The Ijesha are a sub-ethnicity of the Yorubas of West Africa. Ilesha is the largest town and historic cultural capital of the Ijesha people and is home to a kingdom of the same name, ruled by an Oba locally styled as the Owa Obokun Adimula.
1. Migration from Ile-Ife: The Ijesa people trace their ancestry back to Ile-Ife, the legendary cradle of the Yoruba civilisation. According to tradition, their founding father was a son of Oduduwa, the mythical progenitor of the Yoruba race.
2. Resilience and Determination: Renowned for their tenacity, the Ijesa people are characterised by the saying “Osomaalo,” which translates to “I will not leave until I have collected my money.” This reflects their steadfastness in pursuing their goals, particularly in financial matters.
3. Bravery in Warfare: Throughout history, the Ijesa people have demonstrated valour in times of conflict. Notably, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, a prominent Ijesa warrior, served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ekiti Parapo Army during the Kiriji War in the nineteenth century.
4. Tourist Attractions: Erin-Ijesa Waterfalls, also known as Olumirin Waterfalls, is a captivating natural wonder situated in Erin-Ijesa. With seven tiers cascading amidst lush greenery, it offers a mesmerising spectacle for visitors.
5. Cultural Heritage: The Ijesa people boast a rich cultural heritage, evident in various archaeological sites and traditional festivals. These include the Kiriji War Museum at Imesi-Ile, Agirigiri Shrine at Ijebu-Ijesa, and the historic Owa-Obokun Millennia Palace in Ilesa.
6. Tribal Marks: While the Ijesa people do not have a distinct tribal mark style, traditional markings typically comprise about 5 or 6 horizontal lines on each cheek. These marks were historically used for identification purposes among the Yoruba.
7. Cuisine: A traditional culinary delight among the Ijesa people is pounded yam (“iyan”) served with egusi soup, complemented by palm wine. This reflects the local gastronomic preferences and cultural practices of the community.
8. Iwude Ogun Festival: Among the plethora of traditional festivals celebrated in Ijesaland, the Iwude Ogun Festival holds particular significance. During this event, the reigning Owa (King) pays homage to traditional chiefs across Ilesa, underscoring the importance of communal leadership.
9. Geographical Location: Predominantly hailing from Ilesa in Osun State, Nigeria, the Ijesa people are geographically bordered by Ekiti to the east, Oyo to the west, Igbomina to the north, and Ife to the south.
10. Historical Legends: The history of the Ijesa people is steeped in myth and legend, encapsulating tales of migration, heroism, and cultural evolution. These narratives serve as a foundation for understanding the collective identity and heritage of the community.
11. Origin of the Name “Omo Obokun”: The term “Omo Obokun” is used by the Ijesa people to describe themselves and translates to “Children of Obokun.” This designation is rooted in the ancestral lineage of the community, particularly tracing back to Obokun, a significant figure in their history.
12. Trade and Commerce: Historically, the Ijesa people have been active participants in trade and commerce, leveraging their strategic location and entrepreneurial spirit. This has facilitated economic growth and cultural exchange within the region.
13. Religious Practices: Traditional religious beliefs and practices play a significant role in the lives of the Ijesa people, influencing various aspects of their culture, ceremonies, and worldview. These beliefs are often intertwined with reverence for ancestral spirits and deities.
14. Education and Scholarship: The Ijesa people place a high value on education and intellectual pursuits, recognising the importance of knowledge in personal and societal development. This emphasis on learning has produced scholars and professionals who contribute to various fields.
15. Community Spirit: Central to the fabric of Ijesa society is a strong sense of community spirit and solidarity. This manifests in communal activities, mutual support networks, and collective decision-making processes, fostering unity and cohesion among the people.
The Ijesha (Ijesa)are ancient militaristic, agriculturalists and expert trading Yoruboid-speaking people that form a sub-ethnic of the larger Yoruba people of West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Benin. The Ijesa are predominantly from the city and environs of Ilesha (Ilesa) and the historic Kingdom of Ilesha in the same area. Ijesa people forms the largest chunk of sub-Yoruba ethnic group that were shipped into slavery in Americas and the Caribbeans.
The Ijesha people used to have a big territory but lost some portions of it to their neighbours during various conflicts and wars of the nineteenth and preceding centuries. The state was ruled by a monarch bearing the title of Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland. The state of Ilesa consisted of Ilesa itself and a number of smaller surrounding cities. The people of Oke-Ako, Irele, Omuo-Oke speak a dialect similar to Ijesha.
Some of the popular towns of the Ijesa are Ibokun, Erin Ijesa, Ipetu Jesa, Ijebu Jesa, Esa-Oke, Ipole, Ifewara, Ijeda,Iloko, Iwara, Iperindo, Erinmo, Iwaraja, Idominasi, Ilase, Igangan, Imo, Eti-oni,Iboku, Erin-Ijesa, Ibodi and many others.