Nigeria: Traditional Institution and Community Development

5 September 2014
opinion

THE traditional institution has, historically, been the vehicle of development in various communities, not only in Nigeria but also in many other nations of the world. This article appraises the strides made by the traditional institution of the historical town of Ikere-Ekiti, whose traditional ruler died recently. It also highlights the challenges facing one of the most diverse communities of the Nigerian nation that Ikere-Ekiti is.

Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye, Akayejo II, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, bade farewell to this world on August 22, 2014, 43 years after he ascended the throne. He thus became the longest Ogoga who reigned, over Ikere in recorded history. The Ikere town, over which Oba Akayejo II reigned, is the gateway to Ekiti State and one of its major towns with a population of about 150,000. The traditional Ikere setting has three quarters - Iro, Odo-Oja and Okekere - who were the original settlers. They were joined in early 19th century by other indigenes who now occupy Afao, Are, Ilu-Omoba, Agbado and Oyo Quarters. The Oba (king) is the Ogoga from Iro quarters, and he is assisted by the Iare (administrative) chiefs headed by the Sapetu of Okekere Quarters and the Elegbe (war) chiefs headed by the Ekuasa of Odo-Oja Quarters. There are also women chiefs headed by the Esemore who reside in Odo-Oja quarters. These women chiefs are in charge of market matters and women affairs.

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