In the 15th century, Oba Olu-Iwa, also known as Olua, played a key role in the fascinating journey that shaped the histories of the Ijebu and Itsekiri people. His story is one of adventure, migration, and the establishment of lasting cultural connections.
Originally, Olu-Iwa and his ancestors embarked on a long journey from Jerusalem, moving through the southern regions of Old Sudan and Wadai in modern-day Chad, until they reached what is now Nigeria. This land, part of the historical Benin Empire, became the stage for Olu-Iwa’s legacy. Along with his companions, such as Ajebu and Olode, Olu-Iwa assumed the mantle of leadership in Benin, guiding his people and influencing the region’s future.
As tensions rose within the empire, Olu-Iwa found himself caught in the midst of political rivalries. Recognizing these challenges, he named his eldest son, Ginuwa, as his successor, hoping to secure a stable future for his lineage. However, this decision was met with fierce opposition from the powerful chiefs of Benin, who were concerned Ginuwa’s temperament and did not want him as their next king. Learning of a plot against Ginuwa, Olu-Iwa took decisive action to protect him sending him away, accompanied seventy sons of the chiefs as a show of support and to establish a distant settlement.
Ginuwa’s journey was far from easy. After landing at Efurokpe, he moved to Amatu and eventually Oruselemo, navigating constant challenges from the Benin military, who were pursuing their chiefs’ sons. Eventually, Ginuwa reached Ijala, where he established a settlement, marking the origins of the Itsekiri people. His final resting place in Ijala later became the traditional burial ground for Itsekiri kings, cementing a legacy that resonates to this day.
Meanwhile, in the midst of political turmoil, Oba Olu-Iwa, along with his loyal followers Ajebu and Olode, left the Benin Empire. They journeyed to found Ijebu-Ode, beginning a new chapter and linking the destinies of the Ijebu and Itsekiri people. Through these events, Olu-Iwa’s descendants and followers created cultural bonds that still connect the Ijebu and Itsekiri people as kin, uniting them in shared history and legacy.
Today, the story of Oba Olu-Iwa serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of his people. Through trials and migrations, they established communities and traditions that continue to thrive, shaping the rich cultural landscape of southwestern Nigeria. This shared history, preserved in both Ijebu-Ode and the Itsekiri homeland, celebrates a legacy of unity and endurance.