Modakeke, a thriving town in Osun State, South West Nigeria, is home to nearly three hundred thousand people. The Modakekes, also known as the Akoraye, are renowned for their valorous history in war and their prosperity as farmers.
The story of Modakeke dates back to the fall of the Oyo Empire to the Fulani, which threw the Yoruba kingdom into disarray. Fleeing the turmoil, the Oyos sought new settlements across Yoruba land, eventually finding refuge among the Ifes in 1834.
Much like the ancient Romans, the Oyos were soldier-farmers – hardy in battle and industrious in agriculture. Having lost their possessions in the hasty flight, they took up menial jobs to eke out a living in their new home. However, the reigning Ooni of Ife, Oba Akinmoyero, welcomed the displaced Oyos with open arms.
The Oyos quickly set about cultivating various food crops on the farmlands provided by their Ife hosts. Recognizing their military prowess, the Ife army also recruited a significant number of the Oyos, whose gallantry helped extend Ife’s territory to Alakowe, its present boundary with Ilesa.
Interestingly, the area where the Ooni’s palace now stands was once part of Ijesha land, known as Enuwa (Enu Owa) until the Oyos arrived. Ooni Akinmoyero then granted the displaced Oyos a vast expanse of land outside the walls of Ife, where they settled.
The new settlement was named Modakeke, a name derived from the local storks (Ako) that inhabited the area and their distinctive call, “Mo-da-ke-ke-ke-ke,” which was often heard by the Ifes.
Today, the Modakekes continue to thrive as a vibrant community, preserving their rich history and cultural heritage. Their story stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Yoruba people in the face of adversity.
