Okanyilule Hill Igi-Ira-to-gbiji (Bredilia Thongy)

ÁGBÌJÍÍ
ÌRÁ

Iragbiji Aerial View

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 Vision

Striving constantly through a synergy of available human and material

resources to achieving a developmental feat ahead of its compeers and be a
global reference point on excellence as a community.

Mission Statement

To maximally harness all internal and external potentials at all times in and all
situations to the utmost advantage of Iragbiji and its people with a view to
achieving the vision of the community thereby attaining social-economic,
cultural, educational, political and infrastructural development in all spheres of
endeavour.

Core Values

To place premium on proven integrity, industry, fairness and co-operation

amongst all people living on Iragbiji land and others in the Diaspora with a view
to cutting out unique positive identity in all endeavours as good ambassadors
of Iragbiji community.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page: ............................................................................................................. i

1. IRAGBIJI with the Okanyilule hills, A typical Ira Tree with shade and

Panoramic view of a section of Iragbiji.............................................................. 1

2. The vision, mission and core values of Iragbiji .................................................. 2

3. Table of Contents .............................................................................................. 3 – 4

4. Map of Osun State, Nigeria showing Iragbiji:..................................................... 5

5. Location and the People: .................................................................................. 6 – 7

6. The name IRAGBIJI and Family compounds: .................................................... 8 - 10

7. List of Educational Institutions: ........................................................................ 10 – 11

8. List of Hospitals/Health Institutions, Markets, Banks, Tourism and

Mineral Resources: ........................................................................................... 12 – 14

9. Community Development efforts and Role of Traditional Rulers: ................. 15 – 18

10. The History and Origin of Iragbiji: .................................................................. 19 – 21

11. Iragbiji Olokemeji Tako Tabo Lori Aagba: ....................................................... 22

12. List of Boripe Local Government Chairmen since 1991 till Date: ................... 23

13. List of Towns in Boripe Local Government: .................................................... 23

14. Some Important Traditional Festivals in Iragbiji: ........................................... 23 – 26

15 15th Aragbiji of Iragbiji: .................................................................................... 27

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16. Excerpts of the Installation / Coronation address of

HRM Oba Abdur_Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV Aragbiji land

on 22/05/2008 and 10/07/2008: .................................................................. 28 – 32

17. Appreciation: ............................................................................................... 33

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OSUN STATE, NIGERIA MAP SHOWING IRAGBIJI

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 LOCATION AND THE PEOPLE

LOCATION

Iragbiji is the headquarters of Boripe Local Government (One of the 774 in Nigeria),
Osun State Nigeria on the continent of Africa.

It is located on Lat. 7o54’ 19.95’ N, Long. 4o 41’ 10.54’E and almost surrounded by
range of granite elevations. It is located in the rain forest part of South West Nigeria. It is
bounded on the North by Iree and Obaagun; on the South by Osogbo and Ilase; on the West
by Ikirun and on the East by Aagba, Ada, Ororuwo and Ibokun.

It is about 10 minutes drive from Osogbo, the capital of Osun State and it is one of
the few nodal towns where workers in the State capital live and commute daily to and from
their places of work, at the state capital.

THE PEOPLE

Iragbiji has a population of about 73,000 people according to the 2006 National
Population Census. Apart from Iragbiji Township, it has 109 other villages which constitute
the Iragbiji Less city where numerous able bodied men and women engage in massive
agricultural practice in cash and food crops. It is important to state that almost every inch of
Iragbiji land is cultivated. Aside from the population stated above, it is our strong belief that
about 200,000 of the people are in the Diaspora and do not have the opportunity of forming
part of the home census.

Today, Iragbiji sons and daughters are found in almost all the villages and farmsteads
where cocoa, kolanut etc thrive in Ondo, Osun. Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Bayelsa, Cross River and
Edo States of Nigeria constituting majority settlers. In fact, they have become itinerant
cocoa farmer constantly in search of land where they can practise their profession
irrespective of the distance to Iragbiji.

Aside from the farming activities, Iragbiji people are into various vocational ventures,
while few are into the public and private sectors as professionals and investors contributing
immensely to the advancement of Nigerian economy.

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 Generally speaking, Iragbijis constitute one of the best crop of human resources any
manager can be proud of. They are industrious, trustworthy and with the intent to climb any
mountain however high. When in leadership positions, they are always top flyers and loyal
followers when in line positions. In short, they are best hands in responsible positions.

This is not to rule out variants, caused by the nature of man. Such exceptions are
however a rarity.

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 THE NAME IRAGBIJI

There are some versions of the derivative sources of the name Iragbiji; the actual date of
adoption of the name is not known. The first settlers had their habitation under an IRA tree.
The founder who was a great hunter, during his hunting exploits climbed Ori-oke and
sighted an animal; it ran into a big deep hole on the top of the hill. The hunter entered the
big hole with the animal in order to kill it. He pursued the animal inside the hole until both
of them came out through another big opening in the front of the present Iragbiji Town Hall
before the animal was eventually killed. This big hole, an historical monument, has been
closed up with stone and cement at present.

The hunter, who eventually settled under a shady tree called IRA and other settlers joined
him. The legendary IRA tree under which he settled later metamorphosed into what is today
known as IRAGBIJI, a settlement under a shady tree. IRA tree and which ``IJI`` (shade) had
allowed many people to settle underneath. That is from IRA-GBA-IJI to IRAGBIJI.

FAMILY COMPOUNDS

There are 108 compounds in Iragbiji which are as follows:

1. Inurin Okeosun 2. Aogun 3. Ayibiodo

4. Baba Egbe 5. Jagun Alagbado 6. Ile Oyo

7. Olore 8. Oderinde 9. Olukosi

10. Oluponna 11. Jagun Fabode 12. Oniyere

13. Aromaadu 14. Tinubu 15. Araniyun

16. Ajilasa 17. Baale Erinle 18. Agbelekale

19. Alala 20. Osolo Isale 21. Osolo Oke

22. Babamagba 23. Aiwosi 24. Odogun

25. Odofin 26. Olotaara 27. Olowe

28. Otun Balogun 29. Onisinkin Adeyeye 30. Obaale

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31. Aworo Osun 32. Ojomu Oke 33. Elemo Owa

34. Elemo Oso/Atabintin 35. Oloyan 36. Aro

37. Kaa Oko 38. Agbaakin (Baaleoya) 39. Akingbade

40. Oluawo 41. Odumosun 42. Falola

43. Olorungbemi 44. Onipee 45. Agbogun

46. Oloogemo 47. Obe 48. Gbalawa

49. Alagbaa 50. Odabe 51. Akeeke

52. Ojukere/Igbekoyi 53 Eesa Aromoo 54. Eesa Gbogbololu

55. Aladodo 56. Balogun Otin 57. Balogun Oju Oja

58. Oluode 59. Ooye 60. Olupejobi

61. Iroko 62. Okekere 63. Alatipo

64. Agboriigba 65. Agbotifayo 66. Asunmo Abioye

67. Elekede 68. Akintoso Adejobi 69. Ojulari

70. Elekuru 71. Kedun Araro 72. Moroun/Akinyele

73. Akinsowon 74. Alade 75. Aleki

76. Ogunwole/Ogunole 77. Ekefa 78. Alaran

79. Aladura 80. Meesun 81. Opafemi

82. Iya ba 83. Olukotun Adeyeye 84. Aare

85. Alolade 86. Eesade 87. Osaji

88. Jagun Olanrewaju 89. Arowopoko Ajibode 90. Alapa

91. Onigboro 92. Jojooro 93. Olakoitan

94. Petupetu 95. Akinlade Asaju 96. Popo Odedayanrin

97. Adelu 98. Odofin 99. Eesorun

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100. Arugba 101. Baalelu Bata 102. Asipa

103. Arowopoko Oluyemi 104. Balogun Sekere 105. Moloye Fami

106. Arowopoko Lasinde 107. Balogun Otun 108. Ayibiodo

There is strong family kinship relationship in Iragbiji. Members of each of the family
compounds meet every month while family compound reunion celebrations/meetings
hold annually.

Until recently, family compounds have their houses clustered together in particular
areas to allow for sustained interrelationship. Hence, intermarriages which is a taboo
from members of same family compound and other cultural interests are taken care of
and enforced by the community people. There were open courtyards where children
were taught moral education, numerals and life-moulding stories every night.

In the past, houses were constructed in quadrangle system to promote kinship and
install good moral values in the upcoming ones.

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 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS (IRAGBIJI TOWNSHIP)

1. N. U. D School 1, Isale Oyo, Iragbiji

2. N. U. D. School 2, Isale Oyo, Iragbiji
3. St. Peters Anglican Primary School, Oloti Area, Iragbiji
4. Baptist Primary School, Isale Oyo, Iragbiji
5. C & S Primary School, Ajegunle Area, Iragbiji
6. Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Model Primary School, Orita Odan, Iragbiji
7. C. A. C. Primary School, Idi-Isakaagba, Iragbiji
8. L. A. Primary School, Popo, Iragbiji
9. L. A. Primary School Eesade, Iragbiji
10. Methodist Primary School, Otapete Area, Iragbiji
11. Ajani Okin Memorial Primary School, Adugbo, Iragbiji

LESS CITY

12. C. A. C. Primary School, Idi-Ogungun

13. Community Primary School, Oore
14. Community Primary School, Odebudo
15. Aderibigbe Memorial Primary School, Eleesun
16. Agbeniga Community Primary School, Aro Ayedaade
17. D. C. Primary School, Egbeda
18. Community Primary School, Ayekale

PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS

1. Oke Iragbiji Grammar School, Iragbiji

2. Baptist Secondary Grammar School, Iragbiji
3. Unity School, Iragbiji
4. Nawar-ud-Deen Grammar School, Isale Oyo, Iragbiji

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 PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

1. FOMWAN Nursery School, Adugbo, Iragbiji

2. God Supremacy Nursey & Primary School, Iragbiji
3. Our Lady of Fatimah Nursey & Primary School, Adikoko, Iragbiji
4. Pace Setter Nursery & Primary School, Egbeda Road, Iragbiji
5. Onward Nursery & Primary School, Iragbiji
6. Gods Heritage Nursery & Primary School, Iragbiji
7. Prince of Peace Nursery & Primary School, Iragbiji
8. Ibad Rahaman Nursery & Primary School, Iragbiji
9. Dunit Nursery & Primary School, Iragbiji
10. Markaz Nursery & Primary School, Iragbiji
11. A2 Group of Schools, Isale Oyo, Iragbiji

PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS

1. FOMWAN High School, Iragbiji

2. Victory Scientific High School, Iragbiji
3. A2 Comprehensive High School, Iragbiji
4. Muslim Comprehensive High School, Iragbiji
5. Pace Setter Group of Schools, Iragbiji

PRIVATE HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

1. Pathfinder College of Health Technology, Isanpa, Iragbiji.

2. Proposed Bisola University, Egbeda Road, Iragbiji

3. Osun State College of Education Ilesa Sandwich Centre, Oke-Iragbiji Grammar
School, Iragbiji

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 HOSPITALS/HEALTH INSTITUTIONS

1. Comprehensive Health Centre, Iragbiji

2. 4 Primary Health Centres (Public)
3. 10 Private Hospitals/Medical Centres, Iragbiji
4. National Primary Health Centre, Iragbiji (Abandoned)
5.

MARKETS (OJA)
1. Anaye Market 2. Oja Oba
3. Oja Araromi 4. Oja Oke Osun
5. Oja Egbeda 6. Oja Oore
7. Oja Kajola Eleesun 8. Oja Ayekale
9. Oja Sara 10. Oja Idi Ogungun

HOTELS
1. Double Hills Hotel GRA, Oke Moori, Iragbiji

2. Unique Hotel, Back of LGEA Building, Iragbiji

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MINERAL RESOURCES

I. There are large deposits of igneous rocks good for production of granite
stones, stone dusts and for asphalt production.
II. There is deposit of gold, tantalite and gemstones.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Iragbiji has a number of natural Tourist sites some of which are as follows:

1. Ori Oke 2. Ayeye (mythical stream)

3. Okanyilule 4. Igbodu place/Cave

5. Alagaso water source 6. Alagaso cave, Oke Moori

7. Okuta Odo (Motar) hill 8. Osun shrine

9. Obatala shrine 10. Igbo Igbale

11. Palace Museum 12. Ile Ona (Museum of Arts and Archival materials)

13. Isikan hill 14. Ile Nla (Antiquated palace building)

15. Ota Igun hill 16. Gbanla/oso Osi site

17. Ojolukoko shrine 18. Oba Ogunmolu shrine, Isanpa

19. Traditional War fence (Earth) 20. Traditional Stone wall fence

21. Sanpona shrine Oke Agbo 22. Ira Tree site

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 Save for the Ile Ona, a Private Museum of Chief Muraina Oyelami, the Eesa of Iragbiji
and the palace museum, all other Tourist sites are yet to be developed. Efforts are however
being made to secure private or government sponsorship for the development of the sites.

BANKS

There are two banks viz:

I. Wema Bank Plc, Oba’s Palace, Iragbiji.

II. OSPOLY Microfinance Bank Ltd, Palace Market, Iragbiji

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS AND ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS

Indigenous to the people of Iragbiji is self or community efforts towards

development. Virtually every social amenity in Iragbiji was put in place through
self/community efforts. The leadership efforts of Obas who presided over the affairs of the
community during their respective era coupled with the challenges facing the town on each
occasion dictated the manner of community project embarked upon. The concept has its
root from the traditional ÒWÈ or ÀÁRÓ which made community projects easy in the past.

The various efforts which made Iragbiji what it is today were made to address
challenges confronting the town at particular periods or as situations dictated.

Some of the projects/programme executed by the people within living memory will
be presented shortly.

The administration of Iragbiji has continually been headed by monarchs (i.e. Oba)
who combined Executive, Legislative and Judicial powers within himself and the Aragbiji-In-
Council until the colonisation of Nigerian nations by the British. Even then, the Oba
maintained his position of authority.

Since its existence about 600 years ago. Historical accounts indicated that the town
was never conquered by any external army. Even during the period of political instability in
Yorubaland, when kingdoms were trying to subjugate one another in the quest for
supremacy, Iragbiji remained an invisible entity growing in leaps and bounds. It was a home
for refugees who fled the onslaught of the Fulanis and others.

The list of Obas who have reigned in Iragbiji who are all descendants of Sunkungbade
(Obebe) who migrated to found the town from Ejio compound Moore Quarters, Ile-Ife, and
some of the projects/programmes associated with their regimes are as follows:

Sunkungbade: Primary settler and founder of Iragbiji. He arrived and settled at the area and
discovered a young hunter at the Ira Tree site named Kasao. He was not an Oba because he
was of age before arrival at Iragbiji. His eldest son however became an Oba. Although he
met Kasao at the base of the Ira tree, the leadership was conceded to Sunkungbade and his
descendants who initially refused to settle as he returned to Ola to contest for Olola stool

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on two different occasions and failed in the bid. He later settled and died after other
migrants had populated the fast growing community.

1. Ohogbo:- (N. A) The first Oba and first child of Sunkungbade. He became an Oba at
the instance of his father and even ensured the establishment of the administrative
structure.
2. Arowodoye:- (N. A) He consolidated the administrative structure put in place by
Sunkungbade and Oba Ohogbo. He received many group of immigrants including the
Ibiwonu/Lagbua group. The young town expanded tremendously. He fought and
won the Arimoro war and was said to have had a long reign. He established the
PalaceChiefs and designed insignia of office for each of them.
3. Ajibode:- (1621 – 1691) His reign witnessed tremendous growth and development.
There was peace and progress in the town. He conferred the title of Oluode which he
held since the reign of Oba Ohogbo on his omo ode (apprentice hunter) Lagbua in
appreciation of Lagbua’s effort to look for him at Ogbomosho forest, Iresaadu, which
made him ascend the throne of his forefathers. His descendants constituted the
Ajibode Ruling House. He sent for Ajibulu and his siblings who had earlier migrated
to Efon Alaaye. The descendants of Ajibulu constitute the present Oshungbemi
Ruling house.
4. Atigba:- (1692 – 1719) He made a lot of progress on the expansion/consolidation of
the town. He was the son of Iyewa the second wife of Sunkungbade. There was no
was no war during his period and the town witnessed expansion.
5. Oyediji:- (1721 – 1776) He fought the Ajakaye war and won. Many migrants were
received in Iragbiji during his reign. There were some crisis during the period but the
internal settlement structure of the community was deployed and the town was at
peace.
6. Osungbemi:- (1778 – 1820) He reigned during the FULANI and GBERI WARS. He
raised troops, fought and won. The strength of the town was so invincible that it
successfully warded off the Fulanis. Iragbiji became home for people from Inisa,
Igbaye, Okuku, Oyan etc. He also fought the Ijesa-Arara war and won.
7. Familopa:- (1821 – 1840) He continued with the legacies left behind by Oba
Osungbemi, fought and won the GBERI war. The name of Iragbiji was elevated during

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 his reign because of his unrivalled leadership qualities. He fought and consolidated
the territories of Iragbiji and the Iragbiji/Osogbo land tussle started during his reign.
8. Osalana:- (1841 – 1860) He fought the land dispute with Osogbo and won. He
ensured peace, progress and consolidation of Iragbiji. He was fearless and a good
leader. He was however assassinated and the descendants of the assassins were
caused.
9. Ogunmolu:- (1861 – 1880) He consolidated on the developments witnessed in the
town. His reign witnessed some face off which was later settled. He was forced to
proceed and settle and was buried at Isanpa after he died in exile.
10. Akinlotan:- (1881 – 1906) He fought the Ori Oke/Kiriji war as well as the Osogbo
boundary dispute/war. His reign was peaceful and witnessed tremendous
development. He was a descendant of Ajibode. He secured Iragbiji land fromOsogbo
and it was during his reign that the colonialists settled the Iragbiji/Osogbo boundary
as Omu in 1905.
11. Oloyede Dada:- (1908 – 1940) He consolidated on the Osogbo/Iragbiji. He also
contributed immensely to the growth and development of the town. The
Iragbiji/Ororuwo boundary dispute started in 1933 in the middle of his reign.
12. Oyediran Aberefa:- (1940 – 1941) His reign was the shortest in the history of Iragbiji
as he transited within 60 days of his installation. There was peace and progress
within the short period. His direct son was installed by kingmakers and Ruling Houses
to compensate the Arowodoye Ruling House.
13. Joseph Oyedokun:- (1941 – 1967) A direct son of Oba Abereefa installed during the
World War II. He consolidated on the Iragbiji/Osogbo (Oba Adenle) land settlement
and stopped the incursion of Osogbo. He opened up intra and inter-township roads,
changed roof of buildings to Iron sheets; ensured the opening up of Iragbiji/Igbajo
and township road; established the Oke Iragbiji Grammar School; constructed the
Iragbiji Town Hall; Court Hall; Post Office; Police Station; Palace building etc. He was
an elected member, Western Region House of Chiefs. His reign was a watershed in
Iragbiji history and put on records several historical facts which would have perished.
14. Oba Timothy Adepoju Oyelade:- (1974 – 2008) His reign witnessed the
Electrification and provision of portable water to Iragbiji; construction of Alajeseku
building; creation of Boripe Local Government with Iragbiji as capital; establishment

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 of Comprehensive Health Centre; construction of Town Hall Annex; Baptist Grammar
School; Community High School; School of Science etc.
15. Oba Abdul Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi (Odundun IV):- (May 22, 2008) Established
the Anaye market; opened up 26 new roads; constructed palace Mosque;
inaugurated the Iragbiji Development Summit and rolling Plans; facilitated the Oba
Rasheed Olabomi Model Primary School at Orita Odan; Iragbiji/Egbeda;
Iragbiji/Elesun/Kelebe/Osogbo Road asphaltic constructions by the state
government; renovated the palace structures; organised Traditional Chiefs into
Committees; created and appointed Asoju Obas/Baales (Liaison Chiefs) into the new
Quarters (Eleven new Quarters); organised free Eye Treatment and surgical
operations for over 2,500 people; Empowerment programmes; Cultural and Tourism
development etc. and gave the whole town a fresh image of hope. Hopes to bring
tremendous social amenities to the town to have it linked with Osogbo and Egbeda
with enduring social amenities. The Pathfinder College of Health Technology, a
private institution was established. He elevated Aragbiji stool to the position of
Deputy Chairman.

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THE HISTORY OF ORIGIN OF IRAGBIJI: SUMMARY

Iragbiji is said to have been founded about 600 years ago by Sunkungbade (also
known as Obebe). Traditional historical account indicates that Sunkungbade, a prince from
Ejio’s Compound, in Moore, Ile –Ife. As a baby, Sunkungbade was said to be crying so much
that the parents had to consult Ifa to determine the cause of the case less crying of the baby
and solution. The Ifa priest foretold that Sunkungbade would at adulthood request that he
be allowed to leave to fond his own community and that should not be disallowed. Besides,
the parents were advised to make a small crown for him and use it as a cap for him each
time he cried. They harkened to the Ifa Priest counsel and the child stopped the ceaseless
crying.

Soon after the child got adulthood, he started exhibiting all the traits earlier foretold.
He was courageous, Intelligent, strong-willed and exceptional in tradition and culture. He
was a great hunter who was said to have had mystic powers, He soon got married to
Oloyade. Soon after, he approached his parents without any prompting and requested that
he should be allowed to leave to found his own settlement. As earlier forewarned, the
parents gave their blessing. Sunkungbade also said to be Obebe in some accounts, with his
wife household journeyed Eastward until he was said to have settled at a place called Otan –
Ile. On his way, he was said to have brief stays at Iponola and Eesun.

His sorjoun at Otan – Ile and the number of years which he might have spent walking
the thick forest between Ile – Ife and Otan Ile, a distance of about 100 Kilometer cannot be
ascertained because of absence of records.

The historical accounts state that Sukungbade pushed by destiny and with the
guidance of his Ifa priest Oladunjoye who eventually stayed back at Otan Ile later journeyed
Westward and had a brief stay at Ibokun. He got his second wife Yewa at Ibokun but later
moved Westward until he crossed the Ogun (Odo Ogun) river, thereafter settled at the foot
of an Iroko tree. He had his mud house with thatched roof built at the site for himself and
children.

Soon after, on a particular day, smoke was noticed afar off in the forest around his
settlement. He immediately directed his children to be armed to determine if the person
who was trying to visit his domain were a friend or enemy.

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 On getting to the spot, a young man was met. On inquiry, he said he was Kasao, a
prince from Ola and that he was at the area on hunting expedition. Asked if he would join
the new settlement, he declined claiming that he would vie for the Olola stool as soon as it
was vacant.

At the meeting point was an Ira tree (Bradilier Thongy) which eventually became the
point of description of the area. The tree started having sufficient shade (Iji) gradually the
area came to be described as Ira (Ira tree) ti o gba Iji (that has shade). It later got to be
described as IRAGBIJI.

Sukungbade (Obebe) was of advanced age. He appointed his son Oogbo to be the
first head (Oba) of the community. Kasao who was itinerary hunter and who had declined
settling down with the sunkungbade’s conceded leadership to the Sunkungbades.

Other migrants who heard or saw the growing settlements also joined. Hence others
such as the Iresas, Ikoyis, Okin Olofas, Edes, Oyos, the Lagbua Ibiwonu Oso etc also settled.
Periods of the migrants varied and the number differed as the intention of the settlers also
differed.

The community was growing after the demise of Oogbo, Aroodoye became the next
Oba. It was at the twilight of his reign that he sent for his brother Ajibode who was then
holding the post of Head of Hunters (Oluode) in addition to being a prince.

Ajibode was met after killing a Python at Iresaadu near Ogbomoso. One of the
community members sent to call Ajibode was Lagbua the son of Ibiwonu Oso, who was also
a hunter and immigrant who arrived while Oba Arowodoye was on the throne.

Eventually, Ajibode was installed as the third Aragbiji of Iragbiji. In appreciation of

Lagbua’s good service, Ajibode ceded the post of Oluode of Iragbiji to Lagbua and his
successors and decreed that nobody of the Royal blood would be given the post again. Since
then, it has been descendants of Lagbua that have been successive Oluodes up till date.
projectors of Oluode’s up till date.

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 The Sukungbade’s descendants broken down into four Ruling Houses:

1. Ajibode
2. Ogunmolu
3. Osungbemi
4. Arowodoye/Arodoye

They have been Aragbijis in unbroken succession since the founding of Iragbiji.. The present
Aragbiji, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun II is the fourth on the Ajibode Ruling
House Lineage.

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IRAGBIJI OLOKE MEJI TAKO TABO LORI AAGBA

This is a popular appellation of Iragbiji, meaning Iragbiji made up of two rocks male upon
the female, alongside the bank of River Aagba-osun. There was an historical event that led
to this appellation during the reign of Late Oba Oloyede Dada. Many towns and villages
surround Iragbiji. One of these towns is Obaagun. (About 4km from Iragbiji). During the
early reign of Late Oba Oloyede Dada, there arose a boundary dispute between the Aragbiji
of Iragbiji and the Olobaagun of Obaagun. On this disputed piece of land were situated two
huge rocks, one upon the other like a man upon a woman.

The Aragbiji laid claim to the land and the Olobaagun also affirmed claim that the land
belonged to him. The then Resident Officer in charge of Ibadan Division set up a tribunal to
decide the ownership of the land. Then, the two warring parties were invited to the
disputed area.

In short, the then Aragbiji, affirmed that without any controversy, the land belonged to him
and if it was so, let one rock fall down within seven days. This was received with joy by the
then Olobaagun because he believed that no Jupiter could bring the rock down from the top
of the other one.

On the seventh day, when the people gathered again on this disputed land, to the
amazement of all those who were present, the upper rock had fallen down on its own,
according to the pronouncement of the Aragbiji. The District Officer then said in his
judgement that truly the Aragbiji of Iragbiji was indeed the owner of the land.

Since then, there was no more controversy over the ownership of the land, Iragbiji was
tagged – (nicknamed) ``Iragbiji Oloke meji tako tabo lori aagba okan yi lule o ku kan``. IT IS
NOT The Aagba town (a neighbouring community) but aagba osun which often was not fully
pronounced. It is not derogatory at all.

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LIST OF CHAIRMEN OF BORIPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SINCE 1991 WHEN IT WAS CREATED
TILL DATE

1. Prince Gboyega Famoodun

2. Elder Bode Aremu
3. Alhaji Kareem Adegboyega Afolabi
4. Chief Adeniyi Aina
5. Elder Ruben Ajayi
6. Prince Bimbo Oyedele
7. Hon. Kehinde Hassan Moronkeji
8. Hon. Tajudeen Abiodun Ayantoye
9. Hon. (Rev) Oyeyiola Adelani Adebayo

LIST OF TOWNS IN BORIPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Iragbiji (Headquarters), Iree, Ada, Aagba, Ororuwo and Egbeda

SOME IMPORTANT TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS IN IRAGBIJI:

ORI-OKE FESTIVAL

Ori-oke festival is the most important traditional festival in Iragbiji. It is an annual festival
celebrated after Egungun festival. Ori-oke and Ogun festivals are celebrated in
remembrance of the founder of the town in the month of July every year. The arrangement
is such that it coincides with the arrival of the new yam. It is a taboo for the Priests, the
Aragbiji of Iragbiji and all members of the Ruling Houses to eat the new yam or offer it for
sale in any market in the town before the festival is celebrated.

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 Ayeye River at Ori-Oke

On the festival day, early in the morning, the Chief Priest ``Aboke`` will come to the palace
for prayer and he will be provided with the following things: black goat, kolanuts, ``akara``
(baked beans) hot drinks and palm oil to be used for the sacrifice at Ori-oke shrine. After
this, he will leave for the shrine with other Priests to perform the sacrifice while awaiting
the arrival of the Aragbiji and his chiefs and entourage at the shrine. In the palace, the Oba
will entertain all the traditional chiefs and invited quests with foods and drinks. The guests
include some important personalities and traditional rulers within and outside the state.
Ori-oke festival period is the time all sons and daughters of Iragbiji from all walks of life
come together and celebrate the festival with their Oba and later in the evening pay
homage to the King.

In the afternoon, around 2 o'clock the Aragbiji of Iragbiji and his guests will leave the palace
for the Ori-oke shrine with dance Bata, Dundun Sekere and Aro.. The shouts of ``Kabiyesi’’
will rent the air along the major roads and streets leading to the shrine. The first point of call
is ``Odo Oleyo`` (Oleyo stream) then Ipomosun shrine (this is a small shrine along the road
leading to Ori-oke shrine). Here the Oba is expected to meet with the Priest in-charge and
offer sacrifice and prayer for peace and tranquillity to reign in the town. After leaving
Ipomosun shrine, the Oba and his people will head for the Ori-oke and climb the hill until
they reach the top where the shrine is situated.

In the shrine, the Chief Priest ``Aboke`` will perform the sacrifice with the materials given to
him by the Oba for the purpose, he will also pray for the Oba and the town as a whole. It is

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forbidden for anybody with facial tribal marks to enter the shrine. After this, the Oba and his
entourage will start descending the hill dancing and singing songs like:

``Ebami gbomo oke

Lanti lanti``.
``Boda modun Eran dudu
nifa nje``

While descending from the hill, the Oba will have to stop at some specific places to offer
prayers and worship his ancestors. One of these places is Popo where the Oba is expected
to change his dress and the crown. Here he would put on another dress with Iya-Ade which
he normally wears once in a year and continue the journey to his palace. At the palace,
small crown and go back to Oja-Oba to meet the Arugba. The Arugba must not look back or
fall down. The Igba is usually carried by somebody from girl. The Arugba will come and pay
homage to the Oba and bless the entire town. While going, people will be struggling to torch
the calabash, the general belief is that anybody that torches this calabash especially the
barren will be fruitful and bear child during the next Ori-oke festival. After receiving the
Arugba, the Oba finally leaves the Oja-Oba for his palace.
The festival will continue and ends on the seventh day at the palace where the Oba is
expected to bring out all his crowns including the ones he inherited from his forefathers for
sacrifice by the Chief Priest to round up the festival.

EGUNGUN FESTIVAL

One of the Masquerades during outing

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This is another important festival in Iragbiji. During the Ojolukoko festival often celebrated
by the four Ruling Houses and their female offspring, the date of commencement of
Egungun festival would be formally announced. Egungun festival is celebrated in Iragbiji in
remembrance of their ancestors. The festival always comes up in the month of May every
year. The Egungun festival usually spans seven days.

The seventh day is the D-day. It is the day to round up the festival with the convergence of
all the Masquerades at the Oja-oba to entertain the people while the Aragbiji of Iragbiji and
his chiefs will be on the ground in Oja-oba from 5.00 p.m. in the evening to receive them
and perform the traditional blessing.

Oguntunde brought Gbegbe Masquerade, the then Jagun Kaoko from Nupe land. This is the
oldest, the most popular and the leader of all Masquerades in the town.

In the evening of the seventh day, the Gbegbe Masquerade and the followers will dance and
sing round the town and will be the last Masquerade to come to Oja-oba to pay homage to
the Oba and chiefs with a song like this:

``Oke ni Gbegbe

Oke ni Gbegbe

Iwo la fi se

Iwo la fi sagba Oje

Iwo la fi se``

The Gbegbe Masquerade is the last to come for the traditional blessings from the Aragbiji of
Iragbiji and his chiefs at Oja-oba after which no other Masquerade can appear in the market
again. The appearance of Gbegbe Masquerade at Oja-oba is the end of the Egungun festival
for the year.

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15TH ARAGBIJI OF IRAGBIJI

PROLOGUE

Imagine you woke up early in the morning determined to dress up and go to your
place of work. Imagine that some group of stern looking hefty men just walked into your
room; ordered you to rise up on a journey, the destination and purpose which you did not
know. Imagine you resisted, you argued with them that you were uninterested in their plan
and directives. Imagine that you saw them in very angry mood. Rather than respecting your
points of arguments, they gripped you; blind folded you and had your hands tied to your
back. Imagine you were whisked into a waiting vehicle and driven away and you lost all

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consciousness of your state and destination. Imagine you woke up several hours later and
found yourself in a very strange environment; strange abode and thrust on your laps are
responsibilities akin to that of being the president of a nation with all paraphernalia of office,
authority and responsibilities given unto you. Imagine you were ordered to go ahead
determining the course of actions never envisioned in your life. What would you do?

This simple analogy encapsulates the experience that I Oba (Alhaji) Abdur-Rasheed
Ayotunde Olabomi (JP) Odundun IV Aragbiji of Iragbiji land had between February 25, 2008
when Oba Timothy Adepoju Oyelade I, the 14th Aragbiji of Iragbiji transited and May 21,
2008 when my name was announced as the 15th Aragbiji of Iragbiji land.

Or what else can we say of a young man whose ambition in life was to rise to the
pinnacle of his carrier as a civil servant and even become the Secretary to the Government
of the Federation or any other allied responsibilities in order to be able to utilize the
opportunity to touch the lives of the teeming population of his people who are greatly
disadvantaged in almost all spheres of life?

With the reality on my laps, the suddenness and the associated challenges
choreographed framework for a mind hitching for a positive changes and the community
secretary before then, the challenge produced an electric action which would be unveiled in
this discourse. Nonetheless on May 2008, a vista was opened and a journey which has
changed the face of Iragbiji started. You are welcome to Iragbiji: OUR OWN HAVEN.

Excerpts of the Installation/Coronation address of HRM Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde

Olabomi, Odundun IV Aragbiji land on 22/05/2008 and 10/07/2008

We all gathered here to witness yet another milestone in the annals of the history of
Iragbiji. Today’s event is unique in many respects. First, whereas there were eleven (11)
Princes who jostled for this position, the decision of all the Kingmakers to unanimously
endorsed me as the monarch is quite unprecedented. Second, most popular opinions
indicate that my selection enjoys an overwhelming support of more than 95% of all Iragbiji
sons and daughters. Third, the feat achieved in installing a new Oba thirty-one (31) days

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after burial of a departed royal father is not only unprecedented in Iragbiji history but has
also set a record in the history of Osun state.

With all sense of humility, I see all these as nothing but a big challenge for me even
as I never schemed for such a position in the first instance. My decision to bow to the
wishes of my people was therefore borne out of genuine commitment and determination to
let patriotism take the highest premium in my life. I have therefore decided to dedicate the
rest of my life to the development of Iragbiji and its people. In this connection, I like to use
this opportunity to call on other princesses who are from the same Ajibode Ruling House to
see my emergence as an act of God and let us all join hand together to move Iragbiji
forward. I will always welcome your advice. There is no victor and no vanquished. We are all
successful.

Let me remind my people of my cardinal programmes as espoused in my inaugural address

shortly after my installation as the 15th Aragbiji of Iragbiji on 22nd May, 2008.

UNITY, CO-OPERATION AND CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES

From 22nd May, 2008 it has become germane that we remain united, cooperative and avoid
any form of hostility from the level of every nuclear family to the highest level in the
community. It is when we are united that our community could witness tremendous
development. Let all of us embrace peace and unity in all ramification.

DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT

It is painful to note that Iragbiji, which has been a four (4) wards community since 1967
during the days of the old Ifelodun District (which comprised the present Ifelodun, Boripe
and part of Boluwaduro Local Government) still maintains its four wards even as other
communities have had theirs increased substantially. Besides, the status of Iragbiji as the
Local Government Headquarters is pitiable in terms of infrastructures and other social
amenities. Hence, the big challenge of today is for its sons and daughters to come together
to fashion a way out of the quagmire. As Iragbiji is crying for development, it has become
inescapable for Iragbiji sons and daughters to come together and forge unity. Consequently,

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I intend to summon a Development summit within the next three (3) mouths targeted at
midwifing a three-year development plan for Iragbiji in which all Iragbiji sons and daughters
in various callings and professions and other stake-holders will participate.

RENEWED ATTENTION TO EDUCATION

It is now compulsory for all parents and teachers to be more dedicated to the education of
our children. A situation whereby students just roam the streets should sooner than later be
a thing of the past. Our target is to reawaken the spirit of dedication to education and
prepare our children and youths for leadership position in future.

PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE

I want to assure my people that have decided to get all segments of the community involved
in the running of Iragbiji. We must all therefore resolve to be active players and not passive
observers. Let our sons and daughters in the Diaspora be encouraged to come home and
invest so that Iragbiji would be a better place to live in.

INVESTMENT DRIVE

One of my cardinal objectives is to attract investors to Iragbiji. This becomes necessary

because out of an estimated population of three hundred thousand (300,000); less than a
quarter of the figure are at home. The majority are scattered in farmsteads and in other

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parts of the country for their livelihood I believe the exodus came about mainly because of a
dearth of employment opportunities. It should therefore become the duty of every
prominent and endowed sons and daughters of this community to establish one investment
or the other in Iragbiji. Land is available in abundance. Our land area between Iragbiji and
Osogbo via Odebudo is connected to national grid, While Egbeda, a developing village has
already got electricity. It is my hope that by the time I will be celebrating my 365 days as the
Aragbiji of Iragbiji not less than 20 new institutions, projects and industries must have been
established in Iragbiji while unemployed youths would have ample opportunities for
improved means of livelihood. I call on investors and our neighbours to pick interest in
Iragbiji; a land flowing with milk honey.

ROADS AND WATER

May I use this occasion to call on the Federal Government to address the on-going Ilesa
Osogbo Iragbiji Road which has been abandoned. I also call on the State Governor to kindly
direct the contractor handling the Iragbiji Egbeda road to earnestly move to site and
complete the job. The two roads are of utmost importance to Iragbiji. In fact, I wish the
state Governor and Honourable Kayode Idowu to take more interest in the one being
executed by the Federal Government to avoid its being permanently abandoned. Besides,
the road should be constructed with asphalt and not with surface bitumen and chippings as
reflected on a section of the road. I also like to call on the State Government to establish a
mini water scheme at Iragbiji to address the inadequate water supply in the community.

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At present, my people rely on boreholes sunk by the Iragbiji Development Council since the
Water Corporation supply from Eko-Ende Dam is highly epileptic. In fact, almost all the
water distribution pipes in Iragbiji are already in a state of disrepair.

STATUS OF THE STOOL OF ARAGBIJI

It would not be fair to the community if one fails to address the effect of the seven years
interregnum (1967-1974) between the demise of the late Oba Joseph Oyedokun and the
emergence of the Oba T.A. Oyelade and the reverses suffered by Iragbiji then. It is on record
that Oba Oyedokun, the then Olokuku of Okuku and Orangun of Ila were permanent
members of the House of Chiefs in the first Republic. However, the succession disputes
which lasted seven (7) years dealt a big blow to the status of Aragbiji and the effects are still
being felt till today. It is therefore a matter of joy that, His Excellency Prince Olagunsoye
Oyinlola has saved us from a re-occurrence of the episode by assenting to my emergence as
the current Aragbiji in record time. Nonetheless, the effects of the instability have drawn
the position of Aragbiji behind its compeers in the State. And, I like to draw the attention of
the Executive Governor and His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife to this fact while I urge them to
make necessary redress in order to put Aragbiji in its rightful position in the community of
Obas in Osun State.

LOYALTY TO GOVERNMENT

I like to once again reiterate the commitment of all the people of Iragbiji to peace, progress
and well-being of the government and people of Osun state. Our loyalty to government will
continue to be total and we believe that the government at Local, State and Federal levels
be more empathetic towards Iragbiji and its people in the area of provision of social
amenities and appointments into positions of authority.

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APPRECIATION

Let me use this opportunity to appreciate Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola the Osun State
Governor, the Deputy Governor, Erelu Olusola Obada, the Speaker, State House of
Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to the State
Governor, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and other members of
the State Executive Council for their support which has culminated into today’s event. I
equally appreciate the unity of purpose exhibited by the kingmakers, political office
holders of Iragbiji origin and the entire Ruling houses in Iragbiji. The overwhelming
support of several groups and individuals and expression of same to the Ministry of
Local Government is heart-warming. The patriotic and selfless services of the Iragbiji
Development Council (IDC) under the Chairmanship of Chief Bisi Laboopo is also worth
mentioning and commendation.

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