History of Ogotun-Ekiti

Journey through centuries of royal legacy, cultural evolution, and the remarkable stories that shaped our beloved town.

The Sacred Origins

Our story begins in the hallowed grounds of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization and the sacred city that remains paramount to all Yoruba people.

Connection to Ile-Ife

Ile-Ife was the first of all Yoruba cities and remained a city-state of paramount importance to the Yorubas as the original sacred city and cradle of basic religions and thought. A city or town that is not historically connected to Ile-Ife is not recognized as part of Yoruba land.

Ogotun-Ekiti was founded directly by Ojorube, who was the son of Olofin, the son of Oduduwa. This establishes our direct lineage to the father of all Yorubas.

Royal Heritage

The Birth of Our Founder

The Drought

Three years without rain

The Birth

Efidogberibe's son

The Miracle

Rain returned

Efidogberibe, the daughter of Araba and beloved of Olofin, gave birth to a boy on the very day that rain returned to Ile-Ife after three years of drought. In Yoruba tradition, children are named after current events, and so Olofin named his newborn son "OJORUBE" - a tribute to the rain (OJO) that fell on the day of his birth.

The Fearless Warrior

Ojorube grew up to become a brave and fearless warrior, beloved by his father for his extraordinary courage. In those days, the strength of an Oba was measured by the bravery of his warriors and their ability to defend and expand the kingdom.

The Right Hand Commander

Ojorube usually defended the right side of any war, which was considered the deadliest and fiercest position. He became the commander of the right-hand part of the war, earning him the name "Olori Ogun Otun" meaning "Commander-in-chief of the right-hand army."

Did you know? "Olori Ogun Otun" was eventually corrupted to Ologotun, and "Ogun-Otun" became Ogotun - the names that define our town and royal title today.

Warrior Heritage

Sacred Royal Privileges

The Crown Mystery

It is taboo for any king or prince to see the inner side of a crown, but Ojorube was given special protection. To this day, out of all who migrated from Ile-Ife, only the Ologotun can see the inner structure of a beaded crown.

The Sacred Entrance

A special entrance was created for Ojorube at the Ooni's palace because his presence could foment trouble. This ancient door remains in Ile-Ife till today, and modern Ologotuns still use this exclusive entrance.

The Staff of Victory

Ojorube was presented with a staff of office as the insignia of an army general. This staff is referred to as "Opa Isegun" (staff of victory). This sacred staff, brought from Ile-Ife, is now in present-day Ogotun-Ekiti and is worshipped every year by the indigenes.

"It will be very wrong to play down the importance of Ogotun in the history of Yoruba."

The Great Journey

The story of how our founder left Ile-Ife and established our great town is filled with divine intervention, family bonds, and strategic wisdom.

The Oracle's Revelation

The Blindness

Olofin became ill and lost his sight from age and countless wars

The Oracle

Ifa revealed that only seawater from Eko (Lagos) could heal him

The Journey

Ajibogun volunteered for the dangerous months-long journey

While Ajibogun was away on this perilous mission, Olofin, thinking he might not survive, called his sons to share his properties and advised them to find their ways to establish their own settlements. Ojorube divided the crowns among his brothers at Odebanifon (now called Ile Nla in Ile-Ife), but they left without waiting for Ajibogun's return.

Strategic Family Division

As a skilled military commander, Ojorube employed strategic measures for his family's safety. Before leaving Ile-Ife, he was married to a woman named Oluwatusin. He ordered his first son Aridesukun and his wife Oluwatusin to travel in one direction with some soldiers, while he took a different route with Agbemole, his second son, and other soldiers.

Tragedy at Efon Alaaye

During the journey, Oluwatusin went into labor and tragically died after giving birth to her third child. She was buried in an isolated bush called "Igbo Olua" or "Igboro." From her burial place, water flowed from her mouth, becoming the source of the sacred River Owena, which is still revered and worshipped in Ogotun-Ekiti today.

Royal Legacy

The First Settlement: Ipole

Every great Yoruba town has an Ipole, the first settlement before the eventual final location.

The Betrayal at Ipole

Aridesukun and his company, carrying the motherless baby, reached Ipole first. He conquered the original settlers and crowned himself king. When Ojorube arrived expecting to be welcomed as the rightful ruler, he found his own son wearing the crown.

Seeing this as a betrayal of trust, Ojorube angrily banished Aridesukun to Iloda and claimed his rightful position as king of Ipole.

The Miracle Child

At Ipole, Ojorube met two wise men - an Ifa priest and a physician - and asked them to care for his motherless infant. The priest said "Orunlomoniaye" (only heaven can determine who will survive), while the physician said "Orisaniojeniku" (only God can sustain him).

The child not only survived but thrived, growing fat and healthy in the king's palace. He was named "Arijelakodioba" (now "Arijodi"), meaning "He that feeds fat in the king's palace."

Important Note: A town without an Ipole is considered either a slave settlement or subjugate in Yoruba reckoning. Ogotun-Ekiti's Ipole establishes our legitimate founding and royal heritage.

How Ogotun Reached Its Present Location

The journey from Ipole to our current location is a tale of divine guidance, challenges, and ultimate destiny. It is told through two remarkable stories.

The Festival and the Earthworm Curse

The Grand Festival

Ojorube organized a magnificent festival at Ipole. His reputation had grown, and even the powerful Oba of Edo (Benin) sent emissaries to celebrate with them. The town was filled with joy and festivities.

The Fateful Song

During the celebration, the women began singing with great joy. Their songs boasted of being a special breed, superior to all others, including the Benin people. This sparked bitterness and rivalry among the guests.

The Tragic Response

One of the Benin emissaries, feeling deeply insulted by the songs, committed suicide in shame. When the powerful Oba of Benin heard of this tragedy, his anger knew no bounds.

The Earthworm Plague

The Oba of Benin, being a powerful and dreadful king, cursed Ogotun land with earthworms (Ekolo). The infestation was total - earthworms appeared in everything, even cooking pots!

Divine Guidance Through Ifa

Consultation

Ojorube consulted Ifa priests to find a solution to the earthworm plague

The Oracle

Ifa revealed they must leave Ipole and follow a mystical cow to their new home

The Settlement

Where the mystical cow died would be their destined "Canaan land"

The Final Settlement

The people followed the mystical cow on their exodus from Ipole. After an exhausting journey, they grew tired and decided to end their wandering by killing the cow at Idi Asedo in the present location of the town. There they settled permanently, and Ojorube adopted the title "Ologotun" - his name from Ile-Ife as Olofin's right-hand commander - naming the settlement "Ogun Otun" (Ogotun).

From Ancient Settlement to Modern Town

Colonial Era Recognition

During the colonial era, Ogotun-Ekiti was one of sixteen native authorities that made up Ekiti District. The Ologotun was recognized as one of sixteen prominent crowned Obas in the whole Ekiti land.

Cosmopolitan Heritage

Today, Ogotun-Ekiti is a cosmopolitan town with 24 villages and settlements. Farmers from across Nigeria - Oyo, Kwara, Osun, Kogi, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Akwa-Ibom states - have made Ogotun land their home.

The traditional occupation of Ogotun women remains mat-weaving - a craft that connects us directly to our founding heritage.

Discover Our Rich Heritage

This rich history is just the beginning of Ogotun-Ekiti's remarkable story. From our sacred origins to our modern achievements, every aspect of our town reflects the courage, wisdom, and divine favor that has guided us through the centuries.

View Ogotun Fact Sheet Learn About Our King

"It will be very wrong to play down the importance of Ogotun in the history of Yoruba."