Osun Grove, the iconic spiritual site in Osogbo, Osun State, is renowned for its rich history and cultural significance. However, few are aware of its fascinating links to Igede-Ekiti, a town in Ekiti State. In an exclusive interview, Oba James Aladesuru, the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, shed light on this intriguing connection, commemorating the 60th coronation anniversary of his throne.
According to Oba Aladesuru, Igede-Ekiti was once the ancestral home of the revered deity Osun, as well as other historical landmarks like the Elemi pond. Oral traditions passed down through generations tell the story of how Osun left Igede due to a rift with her siblings, eventually finding her way to Osogbo.
“The Igede people settled in Oke Esu and were living in peace until their father and king Ake died,” the traditional ruler explained. “After Ake’s demise, his sixteen offspring could not agree on who would succeed him, leading to a bitter disagreement and the eventual dispersal of the siblings.”
It was during this tumultuous time that Osun, along with other deities like Ibaja, Orunro, Elemi, and Ogbese, turned into water bodies and went their separate ways. Osun, in particular, left Igede and eventually found her way to Osogbo, where she encountered a troubled community and offered her divine intervention.
“Osun’s arrival in Osogbo was a turning point, as the people there begged her to stay, and she obliged,” Oba Aladesuru said. “This is why the Osun Osogbo grove is still a place where prayers are answered to this day.”
Intriguingly, the connection between Osun’s origins in Igede and her legendary status in Osogbo is still recognized by the custodians of the Osun Osogbo tradition. The traditional ruler revealed that the Osun Osogbo grove is often referred to as “Onibu Ola Ere Igede,” acknowledging its roots in the Ekiti town.
Furthermore, other historical sites and landmarks in Igede, such as the Elemi and Osun rivers, as well as a stone in the shape of an armchair believed to be Osun’s seat, serve as reminders of the deity’s origins. Oba Aladesuru also shared that the core custodians of the Osun Osogbo tradition make an annual pilgrimage to the Igede source before the festival.
This shared heritage between Igede-Ekiti and Osogbo underscores the intricate tapestry of Yoruba culture and religion, where the stories of deities and their movements shape the collective identity of the people. As Oba Aladesuru’s insights reveal, the history of Osun is a testament to the interconnectedness of Yoruba communities and the enduring influence of their spiritual traditions.
