Ibeju Kingdom: Where trees produce money,dress, beads

By Idowu Adelusi

Oba Rafiu Olusegun Salami,
Onibeju of IbejuIbeju is a town in Ibeju/ Lekki local government Area of Lagos State.

This kingdom derived its name “Ibeju” from the historical three parcels of land separated by swamp.

According to history, Prince Agbeduwa, one of the sons of Oduduwa was said to have migrated to the area in search for a camping site. The Ifa had earlier advised that the camping site must not be too far from the lagoon. He was attracted to the current location of the town as provided by the peninsula because he noticed that the spot was about the largest of three parcels of land. Having settled on this part of the area he merely named it after its size, “Ibeju” meaning this land is the largest.

Apparently, many people are not surprised at the level of this historic kingdom which has a mixture of the Yoruba and the Benin customs and traditions.

Prince Agbeduwa (founder), a great hunter was said to have migrated from Ile-Ife just like his brother, Alado had done earlier. Alado, who later became the Olubini of Benin was said to have moved to Benin City while Agbeduwa eventually settled in Lagos. That was not all.

Agbeduwa was said to have been directed by Ifa earlier to secure a settlement place for his descendants. He was told in clear terms that he must dwell in a place that is near the lagoon but not far from the sea. Only in such a location would his kingdom spread and his descendants prosper. Prince Agbeduwa eventually settled at a place called Oju Agbe

Having been satisfied with the environment, Prince Agbeduwa went back to Ife.On coming back to Oju Agbe, he brought his family members and servants. Some of those who came with him were Agbe, Alaro, Ajaye and Ogunmodede.Prince Agbeduwa came with his royal crown.

Ibeju has three significant trees known as Omogi meta Nibeju. These traditional trees were said to have lived for about 800 years . And each of these trees has its own significance to the lives of the people of Ibeju. The first tree was believed to bring money- The second tree produced the best beads. While the third tree was said to be the father of all dresses anyone could think of.It was a taboo for anybody to touch the trees or pluck its leaves until after a particular ritual has been carried out or after the Oba himself has communed with the trees. These trees now form the central shrine in the town called Oju Owa

The first building erected by Agbeduwa and his people is today housing the Agba la-Agemo shrine at Idimu.Also, the Akoko tree initially planted in front of the town is still at that spot up till date.

Oju Agbe later changed to Ibeju and the settlement began to expand and became a commercial centre to the traders at the period. Because of the development, the elders of the town decided to install Prince Agbeduwa as the first king of the kingdom with a title, Onibeju of Ibeju.

Three days after the installation, the king would proceed to Ipebi his temporary chamber and stay there for three months. Usually,the coronation is always carried out at Enu-Owa. The Enu-Owa is a sacred place in the town where the Oba and other traditional chiefs are crowned. At Enu-Owa both the Oba and the chiefs would dance to Gbedu Music with a sword in their hands visiting important shrines in the town”.

The members of Odi-Cult perform all the traditional rites for both the Oba and the chiefs

The Onibeju royal family has three ruling houses:
Abejoye,Oniwonlu and Aladeseso ruling house.
The name of past rulers are:
1 ObaAgbeduwa (Oba Agbeduwa) 1482-1534
2 Oba Agbare 1536-1555
3 Oba Kade 1557-1572
4 Oba Koyejo 1574-1804
5 Oba Ya (ogun (Oba Yafogun) 1606-1658
6 Oba Abiloye Abejoye 1660-1690
7 Oba Olasanyi (oba Olasanyi) 1692-1703
8 Oba O. Ogidigan 1720-1751
9 Oba Lumoye 1755-1774
10 Oba Ladeson Aladeseso 1780-1997
11 Oba Somoju Agunloye 1798-1830
12 Oba Badegunba Oniwonlu 1832-1872
13 Oba Ogunfayo 1873-1908
14 Oba Ogunfunyi 1909-1914
15 Oba Adesalu Ayinwura 1915-1937
16 Oba Saka Ogunlana 1939-1945
17 Oba Gbadamoshi Anisere 1947-1963
18. Oba Musa Agbabiaka 1969-2000 19. Oba Rafiu Olusegun 2006 till date.

The current Onibeju is His Royal Highness, Kabiyesi, Oba Rafiu Olusegun Salami. He ascended the throne in 2006. Since the installation .of the current Onibeju the town has witnessed rapid transformation. Oba Salami Ogunbamise I was born in Sapele on August 16, 1950, to the late Pa Harnzat Olaniyi Alimi and Madam Taibat Alimi of Aladeseso family of Magbon-Alade.

Oba Rafiu Olusegun Bamidele Salami is the 19th Onibeju. He started his early education in 1959 at St Peter’s school Magbon Alade in 1964, Having schooled in Olu-Orogbo High school, Ile-Ife from where he graduated; ‘in 1970, Kabiyesi joined his father, chief Hamzat Alimi in sapele where he learned the printing trade under his tutelage; it was not long thereafter, when he took over the managing of the sapele branch of his father’s press.

In search for more challenging work experiences, his Royal Majesty left printing and joined commerce Assurances limited (then face to face) where he worked as claims superintendent Lagos from 1980-1983, Branch manager Epe (1983-1984) Branch manager Aba 1984-1985 and he ended his career in Insurance industry with deputy branch manager Lagos with maximum insurance company at Herbert Macaulay street, Ebute matta, Lagos.

Later in 1993, Kabiyesi relocated to Abuja and joined Nicon Noga Hotel (as it was then) and he worked in various departments rising through Assistant Captain (Nite club) to bar manager in 1998

Kabiyesi retired voluntary in 2000 to enable him campaign vigorously for the present position he has now ascended following the death of Oba Musa Agbabiaka, the former Onibeju of Ijebu.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Rafiu Olusegun Salami, Onibeju of Ibejuland, confirmed that, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu is his mentor, but also an inspirer and a father figure worthy of emulation and he has the highest respect, regard and adoration for him.