stories and histories IGBOTAKO IN ONDO STATE

Igbotako In Ondo State

Igbotako, (or Igbotako-Osooro) is a town in Okitipupa local government, Ondo State. Bordered by Ilutitun and Iju-Odo from the South, and Erekiti to the West, the town is about 200 kilometers east of Lagos, between Ijebu-ode and Ore, along the Lagos/Benin city expressway. Legend has it that the name, "Igbotako" which means "The forest of The Utako Tree" was coined from Igbo-utako, "Igbo" which means forest or bush in Yoruba, and "Utako", a popular tree in the area. The people of Igbotako speak the Ikale dialect. Igbotako was the first settlement in Osooro land and is one of the most prominent towns in Okitipupa Local Government due to its rich culture and rise of prominent Nigerians over the years such as Chief Olu Akinfosile, Major General Olu Bajowa, and Billionaire businessman, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim. Aside from being the first settlement in Osooro, Igbotako is also one of the oldest communities in Ikale land, and so enjoyed early development compared to other towns in the Ikale land.

The first Juju music originated from Igbotako in the early thirties. The pioneers of this brand of music are: late Pa Aaron Adelokiki; the Obamuwahan of Osooro, Chief Bartholomew Famodun; the Luhare of Osooro, and Chief Festus.
Igbotako Monarchy; The traditional head of Igbotako is the Oba (King) who, by extension, is also the paramount king of the entire Osooro land. He goes by the official title of Rebuja of Osooro.

The Rebuja Throne is shared on a rotational basis between Igbotako and Ilutitun, the two largest and most prominent towns in the kingdom. The Rebuja is assisted by the titleholders called Chiefs, who are grouped into a hierarchical order of Eghare and Ijama. Then there is the Omoja Group which follows the titleholders. The Oba is the Executive Head while the Council of Chiefs made up of Eghares and Ijamas, constitute the lawmaking body. The Omajas act as the traditional police.

File in picture
Igbotako, Osooro community celebrated, annual Ogun festival. The finalle was umale Igba Oluwa dance

Please we need your reply to this topic.
Login or Register