Akure “Obaship” Series

The institution of Oba monarchy in Akure was established by Asodeboyede also known as ‘Ajapada’ (Aja ti o pa eku eda). Ajapada was reported to be the son of Ekun. Ekun was also known to be one of the several sons of Oduduwa. Oduduwa was reported to have also named Asodeboyede ‘Omoremilekun’ after Ekun had died during the pregnancy of Asodeboyede. Before Asodeboyede came to Akure, there were scattered settlements like Upalefa, Igan, Ileru and Odopetu.

Ourokutu and Omoloju were the most prominent elders in these settlements with a strong clash for leadership. Asodeboyede who arrived Akure with ‘Olojoda’ became the compromise candidate to head the United settlements of Upalefa and Odopetu. Asodeboyede nickname was Ajapada (aja pa eku eda). Omoloju the head of Upalefa settlement reigned after the death of Asodeboyede in 1180. Deji Obagbeyi Adegite who reigned between 1313-1363 was from Oba-Ile and Akure with pure royal parentage.

He established Erekesan market. He also brought the “isibi” and “Airegbe” festival from Oba-Ile to Akure. Deji Arakale (1768-1818) was on the throne when Binis invaded Akure and took away Prince Osupa Arakale who later returned to Akure as Deji.

Deji of Akure

Deji Osupa Arakale (1834-1846) resettled the ‘Ado Akures’ at Igbeyin and Eyinke quarters. Deji Arosoye (1890-1897) was the first Akure king to have had contact with the whites. He died on the 8th of January, 1897.

Eyemoin, the 26th Deji of Akure(Female), reigned between 1705 – 1735. Eyemohin originated opa Ipinsa and the popular oja Oshodi. She died at a street called ogirio and at a certain place (ibi ko o le si), it is the present odo eran at Araromi. Ogirio is the present Araromi.

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