Dr Adebimpe Okunade 1932 - 2026

A SALUTE TO THE DISTINQUISHED NONAGENARIAN

Dr Adebimpe Agbeke Okunade (24/10/1932-1/8/2026)

No matter how old our loved one, we always have a sense of loss when they pass-on. That was how I felt when I was informed early this morning that Mama Okunade, the Iya-Egbe of Ekitipanupo passed-on on August 1st, 2026. No doubt we will all miss her while giving thanks to God for her gift of long life. We thought we could still have her for more years, but her creator called her home. She has now gone home to rest. This pictorial tribute underscores the fact that Mama Okunade would always be in our evergreen fond memories in Ekitipanupo Forum.

Mama Okunade was beautiful inside out! She was remarkably resourceful, caring and loving. I received WhatsApp message from her up till May this year. I will certainly miss her voice calling me Adebukola omo mi  and  su ire fun mi in the manner my biological mother dido Oye dialect was very sweet in her mouth, I longed to hear her speak it. I loved it when she said okun o uba!

Mama Okunade flanked from right to left by other dignitaries at the 2nd Ekitipanupo Public Lecture 0n 23/5/2015 - Professor J. Aina, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Professor Michael Omolewa, Aare and Yeye Aare Afe Babalola at Afe Babalola University. 

Mama Okunade 2nd from left and other dignitaries applauded with delight the unveiling of Ekitipanupo Logo by Aare Afe Babalola on May 23rd, 2015

Mama when her citation was read at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) during the 2nd Public Lecture of Ekitipanupo held at ABUAD on 23/05/2015

Mama Okunade was presented the special Ekitipanupo Merit Award by Yeye Aare Afe Babalola

Mama Okunade was about to pass the touch to the representatives of the EXCO of Ekitipanupo charging them to keep the flag flying

Mama made remarks as the Iya-Egbe of Ekitipanupo Indigenous Intellectual Roundtable at the 2nd Public Lecture

L-R: Mama Okunade 3rd from left joined Professor Aina, Professor Samuel Ade Ojo, Professor Omolewa, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Okan Seye Adetunmbi Yeye Aare Babalola, Aare Afe Babalola and Otunba Niyi Adebayo to formally present Ekitipanupo Legacy Book to the public o May 23. 2015 at ABUAD.

As I remarked after the transition of Baba S.B. Falegan that he was the first and the last Baba-Isale of Ekitipanupo Forum, Mama Okunade was the first and the last Iya-Egbe of Ekitipanupo because they are not made like these two rare gems any more. 

Fare thee well ma. 

You have gone with all your virtues.

Orun re ire o, eye lukaluka

May your beautiful soul rest in peace, in Jesus Christ's name, Amen.

Seye Adetunmbi, 3/8/2026

 

THE OCTOGENARIAN WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE: DR MRS ADEBIMPE OKUNADE

By

Seye Adetunmbi, first written in October 2012

Nigerians that are 80 years old and above, up and doing, surely are relatively not quite many. When you now have an eighty years+ old scholar, mother and grandmother who is not only internet compliant but very active in Ekitipanupo intellectual roundtable through her respected interjections from time to time; one must just have to give it to the eminent person. It is certainly no joke to be an octogenarian in Nigeria of today. Those who have lost their parent(s) and other loved ones at the age of 70 years and below may appreciate this grace better. This is why Dr Mrs Adebimpe Olutayo Okunade, the unrivaled Ekitipanupo Woman of Substance (EWS) is a prized oldest active member of the ultimate and preeminent Ekiti all-inclusive interactive intellectual forum. In decent and quite orderly climes and in particular in an environment whereby citizens with her kind of integrated respected profile are very few, the graceful aging of such a distinguished academic calls for celebration to the glory of God.

Mama Okunade

Cute Dr Mrs Adebimpe Olutayo Okunade (AOO) in 1952, 1953, 1955 and 1964

As a Staff Nurse in Osogbo in 1955; AOO in 1964; her mother in 1993 & 1981; Mr & Dr Mrs Adeleke Okunade in 1972

Class of 1968 Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan; AOO in 1971; during graduation in 1971 and in 2006

Dr A.O. Okunade, nee Jegede, the daughter of a post and telecommunications worker and an industrious mother was born on October 24, 1932 in Oye-Ekiti. She attended Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa where she qualified as a General Nurse in 1954.

1.        Baba & Mama Okunade in 2006             2. During the 70^th birthday anniversary of Dr Mrs Adebimpe Okunade

In June 1971, she bagged 2^nd Class Upper honours B.Sc. Nursing from University of Ibadan; M. Phil in Public Health in 1978 and Ph. D. Public health in 1991 from the same university. She is also a Fellow of the West Africa College of Nursing. Her work experience as a practicing nurse started in 1955 as a Staff Nurse in General Hospital Osogbo and Staff Nurse at Osiomo Lepers’ Settlement; Staff Nurse/Midwife in 1965 to 1968 at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Ogbomoso Ondo General Hospital; Ondo, Iwo and Oyan. She became a public health nurse tutor, Eleyele Ibadan in 1971. Between 1972 and 2001 she worked in the department of nursing, University of Ibadan and rose to the senior lecturer level. Apart from academics, she was active in community services. Her focus had been on education of women on economic empowerment, human rights and political issues with particular reference to women, violence against women, health issues etc.

PhD Public Health Graduation in 1991; Faculty Lecture in 2001 and with Fellows of West Africa College of Nursing in Gambia, 1991

Mama in 1969; in 1973 with her vintage Peugeot 404; in 1982 on her 50^th birthday; in 2000 and 2001 in Texas

Dr Okunade is a well-rounded family woman and a pride to motherhood. She has time for virtually every constituency of her varied activities of human endeavour. She recorded excellent outing in the home front as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. This photomontage is a testimony. As a devout Christian, she is a role model at All Saints' Anglican Church, Jericho, Ibadan where she worships and serves the Lord in the house of God with so much devotion. She is a member of the choir in the church and very dedicated as a chorister.

Most Rev J. A. Adetiloye at Adebisi’s Confirmation; Adebisi’s Graduation in 1988; Baba & Mama with son and grandson in 2006

Baba & Mama on her 65^th birthday in 2007; Christening of Adeolu, Taiwo Okunade’s son in 1989, Mama cut 70^thbirthday cake with the family in 2002

Mama with grandchildren in 1992; with daughter, Aderonke in 2006; With her brother Mr Yinka Jegede & his wife at their son’s wedding in 2006

No doubt, Dr Mrs Okunade is a blessing to her generation. Ekitipanupo indigenous intellectual roundtable is privileged to have her as the Iya-Egbe of the forum. May God continue to grant her good health and peace of mind in old age such that her wealth of experience would continue to be a blessing to humanity. She will see things of joy in her household for the rest of her life in mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Packaged on behalf of Ekitipanupo by

Okan Seye Adetunmbi

October 11, 2012

Rufus Giwa

THE MULTINATIONAL COMPANY BOARD ROOM GURU: SIR RUFUS FOLUSO GIWA (1942-2003) 

By 

Seye Adetunmbi, first written in 2003

It was my wish that one day I will pay a tribute to Sir Rufus Foluso Giwa (RFG) perhaps on his 70th, 80th or 90th birthday anniversary. The inevitable happened less than a month to his 61st birthday, which had left me with no option than to do this write-up. Man proposes God disposes. To me it would amount to an understatement describing the unfortunate incident as bad news! By the time the reality of the tragedy dawned on me, I got to realize that around 9.15 a.m. on Wednesday 26th March, 2003 death had snatched away through road mishap the best chairman I ever had. My mind quickly flashed back to my first encounter on Tuesday July 23, 1991 with this colossus of a technocrat, an astute boss, mentor, confidant, role model, benefactor, referee and perhaps the most celebrated company executive at the peak of his career in the contemporary Nigerian corporate world. I must state that no attempt is made here to ascribe perfection to the person of RFG, after all he was like any other mortal. Jesus Christ is the only perfect master.

Sir Rufus Giwa

No doubt, there are lessons embedded in the numerous beautiful sides of Chief Giwa that are worthy of emulation for those who desire to leave their mark in the sand of time. It is really tough for me discussing him in past tense and summarizing his extensive achievements in this tribute of few pages.

   Sometime in 1991, I coordinated the establishment of 3i (Idumota, Idumagbo & Isale-Eko) Community Bank which was initiated by High Chief Luyi Rotimi, my erstwhile boss with the support of one-time treasurer of Mobil Oil, Iyaloja of Lagos and the City Hall Chairman, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele. The successful completion and location of the Community Bank in Odo-Alagbafo area of Lagos Island apparently prompted Prince Adeyanju Olateru-Olagbegi, onetime chairman of Owena Bank PLC to request my input in the establishment of Owo Community Bank (OCB). After the OCB was commissioned in the middle of 1991, Chief Rufus Giwa got in touch with Prince Olateru-Olagbegi. The Prince then said to me that RFG wanted me to assist Oke-Agbe to also benefit from the community bank project. This development eventually led me to the Apapa office of RFG when he was the Chairman/Managing Director of Lever Brothers PLC now Unilever PLC where I got formal briefing on my first assignment from him and since then I became part of his extended household. Together with Otunba Oladunni, Chiefs Akeju, Sunmonu, Messrs Olotu and Awoseyi his loyal personal assistant for many years and I, worked with him on the Oke-Agbe Community Bank project until I concluded my assignment in the last quarter of 1991.

We met with him several times as the chairman in his house, after he must have had a very long busy day in his office. More often he had his dinner late and madam his very devoted wife, Lady Margaret Oluyemisi Giwa would wait for him. This was a community project that was not solicited for in the first place but an initiative on RFG's part, born out of his unrelenting compassion for development projects for his community. How many company executives would be interested in that kind of community service without any visible contribution to their personal or corporate bottom line? An assiduous worker and sometimes I wondered loud to him and inquired where he got the natural strength from, to do all the great exploits.

Knighthood Investiture, by Bishop Olowokure

   The significance of the background story is the selflessness of Chief Rufus Giwa that caused my first formal meeting with him. What was he going to gain from a community bank project except that he committed his personal resources, energy, time and goodwill before the project could take-off. One thing that unequivocally endeared RFG to some of us that worked closely with him and his people in general was his foresight and unflinching love for the empowerment of his people through functional community development initiatives. Despite his tight schedules as a Lagos based multinational company executive, he always looked out for opportunities that could enhance the lot of his people back home. A diligent man who loved his people and stood by them come rain or shine. Anyone who was truly acquainted or friendly with him must have accompanied him to his country home at Oke-Agbe for one function or the other in his lifetime. He would never allow any accessible opportunity elude his kinsmen and this service he rendered in gratis and certainly not for any material gain.

A grass root man to the core who was more satisfied or at least was always at peace with himself when he was associated with the fact that he had input to the development of his community and its environs. This his natural urge must have been responsible for his taking interest in everything that happened around him throughout his lifetime which made him to excel and standout among his peers. Whatever he was involved with no matter how humble, he did it with all seriousness and commitment. This is one of the several virtues of Chief Giwa that made me to admire his person and disposition.

   His lifetime journey started with a humble beginning in Oke-Agbe on April 24, 1942 when he was born. He attended St. George's Anglican Primary School, Oke-Agbe in 1948 to 1954, passed through a secondary modern school and Divisional Teacher's College, Ikare-Akoko in 1959 to 1960. He later passed his relevant GCE papers without going through any secondary school and gained admission in 1963 to University of Lagos for a degree in Accounting. Through dint of hard work, academic brilliance, devotion to duty and God's grace he got to the peak of his career. After graduating in 1966, he never worked for any other organization apart from Unilever. He rose through the ranks and worked in virtually every department of the multinational company which afforded him the opportunity to see it all in the organization. He gave the company all he had by putting his best and this paid-off for him. Consequently, he earned the respect of his employers and predecessors who handed over management to him without any reservation in 1987.

   His secondment in May 1982 to May 1984, to Unilever in London for an international management exchange programme was a response to the blooming ingenuity of RFG among his peers. During this period he asserted his brilliance in a commendable manner that enhanced the business of Unilever in Ghana, Zaire, Japan, Thailand, Brazil, Columbia and Morocco. Salute to the versatility of RFG was emphasized in the testimony of the highly revered Chief Omolayole his erstwhile boss. The statement said it all: "When he returned, it became obvious that just making him a finance director would be a great disservice to the company. He could do the job with his eyes closed". For 32 years Sir Giwa diligently served the company. He was on the board for 21 years and was the chief executive officer for 10 years. His tenure brought Unilever to great heights characterized with consistent and commensurable dividend payout which made the company the toast of investors in the stock market.

Undoubtedly, his name at a stage was synonymous to Lever Brothers in Nigeria. It may also go down in history uncontested, as the most powerful and influential chief executive officer the company ever produced. His ability to combine his primary assignment and official callings with other honourable interests without one suffering for the other was a feat.

Chief Giwa, HRM Oba Adeleye, Senator Felix Ibru during wedding service of Seye & Labo Adetunmbi

   Chief Giwa was a Fellow of these professional bodies; Institute of Directors, Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Secretaries & Administrators and Institute of Cost & Management Accountants. He served, either as chairman or a director of many organizations in the private sector and some government establishments. He was the chairman in April 1986 to May 1987 of Ondo State Investment Holding Company Limited and Banque du Benin, Cotonou. One-time Chairman of Delta Steel Company in 1991 to 1993 and Raw Materials & Research Development Council in 1991 to 1994, former President of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Chemical & Non-Metallic Products Employers Federation, Nigerian Employers Consultative Association and University of Lagos Alumni Association. He was on the board of UACN PLC, Wema Bank PLC and O'dua Investment Holding Company. RFG was on the council of Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ogun State (now Olabisi Onabanjo) University advisory council and Nigerian Urban & Rural Industrial Mission. Chairman Board of Trustees of the Cargo Defense Fund and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Defunct National Petroleum Trust Fund.

   In his lifetime, he blessed God's work with every substance at his disposal and was indeed a devoted Christian. The clergy and laity in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) will always remember his zeal for God's work and generous support. As a delegate of the 3rd Session of the 26th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos, I witnessed the standing ovation accorded him after presenting a paper titled "Managing Church Men for Progress" on June 3rd 1997 at All Saints' Anglican Church Yaba, Lagos. He came in just before his turn and immediately after the presentation he left for the airport to catch up with another appointment elsewhere. He was very busy, yet was always willing to contribute his quota big or small to every project of God. My home parish, St. Michael's Anglican Church, Ifaki-Ekiti got some donation from him and many other churches benefited from his generosity. He built a Church Hall for his home Church at Oke-Agbe which was commissioned to mark his retirement in 1998. St. Mathias' Chapel was also built inside his compound in Oke-Agbe all to the glory of God. In December 1999 his son, niece and I were the harvest chairmen (alaga-Ikore) of St. Mathias' and he practically funded everything including the bazaar. All his efforts in the Akoko Diocese earned him the Grand Commander of Dominica.

   Likewise, his multifaceted disposition earned him several diverse titles which include; Honorary Doctorate Degree from University of Lagos, Ekpoma State University and Federal University of Technology, Akure. He was the Aro of Afa, Oke-Agbe, Jagunmolu Babalaye of Ibadan, Otunba of Ilara-Mokin, Mayegun of Akoko and Asiwaju of Akoko land. He also held honorary chieftaincy titles from Ikole-Ekiti and Aiyedun-Ekiti.

  L-R: Chief Bode Sunmonu, Chief Rufus Giwa, Seye & Labo Adetunmbi and Lady Yemisi Giwa

It is not very common to see a man of this stature associated with many parts to still have a formidable home front. Chief with all sincerity and to God be the glory, was indeed an all rounder. A fine family man who had time for everybody around him including his childhood friends and well wishers. His friends would attest to the fact that RFG was a "jolly good fellow" in his elements. He was a member and the life patron of Club 15 in Oke-Agbe. A club predominantly made up of his childhood friends. A lot of people followed him to his home town in 1991 when the club house was commissioned. He was found of playing ayo game whenever the opportunity arose with members of his household and friends when they visit him. A loving father who invested so much in his family God in turn blessed him with a virtuous wife, cultured and brilliant children. One memory remained indelible in my mind when he asked me to accompany him on a journey to Odo Owa-Ekiti for a function in February 2000. He called everybody at home, young and old and hugged them one after the other before he entered the vehicle. Despite being a day trip, it was another joyous reunion with the members of the family when we arrived back home. A strong family values personified and an embodiment of love for his wards who loved him dearly in turn. Death where is thy sting! May God grant his beloved aged mother (aya), wife, children and other loved ones the fortitude to bear thie irreparable loss.

   For anyone to parade his type of credentials in the peculiar Nigerian society, such person is bound to have admirers and detractors alike. He tried his best to weather the storms. His believe was that once you are upright, you will survive all intrigues; it is only a matter time and I subscribe to this school of thought. He had very high regard for professionals, men of integrity and liked keeping the company such persons or being in the midst of honorable people. A stickler of time who will neither condone indiscipline nor hesitate to call any erring subordinate, associate or ward to order when necessary, and this will be done with precision. Quite often, he got to the office before most of us and he was always the last person to leave, a practice he had been used to since his days in Unilever. Likewise, he would read or attend to all mails addressed to him and replied where necessary. A principled board room guru, firm and bold professional. I often looked up to the board meeting as the chief operating officer of his stockbroking firm because I was bound to gain a new thing. Such session was often a business school for me.

   Different people associated with RFG for various reasons, I was content with the confidence he reposed in me generally. The cordial relationship with him and his family I cherished. It was a privilege passing through his tutelage, sharing in his joys and low periods within the short space of time I was around the indefatigable man. My consolation is in the opportunity I had in his lifetime to let him know I much I appreciated him, and this he acknowledged. His exploits earned him the exalted position of an institution, and "institutions don't die". Nobody earns reputation by doing nothing and this is the challenge for those of us he left behind. Procrastination is the thief of time. Whatever you can do to make the difference and add value to the life others, do it now. The trumpet may sound anytime.

   May God teach everyone reading this tribute how to number his/her days. May the Lord incline our hearts unto wisdom and ways that will assure us of salvation.

Sleep well sir.

Ilupeju-Ekiti

 ILUPEJU-EKITI: AN EXEMPLAR IN COEXISTENCE

By 

Seye Adetunmbi, first written in 2010

When two distinct communities with different heads, agree to coexist as one town under a new name in the contemporary world, it tells a lot about the uniqueness of the indigenes. Predominantly the opinion leaders of this kind of communities are archetype decent people of imitable good nature. Most people who were born after 1974 may not know that Ilupeju-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State is the amalgamation of the erstwhile Eseta-Ekiti and Egosi-Ekiti towns. It was uncommon in this part of the world whereby single entities with diverse constituents are continually disintegrating in search of autonomy. For those who are familiar with the disposition of the forebears of those who made the amalgamation possible it may not be a surprise. The pedigree of the progenitors of modern day Ilupeju-Ekiti is dignifying in perspective. The forefathers and succeeding generations were reputed to be receptive to visitors, immigrants and nomadic traders who resided in their community.   

Apeju Oniyelu

   Ilupeju is one of the few Ekiti communities with a perennial resident Hausa community for many years in the mold of what is called Sabo in Nigerian cities. It is thus about intrinsic perception and inherent ability to see beyond the moment which runs in the gene of Ilupeju elites. Before the unification of Egosi-Ekiti and Eseta-Ekiti, they both had their histories based on the research of the writer through the assistance Chief Esan Ogunleye and Mr Banji Ogungbemi.

    Egosi people migrated from Ile-Ife. Oral history put the date between 9th and 10th centuries. The early men moved from Lukosi (a large family), made up of 13 sons and 15 daughters. One of the prominent sons was Akingbade who departed Ile-Ife with crown, Ifa and two kinds of masquerades known as umole ewo and the other called ogiti. He moved to Ikogosi where he settled and left for Odo Ora due to inter-tribal wars which could not offer protective fortress, thereby exposing them to constant raids. His eldest son, Ayigbogbo inherited the leadership and led his people out of Odo Ora to Oroke Agbo. Movement continued at the instance of Ifa oracle until they settled near Oroya Hills. The people also moved to a less hilly place called Utapete. A handful of people stayed at Ilidan with Elegbe, to look after the welfare of the Menara market matters, all located in today’s Ilupeju-Ekiti. They were attracted by the fertile land for farming and thereafter settled at Ewo, which was not far from Ijelu-Ekiti, where Elejelu had settled. Other neighbours were Isan-Ekiti and Oye-Ekiti. The following Obas had ruled over Egosi-Ekiti before the amalgamation in 1970: Akinjaya, Akerekan, Orewere, Ose Merunkuru, Ogunlusi, Odudu, Akaun, Adeyi, Augbo (1884-1910), Kuteyi (1910-1933) and Falodun (1933-1972). High Chief S. T. Alonge became the Obanla in 1980.

Chief Jacob Funso Aiyeleso, Chief Esan Ogunleye and Mr. Banji Ogungbemi

Eseta people migrated from Orunta Quarters in Ile-Ife, led by a prince known as Asao, he was a notable herbalist and a remarkable hunter of repute. Asao and his group left Ile-Ife with a beaded crown, Ifa, Obalatan deity and ereju cult. Cultural festivals performed were Orara, Amoeku and Omoluta. Eseta clan first settled at Oke Aun in Efon Alaye and Asao was said to have died there. Thereafter, Ateleigi led them to Odo Ora. The movement continued until they reached the foot of Oroke Ejia/Utaa, now in the precinct of Ilupeju-Ekiti. Their closest neighbours were the Egosi, Oye, Ire, and Arigidi (now Ayegbaju-Ekiti) settlements. The following kings ruled over Eseta before the amalgamation. Ijaduola, Fasei, Fasumo, Oluorokun, Fameisin, Ogunmoyin, Ajijola, Omowaye (he was recalled from the war front to become Oloja Eseta), Adeyemi (1897-1925), Akarigidi Oniyelu (1925-1947), Olorunfemi (1948-1971) and Oba Olaleye Oniyelu who was installed in 1980 till.

Eletolua & Apeju in 2010 at IfisiN-Ekiti

    Ilupeju-Ekiti which finally emerged in 1974 was essentially championed by the middle age class of the two communities. Interestingly, an intelligence report of Oye District in Ekiti Division of old Ondo Province by A.C.C. Swayne, the District Officer dated 26th February 1936 page 16 paragraphs 89, stated inter-alia that in view of the unity and geographical proximity between Egosi and Eseta it was desirable for the councils of both villages to be combined to form a single subordinate native authority. It is sheer providence that 38 years after; the administrative proposition became a reality on a mutual note of all the parties concerned. Also due to the strategic location of Eseta and Egosi-Ekiti, the pelupelu of 1947 was held in Egosi-Ekiti, Oba Akarigidi Oniyelu of Eseta and Oba Falodun the Oloja of Egosi-Ekiti were present at the meeting and a customary court serving the two communities was built in the 1940s. Ekiti unity that makes the homogeneous state to stand out in Nigeria had its foundation in the victory won during the Ekitiparapo war, popularly known as the Kiriji war between 1877 and 1893. Two of the veterans that fought gallantly during the war and ensured victory for Ekiti were Olugbosun Fajembola and Aje Ologbojo who were illustrious sons of Ilupeju-Ekiti. The liberation from the onslaught of Ibadan was the outcome of the war, and ultimately became the springboard on which the creation of Ekiti State was mounted. Olugbosun Fajembola was a signatory to the peace treaty signed in 1893.

 

Architect Dipo Ajayi, Chief Babalola; Pastor Diipo Bamidele, Tunde Jegede and Femi Olajobi

Ilupeju-Ekiti which situates on a plateau was not a mere change of name, the Olojas surrendered their sovereignty totally as a sacrifice for the public good, through the creation of a new town. It is a commendable feat! The Oloja Egosi, Oba Falodun passed-on in 1969 while on Friday March 28th 1970, Oloja Eseta-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Babalola Olorunfemi joined his ancestors. The Eseta kingmakers through the Ifa oracle came up with two names on December 28th 1979 and the then Prince Emmanuel Ojo Olaleye Oniyelu was the anointed person. Meanwhile the opinion leaders prevailed on the Eseta kingmakers not to appoint anyone yet. The promoters of one unique big town, initiated unification memorandum which got the approval of the government of the day and the name-change arose with the two Class B royal stools merged. The immediate challenge was which ruling house would produce the first Apeju? They settled for the ballot option. Two young princes that have not known women (kan ti balaga) were chosen from the two royal houses, Eseta and Egosi. In a ceremony preceded by fanfare, drumming and dancing, the ballot was cast. The prince of Eseta. picked Apeju, while the Egosi prince picked Obanla. Consequently, the trained Geography teacher, Oba Olaleye Oniyelu emerged and had been the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti since 1980 to the glory of God.

Chief Olatunbosun, Chief Ayo Otitoju, Messrs Agboola Awe and Sola Akeredolu

The stool/throne is structured such that the person who will succeed the incumbent will come from the current Obanla ruling house, while the other ruling house will present succeeding Obanla. In essence, the Apeju throne will rotate between the two old stools. Ilupeju-Ekiti was never subordinated to any paramount ruler and took all the risks associated with the post merger challenges. Over there decades after the fusion, there had been no record of unresolved problems or issues that could rattle either the local or state government, emanating from the community. Not that there were no tensed moments, yet surmountable to the glory God with the sincerity of purpose of those managing the affairs of the town. Ilupeju-Ekiti is indeed an exemplary coexistence in harmonious communal living. No doubt, considering the impeccable traditional institution management standard in which the unified community has excelled, the Apeju has earned a grade one king status in Ekiti.

During 2010 general elections in Ilupeju-Ekiti

    The town also remains the commercial nerve center of Oye Local Government Area with the increasing influence of her strategic Menara market. The market serves as a leading distribution channel and the clearing nodal point for integrated farm produce to various parts of the country. Obalatan is a unifying deity to Ilupeju and Oye communities which informed naming the first secondary school, Obalatan Commercial Grammar School. With increasing population, more public and private nursery, primary and secondary schools have been established more than other communities in the locality. Private enterprises are springing up such as a 3-Star Hotel, providing high grade accommodation for the community and its environs which sometimes meet the needs of spill-over demand gap to visitors from the State Capital.

Brigadier-General Daramola flanked by Seye Adetunmbi & Funso Daramola

Traditional administrative structure of Ilupeju incorporates 13 districts, with an Oloja as the head of each. These district heads are in liaison with the Apeju through the Apeju-in-council. It is strategically useful for information dissemination of government policies, tax matters, traditional disciplinary and socio-cultural issues. Another unique supporting native framework for ease of administering the town is the three age group system (egbe esa, ule and agba) arranged in order of seniority. Egbe esa and ule are the mature young men & women who provide manpower for the progress of the community. Credit of the conception and implementation of the unification that delivered Ilupeju goes to the young elites of the time most of them are now of blessed memory. The arrow head of the amalgamation was Brigadier-General Olu Daramola supported by other indigenes which include Chief S. O. Babalola, Chief Ajiboye, Chief Ayo Adameji, Chief Ayo Olowatuyi, Chief Reuben Daodu, Chief J. F. Ayeleso, Messrs D. O. Adelusi, Arije, Ayeni and Oloruntoba.

Ise-Ekiti

THE PRISTINE KINGDOM AND RICH HERITAGE OF ISE-EKITI

By 

Seye Adetunmbi, first written in 2013

Every community has its unique identity and characteristics from historical perspective. More often, it is predominantly as a result of the actions or inaction of the indigenes. However, some are fundamentally favored by history, by virtue of the pedigree of the early natural rulers among other kings or the status of the Oba among monarchs. There is something that politics of manipulation or any shade of intrigues cannot take away from communities; it is the preserved ancient edifices and history peculiar to every town and village. For instance, the pelupelu of old, likened to the Supreme Council, were the rated 16 Ekiti crowned kings (Alademerindinlogun) that met regularly to deliberate on matters of communal interest. They were well classified and know themselves, the Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti was among those rated obas. As a matter of fact, His Royal Majesty, Oba David Ope Adeyeye, Agunsoye II was the chairman of the pelupelu when the 16 obas met in Ise-Ekiti on November 9, 1940. To the glory of God, the incumbent, His Royal Majesty, Oba David Ayodele Adetunji Ajayi, Aweloye II has also served as the Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Obas.

   Not until the weekend I spent in the historical town in the second week of January 2010, writing about Ise didn't occur to me. Three memorable encounters inspired me to put this piece together for posterity. Before going to the events, let me state here that Ise-Ekiti to me is not just any Ekiti town because of the lingering memory of few childhood experiences and knowledge of the town of Famewos, Obilanas, Agbebis, Olokesusis, Ogunrosoyes, Adeyeyes, Agunbiades, Ogunleyes, Babalolas, Fakiles, Falades etc.

L-R: Dr Remi Oni, Banjo Ogunrosoye, Oba Adetunji, Mrs Bola Oni, Mrs Dele Ogunrosoye & Okan Seye Adetunmbi during tour of the palace

Recalling traveling with my venerable father as a little boy in the late 1960s and early 1970s; I often looked out for landmarks through out such journeys. The few trips with him in his Peugeot 403 to Owo and its environs in those days from Ekiti, he often passed through Ise and Emure, perhaps due to his knack for the best route in the midst of challenging road networks in the old western region which is still prevalent nationally till date. Of course, we stopped-over at Ise/Emure Grammar School, to pay courtesy call on Baba Senator P. A. Ogundipe, the first principal of the school and my aunt his wife, Mrs Bamitale Ogundipe (nee Adelusi). Visits to Ise/Emure became periodic when my eldest sister, Yetunde attended the Higher School Certificate programme briefly. Naturally, I took notice of Ogbese river and the long narrow bridge on our way and the unique Oremeji house of the famous Oremeji in Ibadan. Until it was explained to me, I thought Ise-Emure was one town with another small town, Orun-Ekiti all linked together. My later day visits were when I drove my father to the synod held in the town and Ekiti Anglican Diocesan meeting(s) held in Ise-Emure Grammar School premises in the early 1980s. In fact the two major towns were under the defunct Isokan Local Government Area, created to whittle down the rivalry between the two communities, but when center could not hold government eventually created two different local governments for the two sophisticated communities.

   Coming to my recent encounters, I was touched when a young man from Ise-Ekiti, Bayo Ojo a.k.a. Terror, of Oraye Quarter, Ise-Ekiti told his story of his sojourn to Libya in his quest for greener pasture. He was a molue driver in Agege area of Lagos. In hot sun while on the job, he removed his shirt, sweating day-in, day-out to generate the "delivery money". Then he met one Dada an Iragbiji man who offered to facilitate his trip to ulu-oyinbo (white man’s country). He sold his belongings to raise capital for the trip. Along with three other "victims" they set out from Lagos to Igolo beside Cotonu, through Chad to Libya and walked with touch light overnight at some point of the enslaving journey.

Bayo Ojo alias Terror Gadafi (2^nd left) flanked by Okan, Banjo Ogunrosoye & Prince Dr. Dapo Falade

He first sensed that he must have got himself in a pickle situation, when they had to ride on a Vesper motor-bike. He had to ask their "captor" and I quote: "but you said we were going to ulu oyinbo how does one ride bike to overseas"? Poor Terror, he ended up at a coconut plantation in Libya! By the time he changed all the bagful of Libyan currency notes for the three years in captive, it came to N16,000! He cursed himself in Ekiti dialect "uya jeun, un-pofo" (suffered, loser). Meanwhile, he had bought back-pack with Terror Gadafi written on it; from which he earned his nick-name till date. He also got a pair of canvass and took photographs with white men to pose for his Ise-Ekiti kinsmen on arrival in Nigeria. That was the predicament of my new younger friend, Terror Gadafi and I promised him to write about his trip so that others may learn from his quandary. Today, Bayo back home in Ise-Ekiti is doing fine where he makes a living.

   Pa Elijah Folorunso Akinleye was the second person I met who knew and worked closely with the revered man of God, Pastor Moses Babalola of the C.A.C. fame who passed-on in 1959. The first person was the father of a former boss, Pa Ibitoye of Sosan-Akoko. It was then I heard of an extraordinary incident involving the spiritually endowed man from Efon-Alaye. Pastor Babalola was engaged in one of his serial long fasting and prayer sessions in the forest, one day a snake crawled towards him, a drop from his sweat fell on the poisonous reptile and the creature dried off! It can then be imagined why I couldn't hide my curiosity when Papa Akinleye, retired C.A.C. superintendent and General Evangelist talked about his mentor and relationship with the legend I long to know more about. Baba is the father-in-law of my host and friend, Banjo Ogunrosoye. Baba did not have record of his exact date of birth, but discussions with him gave a clue to someone in his 90s. He worked in Akoko Division and retired at Babalola center at Ikeji, Arakeji; now a pensioner resident in Ise-Ekiti.

   The climax of the historical visit to Ise-Ekiti was the tour of the ancient palace of Arinjale, courtesy of my host. His Royal Majesty Oba Adetunji Ayodele Ajayi was pleased to take us through the memorable excursion. The highly educated and well exposed monarch had built the fourth modern palace close to the first palace which was built during the reign of his great-grandfather in 1860s. The oldest palace has a quadrangle and some sections that we could not enter but could be seen from the entrance. They are meant for different traditional occasions. One of them is where Arinjale at the apportioned time stays in seclusion and incommunicado for days. Next to the oldest palace is the story building built by Oba Adeyeye who reigned for 44 years. With little repairs, the edifice with wooden staircase can be preserved. I could not resist the urge to take photograph with the Vauxhall car of Oba Adeyeye, its state notwithstanding; the car should be preserved. It reminds me of the relic of the car of Oore Oyinloye that I saw in Otun-Ekiti. The 3rd palace was built by Oba Adebomi close to the popular igi osan' (orange tree). The osan is probably as old as the palace itself because everybody grew-up to find it there. 

   Ise-Ekiti like most Yoruba towns have many ruling houses. Ancient war in the days of Ogedengbe was attributed to depleting the ranks of some primordial princes drawn to some of the olden fatal wars. However, those ruling houses left have been compressed to just two by the Morgan Commission of Inquiry on chieftaincy affairs (1976-1979). The ruling house of Agomugo Aran is said to have produced Oladimeji ruling house; while Okitiko/Atokesa lawa ruling house had produced the Aweloye ruling house. Thus, current ruling houses are: Aweloye ruling house and Oladimeji ruling house. History has it that three past obas used the title of “Oluse of Ise” while the rest had the title of Arinjale. The first Oba with the title of Arinjale was Kabiyesi Oba Akinlaoro.

  

Storey Building is the 2^nd Place, Roof of a section of the sprawling 1^st Palace  and  igi ssan standing close to the 3^rd Palace

Digging deep also revealed that the first Oba Arinjale with a known ruling date was actually Oba Olofinla Nla reputed to be popular and powerful, he reigned 1630-1679. The six succeeding Obas after him, dates of their tenures were not available for this write-up. Other Obas who reigned till date are: Oba Olomoisola Aganmugan Aran, Arinjale of Ise 1871-1877; Oba Aweloye (Great grand-father of the current Oba) 1887-1919; Oba Oladimeji Arinjale 1920-1931; Oba David Ope Adeyeye Arinjale Agunsoye II (grand Uncle to the current Oba) 1932-1976; Oba Samuel Adegbite Adebomi (Oladimeji lineage) Arinjale from 1983 - 1998 and the incumbent, Oba Adetunji Ayodele Ajayi (Aweloye II) who ascended the throne in 2001. Igba odun, odun kan (long live the king)

   Perhaps the story of the palace of Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti is not complete without the mention of the great and numerous sculptures carved by the genius sculptor, Olowe. Most people who collect arts have some of his works in Nigeria and abroad. Pa Olowe is better described as an alujonu (a rare weird talent with too much skill). He was noted to be doing sculpturing under agbada and the product would look exactly like the sculptured object. He carved from the inside (inu li mu i gbe ere). The sculpture of Oba Adeyeye is a timeless master piece sitting in an American museum till date with the signature of Olowe on it. Kabiyesi said he saw Olowe’s works at the museum.

   This leads to the recurring case of the missing artifacts from the palace. All the pillars holding the protruding roofs of the biggest quadrangle in the palace where the community held ceremonies were uniquely sculptured by the legendary Olowe. Regrettably, they were stolen and scattered all over the world. Few of them moved from France to America. Kabiyesi talked about efforts they made with some of the elites of the community to retrieve them to no avail. One of the options given to them is to repurchase. What an irony. Albeit, I still feel that through strategic and persistent diplomatic means at federal government level, every identified stolen sculpture from the palace can be restored. All the same, it will take a serious nation with purposeful government in place to do it. My charge to Ise-Ekiti elites is to constitute a formidable team that will work with Kabiyesi and do everything possible to preserve the edifices left in the palace. People spend a lot of money to see antique cars and ancient things in the Western World. The prevailing self-serving politicking by people in government will not endure, a time will come that normalcy will prevail for tourism to thrive in our land.

   To those communities that may not have a unique cultural history like Ise-Ekiti, they can still create a niche for their towns provided they manage their affairs in a manner that will bring the indigenes to work together for common good in harmony. By way of general charge to contemporary communities; traditional leadership must not allow treacherous elements hijack communal responsibility. Very smart community leaders don't take side openly in partisan politics when it can be avoided. Where there are two or more indigenes jostling for political offices, ensure a level playing field. Make it a communal creed, that on no account must any ward be sacrificed for the other through unhealthy political intrigue. Elites should work together to facilitate due process in communal political scheming. The scallywags of low progeny who misrepresent larger communal interest are not the culprits, but the conventional community leaders that stand aloof without condemning dastardly acts. Any community destined for socio-economic greatness will dissuade self serving politicians from breaking their ranks and avoid actions tantamount to paying back good deeds of indigenes with bad or evil machinations. Ability to balance multi-faceted communal interests and harness legitimate political gains from all quarters, void of avoidable conflicts is the key to unprecedented progress that will endure.

Arinjale Ise with Seye Adetunmbi, Orangun Oke-Ila & Banjo Ogunrosoye in 2013

The brief time spent with the Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti was an outstanding lesson in history. The aroso or ajaib'ale’ (highest grade) fresh palm wine which kabiyesi gave us that we brought to Lagos was the best I've had in the recent past. It is one of the things that endear my Ekiti root to me. I also thank the Alayelua for the etu kan ti yan (smoked bush meat). Kabiyesi Arinjale, ofurufu o se gba mu. E e je ju ti ara osaju lo, ade a pe l'ori, bata a pelese, ase a pe l’enu, urukere a d'okinni. Amin ase.