 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (March 2020) |
Ijebu-jesa is the capital of Oriade Local Government area in Osun State of Nigeria.
It is a commuter city with connections to Ekiti State on one side, Ondo State on another and it has a border with the famous Ilesa the surrounding towns area Iwoye-jesa, Iloko-jesa, Ere and Ijeda.
This city also serves as the main route to the Osun State College of Technology in Esa-Oke. This city also has a private polytechnic in Ijebu-Jesa road approved by the national board for technical education (NBTE) Nigeria.
Ijebu-jesa, previously known as Ijebu Egboro, is an ancient historic town in the east of Osun State, Nigeria which occupies a strategic position in Ijesaland. In Ijesa division, it is the next most important town politically and in terms of history. Her Oba is the next to the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
The town is situated eight kilometers north of Ilesa and about 128 kilometers east of Ibadan. It lies approximately on latitude 7.45 degrees north within the rain forest belt and so offers opportunity for farming on a large scale. The people are the core of Ijesa and are noted for their industry.
Ijebu jesa was founded by Oba Agigiri Egboroganlada (first Onijebu Egboro) - a son of Oodua Olofin Aiye who was also an elder brother of Owa Obokun Ajibogun.
Agigiri means “the battle or war waves hot (A de k’ogun gbona girigiri)”. Ajibogun is interpreted as one who meet war (Ade ba ogun). Both Agigiri and Ajibogun were brought up by their grandmother known as Ijasin at Ilode in Ile Ife as twin brothers.
Legends have it that Ajibogun and Agigiri were very close during their lifetime. When their father was becoming old he became blind. The Ifa worshippers consulted the oracle and it was revealed that he would regain his sight if certain ingredients including sea-water and the pod of palm kernels could be procured. Ajibogun and his brother Agigiri went for the sea-water through Ijebu-Ode and got it from Eleke near Epe where the Awujale of Ijebuland then Obanita, worshipped the sea annually, the brothers collected the water and brought it home to Ile-Ife. Their father was treated and he regained his sight.
