The Ondo Kingdom is a traditional state that traces its origins back for over 500 years, with its capital in Ode Ondo . Ondo Kingdom was established by Princess Pupupu, one of the twins of Alafin Oluaso. Her mother was Queen Olu who later died at Ile oluji. There were wars in the town between 1865 and 1885 when people in the kingdom fled to Oke Opa. Three Osemawes were installed and died there. Before then the kingdom was ruled by the son of Pupupu called Airo.
48-422: As Osemawe his brothers and sisters settled at Odi Lotu Omooba at Oke Otunba headed by one of the princes called Olotu Omooba. The current Lotu omooba is Folajomi Akinmurele Assisted by five princes led by Lisagbon Dr. Adefolayele Akinrolabu The two ranking princes are to be in charge of 2 traditional Ondo festivals called Obaliyen and Agemo festivals. The kingdom survived during and after the colonial period, but with
96-669: A council of elders, the government now increasingly became involved in the succession. In some cases, the government merged or split traditional domains. For example, there had been two rulers of the Efik people in the area around Calabar , but in December 1970 it was agreed to combine the office into a single one that was to be held by a ruler known as the Obong . When Yobe State was created there were just four emirates, but in January 2000
144-600: A lack of male heirs). From these different lineages, an Osemawe, or primary monarch for the Ondo kingdom, is selected. The current Osemawe is Oba (Dr.) Victor Adesimbo Ademefun Kiladejo and in 2010 the Kingdom celebrated its 500th anniversary. The Ondo Kingdom retained independence from other regional powers until the 19th century when pressure from expanded European contact and crisis in Yorubaland caused political crisis. With
192-400: A largely symbolic role Osemawe rules through 6 leading High Chiefs namely. Lisa, Jomo, Odunwo, sasere, adaja and Odofin.The system of governance is like a military oligarchy. The present ruler of the Kingdom is Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo JILO III, the 44th Osemawe, or traditional ruler . There are three different origin stories of the Ondo kingdom. Firstly, the tradition of Ondo town which
240-692: A letter of commendation from, as well as an automatic appointment offered by the then Bendel State Government. Kiladejo later took up appointment with the Ondo State Health Management Board, where he served in various capacities; rose to become a Principal Medical Officer; and was later appointed as the Medical Director in charge of two Local Government hospitals – Ekiti South and Ekiti Southwest Local Government Areas, of present Ekiti State. He resigned his appointment in December 1989, to establish his own private practice –
288-769: Is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He also holds the fellowship of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners. Among the several recognitions he has earned are, African Leader of Integrity Award; Nigeria Merit Award in the Sphere of Human Medicines; Award of Excellence, by Ibadan Golf Club; Award of Excellence, by National Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria; Service of Humanity Award, by Rotary International District 9119; Grand Commander of Peace and Security of Nigeria (HCPSN), by National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Award of Excellence, by Zenith International; Most Impactful Royal Father of
336-915: Is commonly used in the English language, but names in the local languages include Sarki, Shehu, Mai, Etsu and Lamido. In the Middle Belt of Nigeria, different titles are held. An example is the Aku Uka of the Kwararafa kingdom, traditional ruler of the Jukun , whose seat is in Wukari , Taraba state . Agwam is used among the Atyap peoples , Kpop among the Ham ; Agwom among the Adara , Afizere , Bakulu and Gbong Gwom by
384-584: Is highly celebrated to this day claims that Ondo was founded by a wife of Oduduwa , the progenitor of the Yoruba in Ile-Ife . Oduduwa's wife, Pupupu, gave birth to twins, which were regarded as unlucky and resulted in her exile with her twins. She moved southward until she came to the current location of Ile-Oluji . Pupupu became the first ruler of the Ondo Kingdom in the 16th century and her descendants wear
432-693: Is likewise used by the Efik , Ibibio and Annang peoples of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States . Among the Igbo people in the South-East, Eze , Igwe and Obi are typically used to denote rulers. The Ijaws of the Niger Delta, refer to their kings as either: Pere, Obanema, Mingi, Obanobhan, Ibenanaowei or an Amanyanabo. Among the Eleme people of Rivers State in the South-South . The King
480-709: Is owned by the Methodist Church of Nigeria. Kiladejo coordinates the 44 traditional festivals celebrated by the Ondo Èkímògún people every year. He holds court at the Palace ùghà (traditional consultative assembly) once in a week, and provides leadership to the Ondo Development Committee (ODC), the Kingdom’s official anchor of the various developmental initiatives, to which every Òsemàwé has served as Patron since it debuted in 1986. Kiladejo
528-644: Is the eldest of the 22 children of his father, who was of the Okuta Ruling House; and a direct descendant of Púpùpú, the founding monarch of Ondo. Kiladejo was educated at St. Patrick's Primary School, Akure, and Ondo Anglican Grammar School, Ondo. In 1974, Kiladejo gained admission to University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), to study Medicine. He received a Federal Government scholarship for his education. He obtained B.Sc. (Hons.), 2nd Class Upper Division, in Health Sciences; as well as
SECTION 10
#1732794329197576-722: Is used by the Esan peoples to refer to their various rulers in Edo State , while the Afamai people use Otaru and Okwokpellagbe. Other titles are also used. The Itsekiri people of Warri Kingdom address their traditional ruler with the Olu of Warri title. Among the Urhobos and Isokos of Delta State , the general title used is Ovie. Some clans use related titles however, such as Orodje, Orosuen, Ohworode, Odion-Ologbo, and Odio r'Ode. Obong
624-664: The Benin Kingdom's paramount ruler in Edo State. Enogie (plural enigie) and Okao (plural ikao) are ascribed to his dukes and viceroys within the Benin Kingdom, while Odionwere is ascribed to his governors or senior elders. In practice, enigie are not installed in communities with ikao, as they are both traditional rulers and representatives of the Oba, charged with the administration of their respective communities Onojie
672-811: The Berom in southern Kaduna State and Plateau State . Tor is used by the Tiv and Oche by the Idoma of Benue State . Long and Ngolong are used by the Goemai and Ngas , respectively, and Ponzhi is used by the Tarok , all of Plateau State. In Yoruba culture, " Oba " is the title for a king, symbolizing both authority and cultural heritage. Obas are traditional rulers presiding over specific towns or regions in Yorubaland, which spans parts of southwestern Nigeria and neighboring areas. Each town typically has its own Oba, who serves as
720-804: The Maxim gun , and making treaties of "protection" with the local rulers. The company's territory was sold to the British government in 1900, with the southern region merged with the Niger Coast Protectorate to become the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate remaining separate. In 1914 the two were merged into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, with roughly
768-458: The 19th century, Ondo was a large, forest-based kingdom. However, missionaries largely focused on the other areas in and around Yorubaland rather than Ondo. This may have been because some missionaries thought that the Ondo were socially lower than other Yoruba tribes, perhaps because their custom of concubinage was unacceptable in the Christian tradition. However, in 1870, John Hawley Glover ,
816-713: The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree, in 1978 and 1981, respectively. Kiladejo later enrolled at Liverpool University, in the UK, for his postgraduate training, in Reproductive Health. He is a United States Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), and Consultant to Liverpool Associate on Tropical Health (LATH). In his primary and secondary school days, Kiladejo served as Health Prefect, and House Prefect respectively. At
864-708: The Federal Republic (CFR), by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, in the same year, 2015. Kiladejo is the sole representative of Southwest monarchs in the Standing Security Committee, of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NACTRN). Kiladejo was conferred with the honourary doctorate degree (D.Sc.) in Management Science, by Wesley University, Ondo, in 2011. In 2014, His Imperial Majesty became
912-694: The Kiladejo Royal Hospital Limited, Lagos. Kiladejo is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association; Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria; Healthcare Providers Association; Society for Quality Healthcare in Nigeria; World Organisation of Family Doctors; American Association of Family Physicians; and American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, among others. Before ascending
960-511: The Kingdom, through his non-governmental organization, “The Oba Kiladejo Crown Foundation,” which also organizes – in partnership with the US-based SMILE Foundation – an annual festival of surgery for children with cleft lips and palate, in the community. Kiladejo also donated a well-equipped Medical Centre to Wesley University, Ondo, the institution where he served as the pioneer Chancellor, for some 10 years. The University
1008-504: The Kingdom; and drove the Ondo City Vision initiative, which led to the formal proclamation of Ondo as a City, in December 2015. Earlier, in the year 2010, Àbáìyé presided over the celebration of the 500th year of the Òsemàwé dynasty. One of the more important outcomes of the latter celebration was the production of a book, titled The Evolution of Ondo Kingdom over 500 years, 1510-2010+ , edited by Professor S. Ibidapo Ajayi, of
SECTION 20
#17327943291971056-547: The University of Ibadan, Nigeria; and published in Ibadan, by Spectrum Books, in 2013. One of the very first community radio stations in Nigeria, “Eki FM,” debuted under Kiladejo; just as the community witnessed the establishment of three universities, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, University of Medical Sciences, and Wesley University – federal, State, and private, respectively – under Kiladejo. Kiladejo also oversaw
1104-641: The University of Ife, he was a member of the Students’ Representative Board; and was elected as Class Representative when he was on postgraduate training at Liverpool. After his graduation from the University of Ife, Kiladejo did his internship at the State Specialist Hospital, Ado Ekiti, and his mandatory one-year National Youth Service (NYSC) at Agbor General Hospital, Agbor, Bendel State (now in Delta State). He earned
1152-584: The Year 2017; and distinguished member of 50 Outstanding Traditional Rulers in Nigeria. Kiladejo is a recipient of the Obafemi Awolowo University (Health Sciences) Distinguished Alumni Honourary Award; the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University; and Honorary Citizenship of Texas, USA, in 2015. He was conferred with the prestigious national honour of, Commander of the Order of
1200-516: The administrator of the British Lagos Colony , began focusing efforts on the kingdom of Ondo, largely to create alternative trade routes to Lagos. In 1872, Glover helped negotiate a peace treaty between Ondo and Ife who had been hostile for a number of years, which allowed expanded trade between Lagos and Ondo. Missionary operations began in 1875 throughout the Ondo Kingdom. The Osemawe of Ondo made an agreement on 20 February 1889 with
1248-467: The central and regional governments of Nigeria are closer in substance to those of the high nobility of old Europe than to those of actual reigning monarchs. Modern Nigeria encompasses lands traditionally occupied by highly diverse ethnic groups with very different languages and traditions. In broad terms, the southeast was occupied mainly by Igbo , the Niger Delta by Edo and Igbo related people,
1296-472: The coastal states, primarily exchanging cotton and other manufactured goods for slaves and palm oil products at centers such as Calabar , Bonny and Lagos . The Niger Coast Protectorate was established in 1891 holding a small area along the coast. During the period 1879–1900 the Royal Niger Company made a concerted effort to take control of the interior, using disciplined troops armed with
1344-503: The community's spiritual, cultural, and political leader. The position is hereditary, with responsibilities that include preserving customs, resolving disputes, and maintaining peace. Renowned Obas, such as the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo , hold particular historical and spiritual significance, connecting the Yoruba people to their rich ancestral lineage. Oba is also used to refer to
1392-437: The coronation of the 44th Osemawe, Oba Victor Adesimbo Ademefun Kiladejo, on 29 December 2008 was a major event, attended by many dignitaries. During the political turmoil of Nigeria in the early 1980s, Ondo was the site of large scale political violence and members of the royal lineage were killed. Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo Dr. Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo Adenrele Ademefun Kiladejo PGDRH CPHQ FAGP , or Jilo III ,
1440-518: The crown today. Historian Samuel Johnson accounts a similar story but that Pupupu was the wife of Ajaka , the grandson of Oduduwa. A military coup removed Pupupu in power and appointed her son, Aiho (or Airo in some versions) as the ruler. Aiho established the basic political structure for the Ondo state linked largely to his royal lineage and built the royal palace The royal lineage revolves largely around four different houses, each founded by one of Aiho's sons (although one house died out because of
1488-487: The democratic structure, there is intense competition for royal seats amongst the finite pool of eligible dynasts. The rulers can also award traditional or honorary titles within the Nigerian chieftaincy system . These titles come with ex officio positions in their "administrations", and wealthy businessmen and politicians often place great value in acquiring such titles. The rulers play useful roles in mediating between
Ondo Kingdom - Misplaced Pages Continue
1536-499: The expansion of the Atlantic slave trade and large-scale population displacement in Yorubaland, the political life of the Ondo Kingdom changed. Prior to the 19th century, Ondo was unusual in the region for their council system and or the relatively open land tenure principles. The council system rotated leadership amongst houses and there was some significant political status given to women, who had their own council which consulted with
1584-544: The first holder of this title, in order to have a "traditional ruler" to speak for the Tiv people. With independence in 1960, followed by alternating democratic and military governments, the status of the traditional rulers evolved even further. In the north, the emirs finally lost power to the government administration, though said administration was often staffed by traditional notables. Where rulers had previously acquired office strictly through inheritance or through appointment by
1632-465: The governor of the British Lagos Colony by which free trade was guaranteed between Ondo and the colony, and disputes would be referred to an arbitrator appointed by the governor for resolution. In 1899 an order in council was issued to extend the Lagos protectorate over Yoruba land, making Ondo formally subject to the British crown. The kingdom survived under colonial rule and subsequent independence, and
1680-516: The men's council (a role disputed by others). The Ondo land tenure principle was that all land was property of the king, but that any man could farm it as long as he obtained permission from the leader of the nearest community. However, with increasing pressure related to population movement in Yorubaland and increasing relevance of the slave trade, much of this changed. Political and economic power changed from hereditary lineage and access to land holdings to be focused primarily on slaveholdings. The result
1728-473: The people and the state, enhancing national identity, resolving minor conflicts and providing an institutional safety-valve for often inadequate state bureaucracies. One reason for their influence may be that the people of many ethnic groups have limited ability to communicate in the official English language, so the traditional ruler serves as an interpreter and spokesperson. By June 2010, Akwa Ibom State had 116 traditional rulers with official certificates from
1776-614: The recipient of yet another doctorate degree, LLD ( Honouris Causa ), of Adekunle Ajasin University (formerly Ondo State University), Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. In 1986, Kiladejo married Olori Comfort Olayinka Kiladejo, who was born into the family of Chief Joshua Aladejana and Madam Deborah Aladejana (nee Adetula) of the Ojumu family in Owo. Together, they have five children and several grandchildren. Nigerian traditional rulers Nigerian traditional rulers often derive their titles from
1824-575: The reconstruction of the Moférere Market, and the city's sports stadium. Under Kiladejo, the Redeemed Christian Church of God established "the biggest intensive care centre" at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo. In his individual capacity, and as a medical doctor, Kiladejo periodically provides free health services to the aged, inmates of correctional centres, diabetics, and hypertensive patients in
1872-433: The rulers of independent states or communities that existed before the formation of modern Nigeria . Although they do not have formal political power, in many cases they continue to command respect from their people and have considerable influence in their community. Though their bearers usually maintain the monarchical styles and titles of their sovereign ancestors, both their independent activities and their relations with
1920-422: The same boundaries as the modern state of Nigeria. The first British High Commissioner for Northern Nigeria, Lord Frederick Lugard , tried to rule through the traditional rulers, and this approach was later extended to the south. Lugard's successor Hugh Clifford left this system in place in the north, where the emirate system had long traditions, but introduced a legislative council with some elected members in
1968-421: The south, relegating the traditional rulers to mainly symbolic roles. Over time, the relationship between the colonial administration and the traditional rulers evolved. For example, the Tiv people , at the time the fourth largest ethnic group in the country, had always been extremely decentralized and therefore had no paramount ruler. The British created the office of Tor Tiv in 1947, appointing Makere Dzakpe as
Ondo Kingdom - Misplaced Pages Continue
2016-554: The southwest by Yoruba and related people and the north by Hausa and Fulani people, with a complex intermingling of different ethnic groups in the Middle-Belt between north and south. In total there were (and are) more than 200 distinct ethnic groups. Before the arrival of the British in the late 19th century, the history of the area was turbulent, with periods when empires such as those of Oyo , Kanem-Bornu and Sokoto gained control over large areas, and other periods when
2064-665: The state governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim restructured the state into 13. The government has maintained colonial classifications. Thus when Kwara State governor Bukola Saraki appointed three new monarchs in August 2010, the new Emir of Kaiama was designated a first class traditional ruler while the Onigosun of Igosun and Alaran of Aran-Orin were designated third class monarchs. Traditional rulers today are still highly respected in many communities, and have considerable political and economic influence. Although they have no formal role in
2112-471: The state. They had received new cars on their appointment, among other perks. The chairman of the Akwa Ibom Council of Chiefs said that in return, the traditional fathers were responsible for preventing robberies and kidnappings in their domains. As there are over 525 different native languages in Nigeria , there are many titles for traditional rulers. In the northern Muslim states, Emir
2160-559: The states were more fragmented. Although political structures differed widely between different ethnic groups, it was common for each town or collection of towns to have a recognized ruler, who might in turn be subordinate to the ruler of a larger polity. Thus the Sokoto caliphate was divided into emirates, with the emirs loosely subordinate to the Sultan of Sokoto , although at times acting as independent rulers. Europeans had long traded with
2208-627: The throne, and in his capacity as an investor, Kiladejo chaired the Kiladejo Royal Hospitals; COVAC Investment; Julian Apartments; and Merit Diagnostics, among others. Kiladejo ascended the throne on December 1, 2006, as the 44th Òsemàwé and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom. He was formally crowned on December 29, 2008. He is the third Òsemàwé in history to come from the Jilo linage of the Okuta Ruling House. Kiladejo encourages indigenes and non-indigenes alike to establish businesses in
2256-806: Was appointed the 44th Osemawe, or traditional ruler of the Ondo Kingdom in Nigeria on 1 December 2006. He was crowned on 29 December 2008 at a ceremony attended by dignitaries including the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Agagu , the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade , and the leader of Afenifere , Chief Reuben Fasoranti . Kiladejo was born in Ondo, on November 11, 1953, to the family of Prince Gbadebo Adedoyin Kiladejo (Edilokun) and his wife, Prophetess Julianah Olusola Kiladejo (nee Ajayi). He
2304-417: Was large-scale conflict in the Ondo Kingdom from 1845 until 1872, a period with rapid regime change, wars with other regional powers, significant violence, and change of the capital city three times. During this period, worship of Orisha spread widely, leading to human sacrifice (often of slaves) in order to try to end the disorder. When Christian missionaries started to enter Yorubaland in the latter half of
#196803