Historical claims have long been a determinant of prestige and political relevance in African society. Unfortunately, many individuals in this part of the world have distorted and continue to distort historical facts for personal gain, wealth, land, Royal ancestry, Chieftaincy titles, dominance, and other self-serving privileges. When these false narratives are exposed, the beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries often react with hostility rather than accepting the truth.
AGBOWA PREDATED IDOWA
This discussion aims to shed light on certain long-held misconceptions about the history of Idowa town near Ijebu Ode. Contrary to popular belief, Agbowa predated Idowa. According to widely acknowledged traditions in Idowa and its environs, the 13th Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Owa Otutubiosun, did not found Agbowa from Idowa. Instead, historical records establish that Owa Otutubiosun's journey was actually the opposite.
The British colonial authorities, particularly Captain J.A. Mackenzie, the Idowa District Officer, noted in the Intelligence Report of the District that Idowa is only six miles from Ijebu Ode and is an hinterland community. This contradicts the Ifa oracle's instructions to Owa Otutubiosun to move closer to the lagoon for treatment. In reality, Owa Otutubiosun left Ijebu Ode for Agbowa, a town near the lagoon, where he settled his relations and followers in surrounding areas.
After his healing, Owa Otutubiosun and his heir apparent, Prince Jadiara, attempted to reclaim the Royal throne in Ijebu Ode. However, the people of Ijebu Ode appealed to him to forgo the throne in the interest of peace, a plea which Owa Otutubiosun accepted on the condition that all Royal paraphernalia be shared equally between them. It was during this time that Owa Otutubiosun was persuaded to take possession "Gbure" of a specific vast farmland few miles away from Ijebu Ode known as Ure Oko, which became Idowa.
THE TWELVE (12) NON-EXISTENT OBAS IN IDOWA'S REGNAL LIST
Dr. Badejo Oluremi Adebonojo, in his book "Itan Ido Ijebu" (1990), presented a regnal list of 18 kings (Dagburewes) who allegedly ruled Idowa, starting from Owa Otutubiosun in 1540 to Samuel Adebonojo, who ruled from 1927 to 1954. However, a closer examination of this list reveals glaring discrepancies and inconsistencies.
According to Ijebu Royal tradition, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ile Nla, Agunsenbi Quarters, Ijebu Ode, appointed every ruler (Dagburewe) of Idowa until 1954. The authentic list of past Dagburewes, as confirmed by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and documented in British Colonial records, includes:
1. Owa Otutubiosun
2. Jadiara
3. Sikunoye
4. Arijeloye
5. Aropelehinjoye Agba-Awo
6. Okulote Anowoneyo
7. Adebonojo Samuel
The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, as the birthplace of the Dagburewe stool, is the competent authority to determine its membership, appointees, and every issue connected thereto. Their affirmation of the above list renders Adebonojo's regnal list and similar accounts invalid.
The art of crafting and preserving images or effigies (Okutes) of past rulers is a significant aspect of Idowa's tradition, similar to Ijebu Ode. The number of Okutes kept by the Asokutes supports the historicity of Oba Sikiru Olukayode Adetona, GCON, as the 56th Awujale of Ijebuland.
In 1937, Captain James Alexandre Mackenzie, the Idowa District Officer, conducted an inquiry at Idowa where the Dagburewe and his people produced the original regalia of office and effigies (Okute) of the past Awujales shared with the Dagburewe and those crafted for the Dagburewe while at Idowa in all totalling 12 Okutes.
The absence of historical records carrying the names of the following individuals as past rulers of Idowa confirms that they are invented personalities:
1. Oyeyemi
2. Oyetubo
3. Otuniyi
4. Osidero
5. Otufesojoye
6. Adebunkoye
7. Ademoyebo
8. Anowoneyo
9. Agbonmagbe
10. Ore-Adekan
11. Adesunkanren Abejoye
12. Ademoyegun
These names are not mentioned in the tradition of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Agunsenbi Quarters, Ijebu Ode with some of these names being mere cognomen of the actual Dagburewes.
Inconsistencies in Adebonojo's Claims
Adebonojo's regnal list is plagued by inconsistencies and contradictions. Specifically, he claimed that Anowoneyo ruled Idowa in 1702, yet he also acknowledged that Anowoneyo was a son of Gbogbo-Olu, the founder of Irete, who was alive as late as 1850. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the validity of Adebonojo's claims.
Furthermore, Adebonojo's assertion that Sikuloye reigned in 1770 is also problematic, given that Sikuloye was appointed from Isiwo town, which was not founded until 1846. This anachronism further undermines the credibility of Adebonojo's regnal list.
These inconsistencies demonstrate that Adebonojo's claims are not supported by historical facts and are likely fabrications invented to present a chronological list nearer to the reign of Owa Otutubiosun, a needless ingenuity of Idowa elites. It is essential to rely on verifiable evidence and authentic historical records when reconstructing the past, rather than relying on unsubstantiated claims and assertions.
Historical Research conducted by: Ijebu Society for History Studies (ISHS)