Why Omo-Ijesa Needs Renewed Government Attention — Oba Michael Adeolu Adejola, Olomo of Omo-Ijesa (Ogboogbodinrin Ogboorun II)

By Toba Adesunmiboye

Oba Michael Adeolu Adejola, the Olomo of Omo-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, speaks with TOBA ADESUNMIBOYE about the history of his ancient community, the economic opportunities emerging from its strategic location, the pressing infrastructural needs of the town, and his close working relationship with the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.

Excerpts:

Can you tell us about the history of Omo-Ijesa?

Omo-Ijesa has been in existence for a very long time. Its origin traces back to Ile-Ife, Idi-Omo Ilare, and Omo-Ijesa has been recognised in Ijesaland for centuries. During the era of Old Oyo, the Olomo ranked as number 14 among all the Obas in the empire — long before Osun State was created. This shows that Omo-Ijesa is a historic kingdom with deep traditional roots.Those who followed the first Olomo from Ile-Ife included prominent figures such as Iyalesoje, Ejio, Adara, Iya Osun, and Iya Atiba. They were part of the foundational structure that established the early identity of the town.Considering its location between Osun and Ondo, what boundaries does Omo-Ijesa share?We share boundaries with Erin-Ijesa, Erin-Oke, Odo-Ijesa, Iperindo, Idado-Ijesa, Erinmo-Ijesa, and Efon-Alaaye, which serves as the inter-state boundary between Osun and Ekiti.Omo-Ijesa has existed for hundreds of years, but history also records a major conflict that altered the community’s growth. In the era when human sacrifice was still practiced, an incident involving a sacrificial killing triggered a war with a neighbouring town. That war scattered our people; some moved to Odo-Ijesa, others settled in Ijebu-Jesa, Iwoye-Ijesa, and Ijeda. Those who stayed behind eventually regrouped to develop what is today’s Omo-Ijesa.

We noticed a developing business hub along the expressway. How has this influenced the town’s economy?

Any community with direct access to a major expressway naturally enjoys economic benefits. But the real progress in visibility and commercial activity began after I ascended the throne.Ten years ago, if you drove along this road, you might not realise a community existed here. When I became king in 2018, Omo-Ijesa was practically hidden behind thick bushes. I recall a day returning from Abuja on a night bus; when I asked to alight at the Omo-Ijesa junction, the bus managers said it was unsafe to stop there because they believed no settlement existed in that area. I had to get down at Brewery Junction instead.That experience opened my eyes.The funny thing is, I never struggled to become king. For one year and nine months my people appealed to me to vie for the throne, but I never planned for it. God destined it. And the moment I ascended the throne, I mobilised bulldozers and graders for 21 days straight. We cleared the bushes, opened up the landscape, and filled the canal blocking visibility.That singular action changed everything. People especially travellers began to realise there is a community here. That is what unlocked the business activities now emerging along the road.I thank God for the grace to make that impact in such a short time.

Kabiyesi, What are the major needs of the community at this time?

One of our most pressing needs is a secondary school. During the era of Chief Bola Ige as Governor of Old Oyo State, he promised to build one for us, but he didn’t return for a second term. An influential son of the community who we call Ebenezer, also died during that political period in Modakeke, and his death affected what the community could have gained in terms of political representation and appointments.Despite those setbacks, God has been raising notable sons and daughters of Omo-Ijesa to support our growth. One of them is Professor Isaac Adewole, former Minister of Health, now recently confirmed as an Ambassador by President Bola Tinubu and he was born in this community. Beyond education, we also need a standard hospital, modern roads, and a proper market. Good roads are a gateway to economic expansion, and that is why I am appealing to the Osun State Government under Governor Ademola Adeleke to prioritise road rehabilitation in Omo-Ijesa.We also desire higher institutions such as a university or polytechnic in the future. The same God that remembered Daura in Katsina will remember Omo-Ijesa. Every king prays for the progress of his people because when they prosper, the king prospers. This is why the Owa Obokun Adimula consistently places the wellbeing of all Ijesa people at the centre of his leadership.

You have a good relationship with the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland. Can you tell us more about this?

When you talk about Baba Owa Obokun Adimula, you are talking about a father to all traditional rulers and all residents of Ijesaland. Any king who understands the dignity of the throne must respect a leader like him.I come from deep royal lineage myself — my mother was the daughter of King Agunlejika of Ijesaland, and my grandfather was also a king. Royal blood flows in my veins, so I understand authority and heritage.Kabiyesi Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup (Owa Ajimoko III) has shown exceptional passion for the development of Ijesaland. Once he knows you are from Ijesa, he ensures you are treated with honour. In just a few months of his reign, we have witnessed unity, accelerated growth, and renewed cultural strength across Ijesaland.His impact is everywhere. He attends major community celebrations across the division, from cultural festivals to annual town events, and wherever he goes, he energises the people. Whether he is in Iwoye-Ijesa, Ipetu-Ijesa, Erinmo-Ijesa or any other town under his domain, Kabiyesi makes his presence felt. This shows his development agenda covers the entire Ijesaland, not just Ilesa.Our collective prayer is that God grants him long life and the grace to actualise all his positive intentions, including the aspiration for an Ijesa State. Under his reign, sons and daughters of Ijesaland at home and abroad have become more united, and traditional rulers now work together with a renewed sense of purpose.