Akure Kingdom
Akure Kingdom | |
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Odundun II |
The Akure Kingdom is a
Location
Akure is located in southwestern Nigeria. The climate is hot and humid, influenced by rain-bearing southwest
Language
The people of Akure speak the Akure dialect of the
Foundation
The region where Akure exists has been resided in for millennia; the
Oral tradition of the Akure Kingdom begins with the uniting of these communities by the founding of a new royal dynasty in Akure. The Akure kingdom was founded by a prince named Omoremilekun, son of Ekun, and a descendant of
Omoremilekun was nicknamed "Aṣodẹboyèdé" (or The person who hunted and arrived with royalty), and like other descendants of Oduduwa in the Ekiti region, sought to annex and unite the various settlements who were already finding it difficult to agree among one another who was to be their leader. After defeating Omoloju and gaining the support of the indigenes, Asodeboyede was crowned the first Ajapada, or king, of Akure. The palace that was built to house him still stands and dates to 1150 AD, and was built equidistant between the three major settlements at the time. However, it is noted that Asodeboyede never wore royal beads, showing that a large portion of the early leadership of Akure refused to see him as the true ruler.
It is not Asodeboyede that is believed to have derived the name Akure. Oral tradition states that when Omoloju, the ruler of one of the pre-Akure settlements, was clearing farmland, the string holding the heavy royal beads on the leader's neck is said to have snapped, thus causing the people to exclaim "Àkún rẹ" (or The beads have snapped), this later becoming the name of the settlement they established on the site. Omoloju was nicknamed Alakure (the one who owns Akure). Over time, the phrase was whittled down through its constant use to become Akure. This etymology was mainly popularized by Akure king Adesida I, but other older ones exist. Omoloju then reigned in his own authority as Alakure, and upon the death of Asodeboyede regained control of the Akure kingdom and ruled as Ajapada for 20 years. However, upon Alakure's death, all successive kings were descended from Asodeboyede.[3]
The Akure Kingdom came to be known as one of the 16 or so
Originally, the kings of Akure were referred to as Ajapada. The title Deji of Akure started with Oba Ogunja (r.1533-1554), whose father, Oba Olofinleyo (r. 1434-1474) took the daughter of Oba Atakunmosa, the Owa of
The Ado-Akure
During its long history, the city-state of Akure was at times independent, at times subject to other states. Due to this, there is now a sizable population of partial
The Benin historian
Later history
House of Omoremilekun Asodeboyede | |
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royal dynasty
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Titles |
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Style(s) | Kabiyesi Majesty Royal Highness |
Members | |
Connected families | Ijesha royal family Bini royal family |
Traditions | Ifá Christianity Islam |
Motto | Omo Owa, Omo Ekun (Yoruba for "A child of the Owa, a child of the Leopard") |
Cadet branches |
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Akure had regained its independence by the early 19th century, but around 1818 it was recaptured by Benin forces and the Deji was executed.[4] This set in motion a chain of events that culminated in the reign of Osupa I. After 1854, Akure and other
Towards the end of the 19th century the British based on their Lagos Colony had established a protectorate over the area, although they ruled through "native" administrations. The British sought to combine the Ekiti kingdoms of the region into a single administrative unit, against resistance by the Ekiti people who preferred local autonomy. In 1899 Ekiti and Ilesha formed the northeastern division of the protectorate. In 1915, Ekiti, Owo and Ondo were combined to form the Ondo Province with headquarters at Akure.[7] Ondo Province later became part of Western State. In 1976 the old Ondo State was formed, and in 1996 Ekiti State was split off from the modern Ondo State, which has Akure as its capital.
The death in October 1999 of Oba Ataiyese Adebobajo Adesida IV led to a prolonged dispute over the succession, eventually resolved with the appointment of Oba Oluwadamilare Adesina in 2005. Oba Oluwadamilare was dethroned on 10 June 2010 for sacrilegious misdeeds (wife beating) and
Structure
Akure's King is known as the Deji of Akure and is supported by six high chiefs or
Although the Oba has relocated to a more modern palace, the old building from 1150 AD is still used for all ceremonies.[12] The place has over 15 courtyards, with each having its unique purpose. Ua nla, Ua Ibura, Ua jemifohun, Ua Ikomo are some of the names of the courtyards. For example, in the Ua ubura courtyard, oaths are taken, and the ua Ikomo is used for naming ceremonies.
In addition to those of the Deji and the Adele, other titles are also borne by Akure royals. The titles of the Oloyes of the Omowas, the
There are two other communities with their separate kings, cultures and traditions beside the Akure kingdom. The more prominent of the pair is
Royal houses
Originally there was only one ruling house of Akure, Omoremilekun Asodeboyede, founded by the first king in the kingdom, Omoremilekun. The kingship passed down through an essentially
The Adesida family's reigning representatives were
After the Adesida ruling family had ruled exclusively for many decades, descendants of Oba Odundun and Oba Osupa, such as Chief
List of Dejis and Adeles of Akure
This is a list of the rulers of Akure since its founding in 1150 C.E. by Asodeboyede, a great-grandson of Oduduwa, who was the progenitor of the Yoruba race.[17][18]
As will be seen, the longest reigning king of Akure was initially Oba Arakale, who ruled for 50 years (1768-1818). He was later surpassed by his grandson Oba Adesida I Afunbiowo, who ruled for 60 years and is the longest reigning Deji in all of Akure history:
Start | End | Ruler | Notable events and achievements |
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1150 | 1180 | Ọmọ́rẹ̀mílẹ̀kún Aṣọdẹbóyèdé Ajapada | Founder of the modern Akure kingdom. He conquered and overthrew the local ruler, known as Alakunre, and united the independent settlements of what is now Akure. Believed to be a prince from Ife and a descendant of Oduduwa |
1180 | 1200 | Ọmọlójú Alákùúrẹ́ (Alakunre), 2nd Deji of Akure | The ruler of what is now Akure before Asodeboyede arrived. Akure was not fully united and consisted of several closely connected but independent settlement. Omoloju was the ruler of the largest of the settlements, Upalefa. |
1200 | 1225 | Ògbólú, 3rd Deji of Akure (son of Asodeboyede) | He is believed to be a founding monarch and namesake of the town of Itaogbolu (literally meaning "Ogbolu's settlement") |
1225 | 1245 | Ọ̀dọ́rọ̀, 4th Deji of Akure (son of Asodeboyede) | Succeeded his half brother to the throne |
1245 | 1261 | (Sekungbola) Obasisan, 5th Deji of Akure (son of Asodeboyede) | |
1262 | 1277 | Obarisan, 6th Deji of Akure (son of Alakunre) | His name allegedly means "a bad king." Epidemics were said to plague Akure during his reign, and as a son of Alakunre, he would be the last descendant of Alakunre to reign in Akure. After his reign, only descendants of Asodeboyede reigned in Akure. |
1277 | 1287 | Ọ̀tẹ́móyè, 7th Deji of Akure (son of Ogbolu) | A great civil war occurred during his reign, but he was victorious |
1287 | 1299 | (Adégbàmígbé) Imolúmọdẹ, 8th Deji of Akure (maternal grandson of Ogbolu) | His father Imolu was from Ara-Ekiti. During an Akure invasion of Ara, Imolu was placed as king of Ara by the then ruling king, Ogbolu. After Ogbolu left, without his support, Imolu, was removed as king. Imolu then fled to Akure, where he was welcomed by Ogbolu, and was given his daughter as a wife. Adegbamigbe was their son, and when Adegbamigbe became king, he became known as Imolú ọmọ ọdẹ, in honor of his father. |
1299 | 1305 | Olarako, 9th Deji of Akure | Also known as Olokoroko. A fire during his reign destroyed most of Akure |
1305 | 1313 | Oja iyara, 10th Deji of Akure (son of Imolumode) | |
1313 | 1363 | Ọbágbèyí Adégbìtẹ́, 11th Deji of Akure (maternal grandson of the Oloba of Oba-Ile and a son of Otemoye) | His mother was the daughter of Olagboba, the Oloba of Oba-Ile. He is known for bringing the Aeregbe festival from Oba-Ile. Oba-Ile is an ancient town that borders Akure, and predates most settlements in the area. |
1363 | 1393 | Ògògà, 12th Deji of Akure (son of Obagbeyi) | His regnal name is also the title of the king of the town of Ikere-Ekiti. A hall in the ancient palace of the Deji of Akure is known as "Ua Ogoga," and traditionally when a new Ogoga is crowned, he returns to Akure to pay homage. He was an extremely powerful hunter. |
1393 | 1419 | Èyé Àró, 13th Deji of Akure (daughter of Obagbeyi Adegite) | First female monarch in Akure, likely succeeding her brother (or father). |
1419 | 1434 | Ẹlẹ́sẹ̀ Ọbayé, 14th Deji of Akure (son of Obagbeyi) | Said to be the one who introduced the Iwesu/New yam festival in Akure. |
1434 | 1474 | Ọlọ́fịnlẹ́yọ̀, 15th Deji of Akure (likely a son of Ogoga) | Noted to be a powerful warrior, hunter, but also said to be a prolific farmer in a place called Ìpàràpárá (now known as Òwódé). During his reign, the Oba of Benin Ewuare expanded his kingdom, and introduced raffia palms to the kingdom. In addition, it is believed that during his reign Atakunmosa, the king of Ilesa, visited Akure on his way to Benin. Atakunmosa gave Olofinleyo his daughter Aye's hand in marriage. |
1474 | 1494 | Ọlọ́fịnjógbàyàwó (Olofingbawo), 16th Deji of Akure (son of Eye Aro, the first female Deji of Akure) | His regnal name means "Olofin dances to receive a wife," apparently he was known for his dancing, and was often gifted a wife. He was also well versed in traditional medicine and charms |
1495 | 1513 | Ọbawáyé (Obawaiye), 17th Deji of Akure (perhaps a descendant of Ogoga) | |
1513 | 1533 | Ọbalúà, 18th Deji of Akure (son of Olofinjogbayawo) | |
1533 | 1554 | Ogunja, 19th Deji of Akure (son of Olofinleyo) | |
1554 | 1576 | Oba Alaya, 20th Deji of Akure | |
1576 | 1599 | Oríyá, 21st Deji of Akure (son of Obawaye) | |
1599 | 1623 | (Adésóyè) Àtàkúnmọ́sà, 22nd Deji of Akure (son of Ogunja, great-grandson of Atakunmosa of Ilesa) | He shares his name with the King of the Ilesa kingdom known as Atakunmosa. It is believed that on Atakunmosa's journey to the Kingdom of Benin, he stopped by Akure during the reign of Atakunmosa's grandfather Olofinleyo. Olofinleyo was given Aye, the king of Ilesa's wife. Olofinleyo later had Ogunja, who was the father of Adesoye. He took the name Atakunmosa in honor of his maternal great-grandfather. He is also regarded as being the first king of Akure to be known as the Deji. He expanded the extent of the Akure kingdom and established a close relationship with Benin. |
1623 | 1648 | (Olukimi) Eleyogbute, 23rd Deji of Akure | |
1648 | 1678 | (Adetimeyin) Gbogí, 24th Deji of Akure (son of Atakunmosa) | |
1678 | 1705 | Amayabekun (Adelakun), 25th Deji of Akure (son of Eleyogbute) | His mother was a daughter of Totookun, the ruler of Ijare. He allowed for the breakaway of several vassal towns of Akure |
1705 | 1735 | Èyémọ̀ị́n, 26th Deji of Akure (daughter of Gbogi) | The second female monarch, said to be a daughter of Gbogi. She was said to be quite ruthless and died at a place called Ogirio in Akure |
1735 | 1748 | Orúdú, 27th Deji of Akure (son of Gbogi) | He ruled in the town of Igbara-Odo before becoming Deji. His reign was noted to be bad and he was widely disliked. He failed to bring back the town of Igbara-Odo under the control of Akure, Igbara-Odo had gained independence during the reign of Amayabekun. He is also the first king to have abdicated the throne, frustrated by his inability to reconquer vassal towns, he left the throne and went to northern Ekiti towns. |
1748 | 1768 | Ògóró, 28th Deji of Akure (son of Eyemoin) | He gained control of many vassal towns, who to this day speak the Akure dialect, including Ipogun, Ilara, Ikota, Iju, Itaogbolu, Ero, and Igbara-Oke. |
1768 | 1818 | (Aládémọ̀mí) Àràkálẹ̀, 29th Deji of Akure (a grandson of Eyemoin) | He reigned as the ruler (Adapogun) of the village of Ipogun before becoming monarch. During his time many towns migrated to Akure towards the Akure kingdom because of war. During his reign, relations with the Benin Kingdom detoriorated, leading to the Akure-Bini war that led to his execution and the capture of his son. The modern Akure royal families are both descended from Arakale |
1819 | 1823 | Ògúnlégbojú, 30th Deji of Akure (son of Oba Ogoro) | First monarch of Akure after the town was invaded and conquered by the Benin kingdom. The Akure people who survived the war and were not taken fled to a hill known as Òkè-Ọ̀gẹ̀. |
1823 | 1828 | Aúsì, 31st Deji of Akure (most likey a son of Ogoro) | Reigned after the death of Ogunlegboju (probably his brother). Reigned on the hill known as Òkè-Ọ̀gẹ̀ where Akure people fled to because of the Benin war. He allegedly became disformed and was driven out of the palace |
1828 | 1832 | Ajalágà, 32nd Deji of Akure (likely son of Arakale or Ausi) | The last monarch to rule in Òkè-Ọ̀gẹ̀. The reigns of Ogunlegboju, Ausi, and Ajalaga were dark times in Akure history, where there was famine and treachery. |
1832 | 1834 | Osuan (Ọ̀sụọ̀n), 33rd Deji of Akure (son of Arakale) | Upon Ajalaga's death, Osuan, a brother of Ajalaga and another son of Arakale, was named king. However, the Oba of Benin had decided to place Adesoro, Osuan's brother, who was captured during the Akure-Benin War , as king. Because of this, Osuan was either killed so that Osupa could become king, or Osuan committed suicide. He is known as "Orhuon" in Benin records.
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1834 | 1846 | (Adésọ́rọ̀) Ogiso Otolu Apaara", 34th Deji of Akure (son of Arakale, also possibly a maternal grandson of Ausi)
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He was kidnapped as a young prince in 1818 during the war in Benin and was enslaved for several years in Benin. After earning favor in Benin he was given permission to return to Akure, and later became the ruler of a community known as Isafirin as the Asafirin. He was nominated as king in 1832 instead of his brother Osuon, who was later killed or either committed suicide, allowing Adesoro to reign as "Osupa I." with the support of Benin. During his reign, Akure peoples who had lived in Benin returned to Akure, and Osupa gave them a place to settle, known as Ado-Akure |
1846 | 1849 | Agbóyerẹ́, 35th Deji of Akure (son of Ajalaga) | He was said to be a notorious slave trader |
1850 | 1851 | Amọ́robíòjò (Amaro, Eye Aro), 36th Deji of Akure (daughter of Osupa) | Third female ruler of Akure, she died suddenly on the throne |
1851 | 1852 | Ọmọ́rẹ̀míọ̀ṣun, 37th Deji of Akure (son of Agboyere) | |
1852 | 1882 | (Aládégbùjì) Òjìjígògún, 38th Deji of Akure (son of Arakale) | He rose to throne when he was quite old, but still reigned for thirty years. He is the ancestor of the Ojijigogun royal house. Akure was at war with the Ibadan kingdom for most of his reign along with other Ekiti towns. Akure joined the forces of Ekiti-Parapo during the Kiriji War in 1877. |
1882 | 1890 | (Aládélùsì) Odundun I "Asọdedẹ̀rọ̀", 39th Deji of Akure (son of Osupa) | He was a ruthless king who allegedly beheaded his wife for sharing an inappropriate joke with him. Despite this, he was highly hailed as a bringer of peace (hence the name, Asodedero). He broke the tradition of paying tribute to Benin, a tradition started by his father Osupa. Akure legend also suggests Odundun used his powers to kill the Oba of Benin, Adolo |
1890 | January 8, 1897 | (Aládéjànà) Arọ́sóyè, 40th Deji of Akure (son of Ojijigogun) | First Deji to encounter Europeans |
June 22, 1897 | 1957 | (Ọlọ́fịnladé) Adesida I Afúnbíowó, 41st Deji of Akure (son of Ojijigogun) | |
1957 | December 1973 | Agúnsóyèbíòyìnbó Adémúwàgún Adéṣidà II, 42nd Deji of Akure (son of Adesida I) | |
1975 | June 5, 1991 | Òtùtùbíọ̀ṣun Adélẹgàn Adéṣidà III, 43rd Deji of Akure (son of Adesida I) | |
December 31, 1991 | October October 29, 1999 | Atáyéṣe Adébọ́bajọ Adéṣidà IV, 44th Deji of Akure (son of Adesida I) | |
1999 | 2005 | Regent: Princess Adéyínká Adéṣidà (daughter of Adesida IV) | |
2005 | 10 June 2010 | Olúwadáre Adéṣínà Adépọ̀jù, "Osupa III", 45th Deji of Akure | |
13 August 2010 | 30 November 2013 | Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida Afunbiowo II , 46th Deji of Akure (grandson of Adesida I)
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December 2013 | June 2015 | Regent: Princess Dr. Adétútù Adesida-Ojei (daughter of Afunbiowo II) | |
July 2015 | Present | Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Ọ̀dúndún II, 47th Deji of Akure (paternal great-grandson of Odundun I) |
References
- ^ Igbekele Ajibefun. "Akure City Profile" (PDF). International Water Management Institute. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- S2CID 161834491.
- ^ "International journal of social sciences and".
- ^ ISBN 0-299-11604-2.
- ^ Akintoye, S. A. “THE NORTH-EASTERN YORUBA DISTRICTS AND THE BENIN KINGDOM.” Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria, vol. 4, no. 4, 1969, pp. 539–53. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41856778. Accessed 3 May 2023.
- ISBN 0-521-22656-2.
- ISBN 0226023427.
- ^ "Former Nigerian Presidential Aide, Adebiyi Adesida, Becomes the New Deji of Akure". SharpEdgeNews. 12 August 2010. Archived from the original on 17 August 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
- ^ "46th Deji's tortuous journey to Akure palace". NIGERIAN COMPASS. 13 September 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
- ^ Akintide, Wumi (21 January 2014). "The Role Of Regents In Yoruba Tradition". Retrieved 29 April 2020.
- ^ "Ondo removes Akure Oba". Next. 10 June 2010. Archived from the original on 6 August 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
- ^ MAURICE ARCHIBONG (6 August 2009). "Struggles to breathe life into National Museum Akure after 21-year dormancy". Daily Sun. Archived from the original on 11 April 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
- ^ Oba aladetoyinbo ogunlade [dead link]
- ^ "FOCAL AXIS : Few of the Unsung Heroes of Akure by Dr. Wumi Akintide". 11 February 2014.
- ^ "Embattled Deji Has Bought His Way Out of Akure Crisis by Dr. Wumi Akintide". 9 January 2014.
- ^ "New Monarch, Prince Aladetoyinbo Emerges Deji of Akure Kingdom". 7 June 2015.
- ^ Dr. Wunmi Akintide. "DEJI OF AKURE – PART 8". Gamji. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
- ^ Dr. Olugbenga Ige. "The Selection Process of a King in Oda". AFRREV IJAH. Retrieved 6 October 2019.