Imesi-ile
Imesi-ile is an ancient town in the northeastern part of the Obokun Local Government in Osun State, Nigeria. In the 19th century, this town was the epicenter of the Jalumi and the Kiriji wars among the Yoruba nations, and the foundation of peace among all warring Yoruba kingdoms, in Nigeria. The town is about one-hour drive from Ilesa; and less than an-hour drive from Osogbo, Osun state capital. It is located on an extremely high hill and almost entirely surrounded by mountains. Because of its unique location and its natural hills and caves within the mountains covering several miles; it was an easy choice for protections during wars in the historic past. Etymology Imesi-ile has undergone several name changes over the centuries. It was originally called Oke-mesin, which literarily translated to a hilly town where climber could easily come to ridicule because the town is situated on an elevated plateau. Thereafter, it was changed to Imesi-ipole which was conflicted with a sister kingdom in Ekiti state. Then it was named Oke-mesi, fashioned after one of her small hills, called Oke-iro, where Amosi, an elderly man baked, himself in the sun – Oke Amosi and later to Oke-mesi. Imesi-ile was the final name adopted to signify the home of all imesis including those in Ekiti and Ogun states. History The first inhabitants in today’s Imesi-ile were Nupe emigrants. They had with them bronze implements, wooden bows and arrows which could not cope with the giant trees, dense forest, and wild animals of those days. They faced uncertainties and near extinction and had to relocate up northern part of the country. Several hundred years later, the Oloja, from Ondo, migrated to the present Imesi-ile. Within weeks, his half-brother, Odunmorun, also relocated from Ondo to join him and was settled in the present Odunmorun family compound. As Oloja, expanded and moved up north, he discovered a hut owned and occupied by, Eye. Imesi-ile received her formal original name, Oke-mesin, between the 10th and 11th century AD, when Owa Ooye Saga, a prince of the Olofin of Ile-ife migrated and joined the other families. He arrived with the crown gift from his father and thus, was the first Owa Ooye of Imesi-ile. Since her founding, many of her citizens had drifted away and founded new settlements named Imasai in Ogun state; Imesi-lasigidi and Okemesi (formerly called Imesi-igbodo or Imesi-odo) both in Ekiti state. Also, many settlers relocated to Imesi-ile from different Yoruba towns and Nupe kingdoms. Kingship There are three ruling houses in Imesi-ile. They are (i) Ako (ii) Imose (iii) Ilerio. Owa-Ooye of Imesi -Ile, a first-class king, is assisted by a council of traditional chiefs to oversee traditional affairs of the town. Oba Ooye Saga was the first king in Imesi-ile. His father was Olofin of Ile-ife. His stepbrother was Owa Jaka of Ilesa with whom he had cordial relationship to the level one of his children, Lukan, was installed the first Lejoka of Ilesa. Imesi-ile used to send successor when a