The history of Yoruba civilization is deeply rooted in the foundation of its cities, many of which were established by legendary leaders, warriors, and royals. These founders played crucial roles in shaping the cultural and political landscapes of Yorubaland.
Origins of Key Yoruba Cities
1. Ile-Ife – Often regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba people, it was founded by Obatala.
2. Owo – Established by Ojugbelu.
3. Oshogbo – Founded by Queen Oso-Igbo.
4. Akure – Traced back to Omoremi Omoluabi.
5. Ondo – Established by Queen Pupupu.
6. Iwo – Founded by Prince Ogbaigbai.
7. Oyo – Established by Prince Oranmiyan, a revered figure in Yoruba history.
8. Igede Ekiti – Founded by Ake.
9. Abeokuta – Established by Shodeke, a leader of the Egba people.
10. Ilesha – Founded by Owalushe Ajaka.
11. Esie – Traced to Prince Baragbon.
12. Ijero Ekiti – Founded by Prince Ogbe.
13. Sango-Otta – Established by Osolo and Eleidi Atalabi.
14. Igbesa – Founded by Akeredun.
15. Iperu – Founded by Akesan.
16. Ikire – Established by Akinere.
17. Ado Ekiti – Traced to Awamaro.
18. Esa-Oke – Founded by Omiran Adebolu.
19. Ilorin – Established by Ojo Isekuse.
20. Ikorodu – Founded by Oga.
21. Ijebu-Ode – Founded by Olode.
22. Iree (Osun) – Established by three brothers: Larooye, Arolu, and Oyekun.
23. Ila-Orangun – Founded by Fagbamila Ajagun-nla.
24. Ikere-Ekiti – Established by Aladeshelu.
25. Ikole Ekiti – Founded by Akinsale.
26. Ede – Established by Timi Agbale.
27. Omu-Aran – Founded by Prince Olomu-Aperan.
28. Ode-Remo – Founded by hunters Arapetu and Liworu.
29. Ikirun – Founded by Akinorun.
30. Saki – Established by Ogun.
31. Eruwa – Founded by Obaseeku.
32. Iraye – Traced to Odudu-Orunku.
33. Ogbomosho – Established by Ogunlola.
34. Offa – Founded by Olalomi Olofa-gangan.
35. Inisa – Established by Prince Ooku Eesun.
36. Ido Ani – Founded by Oba Ozolua.
37. Ejigbo (Osun) – Established by Akinjole Ogiyan (Ogiriniyan).
38. Okuku – Founded by Oladile.
39. Efon Alaye-Ekiti – Established by Iji-Emigun.
40. Ijebu – Founded by Obanta.
41. Isara-Remo – Established by Prince Adeyemo.
42. Odeogbolu – Founded by Eleshi Ekun Ogoji.
43. Ise-Ekiti – Established by Akinluaduse (Akinluse).
44. Isara-Remo – Founded by Prince Adeyemo.
45. Itele-Ijebu – Established by Ojigi Amoyegeso.
46. Ijebu-Jesha – Founded by Oba Agigiri Egboroganlada.
47. Ibokun (Ilemure) – Established by Obokun.
48. Ikoro-Ekiti (Eso-Obe) – Founded by hunters Olushe and Olugona.
49. Ilara Mokin – Established by Obalufon Modulua Olutipin.
50. Igbara Oke – Founded by Olowa Arajaka.
Additional Notable Founders
Epe – Established by Hu-Raka.
Malete (Iseyin) – Founded by Adenle Atologuntele.
Igbo-Ifa (Kishi) – Traced to Kilisi Yeruma.
Ijebu-Igbo – Created by Ademakin Orimolusi.
Ilobu – Founded by Laarosin.
Gbongan – Established by Akinfenwa.
Ire-Ekiti – Traced to Ogun.
Iwoye (Ayedun) – Founded by Atabata.
Igbajo – Established by Prince Akeran.
Imesi-Ile – Founded by Odunmorun and Eye.
Orile-Owu – Established by Pawu.
Otun-Ekiti – Founded by Oore.
Igbo Asako (Igbo-Ora) – Established by Obe Alade.
Idanre – Traced to Olofin, a younger brother of Oduduwa.
Iresi – Founded by Ifadumila Olatimirin, with deep historical connections to Ile-Ife.
These historical figures played a significant role in the expansion and development of the Yoruba people, shaping the cultural and political identity of the region. Their legacies continue to live on in the traditions and histories of these cities.
Source: Late Chief Farinde Owolabi Ajeigbe Joseph, Late Saloro of Iresi Town.