– Adejola Adeyemi Crown
Iloko Ijesa is a community in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State. It is about 9 Square kilometres North – East of Ilesa. The town was Founded about 1113 A. D by Ajagbusi Ekun a Prince from Ile Ife who was widely known for his great success in warfare. He traveled far and wide.
He left home (Ile Ife) in company of his brother, Prince Ajagunla and a host of other able bodied men who were strong in warfare. His father, the legendary Olofin gave him a mystical cap with which to ward off enemies.
Ajagbusi Ekun and his party traversed the areas now known as the Yoruba Empire until they got to Igbadae (now in Atakumosa Local Government Area) where Ajagunla separated from him. Ajagunla took with him some of the men as guards. He later founded the Ila – Orangun Kingdom. After a short sojourn at Igbadae, Ajagbusi Ekun set out in search of a Permanent abode.
He got to igbagiri (now igbatoro) near Akure and moved from there to Idanre before he to a place which he named AJAGBUSI EKUN, a Village near Akure of today. At Ajagbusi Ekun Village, he consulted the oracle to know where he would eventually settle permanently. The oracle revealed that his place of settlement would be near a stream called AFA ERO (procurer of tranquility).
In the search for the stream, he passed through Erin, now Erin Ijesa. He also came to Oke Ana and Ijisun and passing through Oke Oru, he finally came across the AFA ERO stream. The stream which is now known as AFARO is located on the way to Ijebu Jesa before Olashore International School. The stream whose source is from the small hill behind the Iloko Community Centre runs throughout the year. Ajagbusi Ekun decided to settle down near the stream.
The town quickly developed because many people who sojourned thereabout moved there confident of protection from wars, because of the prowess of Ajagbusi Ekun in warfare. The place, was originally named ‘ILU Wako’ (congregation of various communities) which much later was called ILOKO.
The people of Iloko are very industrious and development conscious. They are predominantly farmers who grow yams, cocoyams and lately, rice. Many also travel wide engaging in the traditional Ijesa business of Osomalo (that is trading by hire purchase method of selling their wares).
Iloko is blessed with some prominent and astute businessmen and women who rank amongst the most successful in Nigeria.
The traditional council is a mixed – grill of both elderly persons who are highly experienced and younger crop of chiefs who are very educated and well traveled. Great Credit was given to the foresight of past traditional rulers in attracting the elite and educated persons to the traditional council.
This act contributed to the good governance of the town during the seven and half years following the demise of Oba Samuel Oyerinde Olashore, Ajagbusi Ekun before the late Oba Oladele Olashore was installed. The mantle of leadership of the community fell on High Chief Olusola Ogunsanya, a licensed Surveyor, the Orisa Owaloko and second – in – command to the Oba who became the regent since the demise of Oba Oladele Olashore, CON in the year 2012.
Iloko people are peace loving, law abiding and religious. They are predominantly Christians even though traditions are still reserved.
Apart from the Local Authority Primary School which was established by Government in the wake of the Free Primary Education Scheme of the old Western Region, all other development in Iloko Ijesa has been through collective self – help or individual efforts.
Among these commendable achievements are :
* Comprehensive Maternity Health Center
* The Electrification of the town
*The Erection of 21st century modern Palace
* Establishment of Osowusi Commercial High School
* Establishment of Olashore International School
* Establishment of Iloko Model College
* Establishment of Oluwaloni Schools
* Establishment of a branch of the defunct Afribank Plc
* The Iloko Ijesa Central Cemetery
* Iloko Ijesa Post Office
* Iloko Ijesa Police Station
* Construction of Modern Church Building for Methodist Church Nigeria, Iloko Ijesa.
* Construction of Oba Samuel Oyerinde Olashore Anglican Church
* Construction of a befitting Obalogun Shrine
* Erection of a modern Community Centre incorporating the Town Hall
* Establishment of a Modern Market
* Provision of bore – hole to Supply potable water
* Ongoing construction of Iloko Ijesa Dam among others.
Iloko Ijesa is Indeed an ancient town with potentials for developing into a modern city because of the self – help spirit of the citizens and their dogged determination to transform the town into a modern city.
