Desist from unwanted incursion into our traditional territory – Oloba-in-Council warns Deji of Akure

…..Insists Oba-Ile predates Akure by several centuries

The people of Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have called on Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, to desist from what they describe as “unwanted incursion” into their traditional territory and minor chieftaincies.

Speaking on behalf of Oloba-in-Council, former Commissioner for Transport, Otunba Omoniyi Omodara said there are overwhelming historical facts and antecedents that clearly shows that Oba-Ile is an ancient Yoruba town that predates Akure by several hundreds of years.

The press conference presided over by the Regent of Oba-Ile, Princess Adefoluke Veronica Agunbiade-Adu, condemned a recent paid advertorial by the Odopetu of Owode — purportedly on behalf of Owode, Araromi, and Eleyowo communities — denying cultural or historical ties to Oba-Ile. While describing the publication as illogical, retrogressive, and borne out of deliberate mischief, Oba-Ile leadership accused the Deji of attempting to extend his authority over communities in Akure North, particularly Owode, Araromi, Eleyowo, Ugoba, Isinigbo, Ugbo-Abo, and Ogbese, insisting that history and tradition place these areas firmly under the jurisdiction of the Oloba Oodaye.

According to him, Oba-Ile is an ancient Yoruba settlement that predates Akure by several centuries. Historical accounts cited include the role of the Oloba Oodaye in installing Obagbeyi Adegite, the first Deji of Akure, who was sent from Oba-Ile alongside seven chiefs. These chiefs — Ejemikin, Ojumu, Osunmo, Ooye, Eyelogun, Oloodan, and Asoga — are still traditionally installed in Oba-Ile to date.

He also traced the origins of various surrounding communities to founders from Oba-Ile, explaining that lands were granted to Akure people out of the Oloba’s magnanimity.

“It was the Oloba Oodaye who released part of his land to Asodeboyede, the farmer and first king of Akure , and later through Chief Bara established the boundaries between the two communities at Ala River (Fiwasaye Girls Grammer School) and Mojo Oba (Mummy’s. Place) respectively.Until that time, the title of Oba of Akure was `Alakunre”.

He also cited several other examples, such as the founding of Owode by the Sao family of Oba-Ile, Araromi by descendants of the same lineage, and Eleyowo by quarters established by Oba-Ile indigenes.

The Oloba-in-Council rejected what it called “territorial expansionism” by the Deji, likening it to “Alexander the Great” and warning it could lead to conflict, stressing that the Oloba, as the prescribed authority for Akure North, holds sole traditional rights over the disputed areas, a position they say is backed by historical records, government policy, and past legal decisions.

He recalled several instances of solidarity and assistance extended to Akure by Oba-Ile in times of crisis — including protecting past Dejis during wars, supporting Akure in inter-community disputes, and accommodating settlers from Akure in farmlands and hamlets.

He warned that “Oba-Ile land cannot be ceded to anyone for any reason. The Oloba Oodaye and the Oba-Ile community predate both Akure and its monarch. The Oloba is second to none by history and tradition in the entire Yoruba land.