Dagburewe, Idowa_

13/07/2025

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11/07/2025

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*THE DAGBUREWE OF IDOWA AND THE ORIMOLUSI OF IJEBU-IGBO: CLARIFYING TRADITIONAL ROLES IN THE IJEBU POLITY*

_Preamble:_

*Idowa: An Ancient Ijebu Town of Royal Heritage*

The town of Idowa, home to the Dagburewe, holds a distinguished place in the political and spiritual history of the Ijebu people. Founded in 1540 by Oba Owa-Otutubiosun, the 13th Awujale of Ijebu Ode, Idowa is one of the oldest towns with an unbroken monarchical institution in Ijebuland. Significantly, when Oba Owa-Otutubiosun arrived, he met indigenous inhabitants who voluntarily accepted his rule, a testament to both his royal status and the town’s cultural openness.

Having previously left Ijebu Ode for medical retreat and the refusal of his younger brother ( Awujale Oba Ajuwakale) to vacate the throne on his return. Oba Owa-Otutubiosun chose Idowa as a settlement through the guidance of Ifa. He was accompanied by a royal following and began a lineage that had lasted nearly 500 years. The Dagburewe title has since been worn by 22 monarchs.

In recognition of this enduring legacy, the Dagburewe holds the position of second in command to the Awujale within the Ijebu Traditional Council . This is not a contested hierarchy, but one rooted in history, ritual protocol, and the spiritual structure of the Ijebu nation.

THE ORIMOLUSI OF IJEBU-IGBO: A DISTINGUISHED BUT LATER DEVELOPMENT

Ijebu-Igbo entered the beaded crown hierarchy much later than Idowa through the assistance of the 20th Dagburewe of Idowa - Oba Samuel Adebonojo (1927 - 1954) who guaranteed or pleaded with the then Awujale to allow Orimolusi of ijebu igbo to wear beaded crown. Oral tradition confirmed the founding of Ijebu-Igbo in the 18th century. Before the installation of the Orimolusi title, the town was ruled by the Oloja Igbo - an Agemo cult chief.

The Orimolusi title evolved during the 19th century and gained formal recognition only in the 20th century. The first Orimolusi to wear a beaded crown, Oba Abraham Adesemowo, faced opposition and had his crown seized by Awujale Oba Daniel Adesanya in 1942. It was not until January 5, 1950, following advocacy by Oba Samuel I. Adebonojo as stated above, that the beaded crown was reinstated for Oba Joel Adeboye - the 2nd Orimolusi and the first educated king or chief in the history of ijebu igbo

Since then, the Orimolusi has become the traditional head of Ijebu-Igbo and its five constituent quarters, Oke-Sopen, Oke-Agbo, Ojowo, Atikori, and Japara, each with its own traditional chiefdoms most of whom often disputes the headship or lordship of Orimolusi over them.

Despite the 27-year interregnum between 1994 and 2022, the Orimolusi remains one of the respected monarchs in Ogun State, with the current Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo representing the Oke-Sopen ruling house.

CLARIFYING TRADITIONAL HIERARCHY AND SENIORITY

It is important for students of history and culture to understand that in Yoruba traditional structures, seniority is not measured solely by population size or economic power, but by historical legitimacy, royal continuity, and ritual seniority.

The Dagburewe of Idowa, established in 1540, is the second most senior traditional ruler in Ijebuland after the Awujale of Ijebu Ode.

The Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, while a first-class Oba with considerable influence, belongs to a more recent royal institution that evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The coronetted status of the Dagburewe predates colonial involvement in Ijebuland by centuries, whereas the coronation of the Orimolusi as a beaded crown Oba became stabilized only in the mid-20th century.

This is not to diminish the importance of Ijebu-Igbo or the Orimolusi, but to clarify the unbroken historical sequence of royal institutions within Ijebuland.

CONCLUSION: TRADITION, STRUCTURE, AND HISTORICAL LITERACY MATTER

Understanding traditional leadership in Ijebuland requires an appreciation of history, not hearsay. The Dagburewe of Idowa holds a time-honoured place as the second-ranking Oba under the Awujale. The Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo holds his own significance, especially in the northern part of Ijebuland, and has contributed immensely to regional development. However, traditional seniority in Ijebuland is grounded in documented succession, spiritual rites, and ancient structure, not contemporary influence alone.

As such, in any accurate historical interpretation, it is necessary to uphold the truth: Idowa and the Dagburewe institution are foundational pillars in Ijebu history, predating and ranking senior to the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo in the traditional order of Ijebu royalty.

*Micheal Daranijo*
_Public Opinion Analyst*

21/02/2025

*IDOWA TV GOES LIVE FOR ERENO FESTIVAL CELEBRATION!*

Great people of Idowa, both at home and abroad, we are excited to announce that *Idowa TV* will be *live from tonight (Dundu night) to bring you the vibrant and colourful Ereno Festival celebration!*

Stay tuned and keep watching this space for the link to join the live streaming of the events. Let’s celebrate our rich culture and heritage together, no matter where we are!

Long live Dagburewe!
Long Live Idowa!

_Announcer_
*Sobaloju & Imole-Adinni, Idowa*

25/01/2025

21/01/2025

Alayeluwa

11/01/2025

_Saturday 11th January, 2025_

*HRH ALAYELUWA OBA (BARR.) S. K. A. OKURIBIDO HOSTS THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN) AT THE 2025 NEW YEAR ANNUAL THANKSGIVING*

*His Royal Highness, Alayeluwa Oba (Barr.) S. K. A. Okuribido, Okulote II, Anowoneyo IV, Dagburewe of Idowa, hosted the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Idowa and Imoro Chapter, for his first-year annual thanksgiving at the Anowoneyo/Okulote Court on Saturday, January 11, 2025.*

The event was a significant gathering that included Muslims, traditional worshippers, non-religious practitioners, and other dignitaries, all warmly received by Alayeluwa, his Olori, and their children.

The introduction of the Christian community was conducted by Pastor Oluwadamilare Ogunnaike, while Hon. Chief Yusuf O. Olusanya, Sobaloju & Imole-Adinni of Idowa introduced the Dagburewe-in-Council, Oloritun-in-Council, and other dignitaries.

The *CAN, led by its Chairman, Snr. Apostle Prophet Babajide Badmus of Cherubim and Seraphim* ushered the community into the new year 2025, with inspiring Biblical readings, preaching, and admonitions Pastor Abayomi Adams delivered the sermon, drawn from Romans 12:1-2 and Isaiah 43:18, emphasizing the need for positive change and harmonious relationships among individuals.

The gathering was filled with gratitude to God for the blessings brought to Idowa through Kabiyesi’s leadership. The attendees acknowledged his first-year achievements, which have greatly impacted the community's development. Prayers were offered for continued wisdom for Kabiyesi, as well as peace and prosperity for Nigeria and Ogun State.

In his address, Kabiyesi emphasized key community issues and achievements:

1. Unlawful Land Sales: He condemned the unauthorized sale of Dagburewe land and its negative consequences.

2. Upgrading of Idowa Vocational Centre (IVC): Kabiyesi announced the center’s certification to international standards through the partnership of the Ogun State Government and the World Bank. Graduates will now receive a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certificate, enabling them to secure global job opportunities. He encouraged parents to support their children’s education and ensure they maintain at least 80% attendance to qualify for certification.

3. Idowa Bulk Purchasing Market (IBP): He reiterated that the market remains under the jurisdiction of the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and warned against manipulations by its leaders and CDAs leaders. Kabiyesi urged transparency and integrity in all dealings.

The event concluded with a prayer led by the CAN Chairman, Snr. Apostle Prophet Babajide Badmus. The gathering was entertained with hospitality, leaving attendees satisfied and uplifted.

_Key dignitaries in attendance included:_

Dagburewe-in-Council: Led by Alhaji Chief S. Tola Adebambo, Babalaje, and Balogun-Adinni of Idowa.

Oloritun-in-Council: Led by Chief Suarau Ashimi (Olola), under the chairmanship of Alhaji Otunba Aare F. O. Abiona (Sokobieke of Idowa).

Oba’s Children: Led by Pastor (Mrs.) G. Olusada (Nee Okuribido).

Muslim Council: Led by Alhaji M. O. Abiona (Eketa-Imam) and Alhaja Chief Fausat Abdullahi (Iya Sunnah General).

Community Christian Association: Led by Baba Ijo, Chief Adeseye A. Oshinusi.

Community Residents: led by Mr. Risiku Abujade.

May we all live to witness many more celebrations in good health and prosperity.

Signed:
*Hon. Chief Yusuf O. Olusanya*
_Sobaloju & Imole-Adinni, Idowa_
_For Aafin Dagburewe, Idowa_

10/01/2025

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