History of Ijebu Ode

 According to tradition, the names "AJEBU" and "OLODE", who were prominent as leaders of the early settlers and founders of the town, were combined to form the name "Ijebu-Ode." According to legend, "OLODE" was related to "OLU-IWA", the first ruler of Ijebu. It is difficult to say for sure which of them—"AJEBU" and "OLODE"—came first, but according to history, Ajebu, Olode, and Ajana met on this territory, which at the time was unoccupied and covered in a dense forest. To establish the precise location on which each person should set up residence, they visited the Ifa Oracle. Ajebu was instructed by the Oracle to travel to and make his home in a location now known as "IMEPE". "OLODE" and "AJEBU" will stay in the same location together known today as "ITA AJANA"  A tomb built by Ajebu's relatives at Imepe, close to Oyingbo market on the Ejinrin Road, still stands as a memorial to his remains. In Olode Street in Ijebu-Ita Ode's Ajana Quarter, Olode's grave is also memorialized. AJEBU and OLODE were the two early settlers who stood out the most. The town's name, "IJEBU-ODE," was developed from their names.  Iwade and Porogun are the two primary wards that make up the town of Ijebu-Ode. Iwade was split into Upper and Lower Iwade, also known as Iwade Oke and Ijasi, respectively (North and South). Ijebu-Ode town is divided into three wards as a result. Because of this, the town is still referred to as "Iwade - Porogun, ljasi, Keta": Iwade Oke, lwade Isale, and Porogun. Each ward was split by "Ituns," or quarters. Twenty-five (25) Quarters are made up of four quarters (Ituns) from Iwade Oke, thirteen quarters (Ituns) from Iwade Isale, and eight quarters (Ituns) from Porogun. As the head man of the Quarter, or "Oloritun," each Quarter had its own Quarter Head. They made up the long-standing and customary IJEBU-ODE TOWN COUNCIL and were collectively called to as the "Oloritun Medogbon" (25 Olorituns, or Quarter Heads).Each Quarter Head represents and articulates the opinions of the residents of his Quarter, with whom he regularly meets to talk about issues of broad interest to the public. The gatherings also act as tribunals for the resolution of minor civil disputes.

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