Historical Origins of Ire-Ekiti
Ire-Ekiti is a town in present-day Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti state in southwestern Nigeria. The town is also called Ire m’Ogun because of its connection to Ogun, the Yoruba god of iron, war, and craftsmanship.
Early Settlement: Ire-Ekiti was originally known as “Igbo Irun” or “Oke-Ori” before adopting its current name. According to oral traditions, the town’s founding is linked to *Ogun, who migrated from Ile-Ife (the cradle of the Yoruba people) around 1192 AD. He established his son, Ogundahunsi (later titled Onire, meaning “owner of fortune”), as ruler over the indigenous inhabitants.
Relocation: A smallpox epidemic later forced the community to move eastward to their present location. The town’s name, “Ire”, reflects its association with prosperity and Ogun’s legacy.
Ogun’s Connection to Ire-Ekiti
Migration and Conflict: Ogun, a warrior and blacksmith, left Ile-Ife to fight battles across Yorubaland. He settled his son in Ire but later returned to find the town transformed. During a council meeting, the chief unaware of his identity—ignored him and failed to offer him palm wine, his favorite drink. Enraged, Ogun killed many before realizing they were his descendants.
Disappearance and Legacy: Overcome with remorse, Ogun met an elder named Elepe, who appeased him with roasted yam and palm wine. Ogun then vowed never to see his son again and disappeared into the earth at Iju, a sacred spot in Ire-Ekiti. He left a chain for the people to summon him in times of war.
Our Cultural and Religious Significance
Ogun Onire Festival: this festival is usually held annually in August; this festival commemorates Ogun’s deeds and appeases his spirit. Rituals include sacrifices (e.g., dogs, snails, palm wine) and reenactments of his arrival. The Elepe lineage, descendants of the elder who calmed Ogun, oversees the shrine and ceremonies.
The importance and appreciation of Ogun remain the basis for the celebration of Ogun Onire festival. The festival is directed at celebrating Ogun, the founder of Ire-Ekiti. It is indisputable that Ogun Onire festival is of great importance to the people of Ire-Ekiti and Yoruba culture at large. Ogun Onire pre-dominates other brands of Ogun and as such, must be invoked during the celebration or worship of other brands of Ogun.
Sacred Site: The Ogun Shrine in Iju is a forested area where Ogun vanished. It is visited primarily during the festival and is considered a place of spiritual power. The Ekiti State government has sought to develop it as a tourist site, akin to Osun-Osogbo Grove.
Political and Social Structure
Monarchical System: Ire-Ekiti is governed by the Onire (king), a hereditary ruler who works with a council of chiefs. The councils of chiefs are: Asaba, alawe, Oniyein, ……. These chiefs were from all the quarters in the town. Some of the quarters are: Ikeleju, Odo, Iyeni, Iniyein, and Egbe. While the Elepe holds a unique role as the shrine’s custodian and never meets the Onire directly, honoring Ogun’s final decree.
Modern Developments
Tourism and Preservation: The Ekiti government, under Governor Kayode Fayemi, prioritized cultural heritage and plans to fence the shrine then and promote the Ogun Festival internationally.
In conclusion, Ire-Ekiti’s identity is inseparable from Ogun’s deity, blending history, spirituality, and cultural pride. The town’s annual rituals and sacred sites not only preserve Yoruba traditions but also highlight efforts to adapt them for modern tourism and community development.