Ere-Ijesa
Foundation of Ere-Ijesa
Motivated, they stepped out from their different places in Old Oyo Kingdom, but like the patriarch Abraham, leaving the Ur of the Chaldeans for the Promised Land,
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History
Ere-Ijesa
Foundation of Ere-Ijesa
We never can tell now, if the duo of Ajatana and Odofin consulted any divination, some three odd hundred years ago when they came to settle in these parts. Discontent, the major mover of men from settled areas to frontier territories, played its part.
1945
1945
Ere-Ijesa
Foundation of Ere-Ijesa
Divine Providence guided their journeys until they settled in this beautiful land of forested hills and flowing rivers, of fertile soil and whispering brooks, brooks like that of Koje, on which the town prides itself.The land, drinking its fill of the rain of heaven had its cup running over.
1945
Ere-Ijesa
Foundation of Ere-Ijesa
This resulted in a system of swamps around the lowland surrounding this settlement. Wayfarers wading through this swamp gave the name to this town on the rise of ground. One inquiring from the other his route to the point of meeting, responded that:Oke ere n’beun ni mo gba wa (I got here through the rise from the swamp).
1945
Ere-Ijesa
Foundation of Ere-Ijesa
With rapprochement to the royal stool at Ilesa, the place became known as “Oke Ere ‘Jesa.” Common usage soon took the “Oke” out of the equation and we have the popular Ere-Ijesa standing as a town, now, of about 3,000 souls living in a little over 300 houses spread over some 3 square kilometers, some 5 kilometers from Ijebu-Ijesa on the road to Ilahun in Oriade Local Government of Osun State.
Ere-Ijesa, a town located in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria (coordinates: 7°43’13.9″N 4°47’22.6″E), is a community rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known as the “Children of the Red Earth” (Omo oni erinle, omo opa dodo oke ere), Ere-Ijesa is characterized by its distinctive red soil, a result of iron oxides, which has become a symbol of the town’s resilience and determination. The town, with a population of approximately 3,000 people living in over 300 houses spread across 3 square kilometers, is situated about 5 kilometers from Ijebu-Ijesa on the road to Ilahun.
Early History and Settlement
The founding of Ere-Ijesa dates back over three hundred years when its early settlers, driven by discontent and the search for new frontiers, migrated from the Old Oyo Kingdom. Like the biblical patriarch Abraham, they were guided by divine providence to a land of fertile soil, forested hills, and flowing rivers. The town’s name, “Ere-Ijesa,” is derived from the phrase “Oke ere n’beun ni mo gba wa,” meaning “I got here through the rise from the swamp,” a reference to the swampy lowlands surrounding the settlement. Over time, the name evolved from “Oke-Ere ‘Jesa” to the now commonly used “Ere-Ijesa.” The town’s early development was marked by agricultural activities, with crops like cocoa, kolanuts, oil palm, yam, cassava, and maize forming the backbone of its economy. The people of Ere-Ijesa, often referred to as “Omo oni koje atete de ere” (the children who rise early to farm and return with bountiful harvests), have always placed a high value on education, often going to great lengths to ensure their children received quality schooling. This commitment to education has resulted in a community with a high number of graduates, including professors, captains of industry, and public officials.
Traditional Leadership and Monarchy
Ere-Ijesa is governed by a traditional monarchy, with the Elere of Ere-Ijesa as the paramount ruler. The town has had several monarchs, each contributing to its development. His Royal Majesty, Oba Noah Oni Adekanye, was one of the notable rulers who oversaw significant progress in the town. On December 14, 2015, Oba Augustine Adenipekun Alowolodu, Alowolodu III, was crowned as the Elere of Ere-Ijesa, marking a new era in the town’s history. His coronation was followed by the presentation of the staff of office on April 23, 2016, and a series of celebratory events, including an exhibition match by the Onikoje Football Club. The traditional institution in Ere-Ijesa is supported by a council of chiefs, including the Yeye Oba, Yeye Esemure, Iyalode of Ere-Ijesa, Chief Asolo, and Chief Ajiroba, who were installed on December 15, 2016. The town also celebrates annual Ere Praise Days, which have become a significant cultural event, bringing together indigenes and well-wishers to celebrate the town’s progress and heritage. During these celebrations, the people often chant “Edumare agbe wa o” (God, sustain us), a prayer for continued blessings and prosperity.
Early History and Settlement
The founding of Ere-Ijesa dates back over three hundred years when its early settlers, driven by discontent and the search for new frontiers, migrated from the Old Oyo Kingdom. Like the biblical patriarch Abraham, they were guided by divine providence to a land of fertile soil, forested hills, and flowing rivers. The town’s name, “Ere-Ijesa,” is derived from the phrase “Oke ere n’beun ni mo gba wa,” meaning “I got here through the rise from the swamp,” a reference to the swampy lowlands surrounding the settlement. Over time, the name evolved from “Oke-Ere ‘Jesa” to the now commonly used “Ere-Ijesa.” The town’s early development was marked by agricultural activities, with crops like cocoa, kolanuts, oil palm, yam, cassava, and maize forming the backbone of its economy. The people of Ere-Ijesa, often referred to as “Omo oni koje atete de ere” (the children who rise early to farm and return with bountiful harvests), have always placed a high value on education, often going to great lengths to ensure their children received quality schooling. This commitment to education has resulted in a community with a high number of graduates, including professors, captains of industry, and public officials.
Traditional Leadership and Monarchy
Ere-Ijesa is governed by a traditional monarchy, with the Elere of Ere-Ijesa as the paramount ruler. The town has had several monarchs, each contributing to its development. His Royal Majesty, Oba Noah Oni Adekanye, was one of the notable rulers who oversaw significant progress in the town. On December 14, 2015, Oba Augustine Adenipekun Alowolodu, Alowolodu III, was crowned as the Elere of Ere-Ijesa, marking a new era in the town’s history. His coronation was followed by the presentation of the staff of office on April 23, 2016, and a series of celebratory events, including an exhibition match by the Onikoje Football Club. The traditional institution in Ere-Ijesa is supported by a council of chiefs, including the Yeye Oba, Yeye Esemure, Iyalode of Ere-Ijesa, Chief Asolo, and Chief Ajiroba, who were installed on December 15, 2016. The town also celebrates annual Ere Praise Days, which have become a significant cultural event, bringing together indigenes and well-wishers to celebrate the town’s progress and heritage. During these celebrations, the people often chant “Edumare agbe wa o” (God, sustain us), a prayer for continued blessings and prosperity.
Ere-Ijesa has witnessed remarkable development in recent years, thanks to the efforts of its indigenes and the Ere-Ijesa City Improvement Union (ECIU). The ECIU, established by concerned citizens of Ere-Ijesa, has been instrumental in driving socio-economic development in the town. Key projects initiated by the ECIU include:
- Water Borehole and Pipeline Network: A state-of-the-art water borehole, processing plant, and storage tank provide clean and potable water to the entire community, replacing the ancient brook of Koje as the primary water source.
- Ere City Microfinance Bank: This financial institution not only provides banking services but also manages community assets, offers micro-loans, and organizes seminars to empower residents with new skills and knowledge.
- Solar-Powered Street Lights: Thirty-eight solar-powered streetlights have been installed across the town, ensuring security and illumination even during power outages.
- Energy Centre: The Energy Centre aims to provide stable electricity by purchasing power in bulk from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and using generators during power failures.
- John Aladekomo Hall: A spacious town hall named in honor of John Aladekomo, the father of one of the project’s prime movers, serves as a venue for social events and vocational training.
- Palace of Elere of Ere-Ijesa: The newly completed and furnished palace is a source of pride for the community, symbolizing the town’s progress and unity.
- Scholarship Scheme: The ECIU has instituted a scholarship program for brilliant but indigent students, ensuring access to quality education for the town’s youth.
- Healthcare Management: A comprehensive healthcare scheme, managed by Healthcare International Limited, provides affordable healthcare services to residents.
- Transportation: The community has introduced passenger tricycles to improve transportation within the town.
Ere-Ijesa’s economy is primarily agrarian, with cocoa being a major cash crop. The town’s farmers, often referred to as “Abeja gboro” (those who bring prosperity from afar), have traditionally relied on crops like kolanuts, oil palm, yam, cassava, and maize for their livelihoods. In recent years, the ECIU has introduced initiatives to diversify the local economy, including aquaculture, rabbitry, and snail farming. The Ere City Microfinance Bank plays a crucial role in providing financial support to farmers and small business owners, enabling them to expand their operations and improve their standard of living.
Ere-Ijesa is a town with a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its praise poetry (Oriki) and traditional festivals. The town’s Oriki celebrates its valiant sons and daughters, emphasizing unity and collective effort in the development of the community. The annual Ere Praise Day, held every December, is a significant cultural event that brings together indigenes from home and abroad to celebrate the town’s progress and heritage.
The Onikoje Football Club, named after one of the town’s historical figures, is a source of pride for the community. The club has participated in various exhibition matches, including one held in honor of Oba Augustine Adenipekun Alowolodu’s coronation.
In recent years, Ere-Ijesa has continued to make strides in development. The commissioning of the Agba Akin Solar-Powered Borehole on August 3, 2024, marked a significant milestone in providing clean and sustainable water to the community.
The foundation laying of the Adeyeye-Akinjobataogun Recreation and Resort Center (A-ARC) by Oba Augustine Adenipekun Alowolodu signifies the town’s commitment to creating a hub for leisure, entertainment, and economic growth.
The community has also celebrated the achievements of its indigenes, such as Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Kikelomo Iyabode Adeola, who was appointed to head the ICT/Modernization Department at the Nigerian Customs Service. Her promotion is a testament to the town’s emphasis on education and excellence.