₦airaland Forum

The unity of Egba people is attributed to Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala; hence Egba people regard themselves as the children of Lisabi.

Lisabi was a brilliant military organizer and farmer. He united some Yoruba groups for an onslaught against the Oyo Empire between 1775 and 1780. Communities like Ijaiye, gbagura, Igbeyin were all under the Oyo Empire before they gained independence.



Apart from the decline of the Oyo Empire, the Oyomesi ( 7 hereditary kingmakers) had increased tributes they usually collected from the villages and were also engaged in kidnapping where the people are later sold into Atlantic slavery.

Lisabi founded a social group where the majority of the members were warlords.

They teamed up with the villagers to get rid of the Oyo-Ile Ilaris (Representatives) stationed in their communities to achieve independence from the Oyo Empire.

Oyo-Ile’ Ilaris stationed at these villages were all killed by the Lisabi led army simultaneously. They declared their freedom from Oyo-Ile and started calling their nation Orile-Egba with the capital as Gbagura.



They knew Oyo-Ile would launch a reprisal attack, so they had planned to keep the fight out of the villages by ambushing the now weakened Oyo Empire Army.

He set his army on all entry points. Furthermore, as expected, Alaafin launched a reprisal attack, and Lisabi led egba warriors won.

Gbagura itself had over a hundred townships and was the largest Yoruba group in the old egba forest.

Lisabi warriors were stationed at Osiele headed by Akaashi, a warlord from Gbagura, to face any external aggression from Ibadan.

The Akila of Iddo was the commander of the Egba army (Osi Egba), and Anoba was the Balogun Egba.

Lisabi Agbongbo Akala | Death

Lisabi intentionally entered the Lisabi forest and disappeared completely. Some said he killed himself while some early historians have argued that he could have survived and migrated to another land.

However, some believe that Lisabi was thrown into a pit dug by the egba people after using the social group he had created to oppress them. In contrast, some have argued that Lisabi was alive in the Lisabi forest and lived there until his death. Moreover, the internecine war in Yoruba Land continued, and Lisabi couldn’t have been around without fighting on the egba side.

Importance of Lisabi Festival

Egba-land celebrates Lisabi during the Lisabi festival, which is held annually in March.

The festival is held in remembrance of Lisabi’s bravery that fostered the peaceful co-existence of the united egba kingdom.

Just over a year ago, an 18 feet statue of Lisabi was unveiled at Adatan roundabout in honor of the warrior.
Source: https://dakingsman.com/lisabi-agbongbo-akala-egba-history/

The Rise & Fall Of Oyo Empire

The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba empire, and the Largest empire ever existed in West Africa, occupying most of what’s is today Southern Nigeria, expanding its territory to the nearby Republic of Benin.


Oranmiyan founded the Oyo nation after he had established the bini dynasty, making him the first Alaafin (ruler) of the Oyo kingdom.
The kingdom started very humble as some nations had already been established, like the Owus, moreso, Oranmiyan himself was the last son of Oduduwa.


All the kingdoms established in the Yoruba Land practices the Ebi (family) type of government whereby the nation is regarded as the larger version of the family.
Hence they adopted the Agbo-ile (Family’s compound) as the community and the palace as the house. i.e., Ife kingdom’s capital is Ile-Ife, (Home of Ife, or the house of Ife).
In the Oyo kingdom, the same practice was adopted, and Oyo Ile was the capital of the Oyo empire. The monarchy constitutionally reports to Ife.
It is worthy to note that the kingdom of Owu was not included in the Oyo empire, and didn’t pay any tributes to the Oyo nation as Owu was independent.
The two most important places in the Oyo empire are the Aaafin Oba (Palace of the king) and the Oja oba (kings market).

The first ruler of the Oyo empire after Oranmiyan was Ajaka. He didn’t expand the empire during his first time as the ruler.
Sango, took over the throne from him and he went on many war expedition, expanding Oyo kingdom.

Historians believed it was the foundation that Sango laid that led to the rise of Oyo empire.

However, Oyo empire didn’t reach its peak until the 16th century.

At this time, Oyo empire was powerful with efficient army. The kingdom had expanded across a wide region with minor kingdoms and empires now paying tributes and service to the capital Oyo-Ile.

In 1698, (Allada)-Aja kingdom was attacked and destroyed by Oyo armies, and they started paying tributes to Alaafin.

Dahomey’s economic hardship around 1720 forced them to attack and destroy Aja, not knowing the Oyo army has already conquered Aja

The Dahomey army massacred the small unit of the Oyo army stationed at Aja, and only a few that survived made it back to Oyo to reveal the action that took place.

What makes the Oyo empire unique was her military strength. The Oyo Army attacked and conquered the Dahomey army stationed at Aja, Dahomey kingdom itself, and all other territories controlled by Dahomey.

The collapse of the Oyo empire

After Alaafin Ojigi died in 1735, the Dahomey kingdom stopped paying their tributes to the Oyo kingdom.

Agaja was the king of Dahomey at that time.
Alaafin Amuniwaiye sent his armies to Dahomey in a show of strength and to let king Agaja know that the Oyo is still In control.
Some of the (Oyo Armies) settle at the Dahomey kingdom, monitoring the nation’s activities.

After the death of Amuniwaiye, Dahomey once again stopped paying their tributes to Oyo, but at this time, it was easy for the Oyo empire to demand it.

Alaafin Onisile sent his army to support the ones stationed there to bring the kingdom on its knees.


Another event was In 1765 when an Asante army led by Odanqua invaded Oyo territory around Atakpame. Asante troops were in tens of thousands in number, but they were all massacred by the Oyo army.


In 1775, Abiodun teamed up with other chefs, and a civil war started in Oyo-Ile. Abiodun claimed Alaafin Gaha was too weak and too old and wanted to overthrow him as the king.


Abiodun led army attacked Alaafin Gaha, which some early historians believed he was burnt alive by Abiodun. His family members didn’t escape the ordeal as they were killed as well.

Ojo Agunbambaru, one of Alaafin’s sons, was the only survivor who escaped death and ran away.
Under Abiodun’s leadership, the Oyo empire grew in size; it had over 6000 villages.

He was a fearful leader and killed many top warlords in the Oyo army that he saw as a threat.
After he died in 1789, the Oyo empire’s trouble looms in. Awole became the Alaafin after the demise of Abiodun, but he doesn’t’ have the skill of a warrior like Abiodun, and inherited a very weakened army.


His lack of skill of leadership led him to launch an attack against Apomu, a town in Ife and Iwere. Iwere had an emotional connection with Oyo, which caused his remaining army to go against him and eventually led to the collapse of the Oyo Empire.


In 1791, Tapa, and the Bariba cast off allegiance with the Oyo empire.
He killed himself, and the circumstances surrounding his death made it impossible for a new king to be appointed.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/the-rise-fall-of-oyo-empire-yoruba-history/

The Owu people are a significant set of people among the Yorubas. Their settlement is found all over the Yoruba land, and each unit constitutes itself an independent state.
Ago Owu in Abeokuta is where large Owus are settled.
So Who are the Owu people?
Owu people are warriors and the first settlers outside Ife hence why they call themselves Owu lakoda (The first to be created).
They speak the Yoruba dialect of Yoruboid languages, and they first settled not far from the Osun river in the Ijebu area of Ogun State.
Facial Marks
The owu uses the facial mark called Keke Olowu, and the Abaja Owuto distinguishes themselves from other tribes.
The Owu War And The kingdom | Yoruba History – Origin
Long ago, before any kingdom was formed in Yoruba land, a set of civilized warriors created an empire. These sets of warriors and their families move about within the western region of Nigeria, and they played an essential role in the civilization of the ancient Yoruba kingdom.
The Owu people were soo civilized that they had a hierarchy that defines their dominance and authority led by the Olowu of Owu.

Owu villages and towns are found all over the Yoruba land as some Owu people established an independent township; before, the majority of Owu people eventually settled at Egba-Owu.
It took the Owu people decades before a king could be appointed after they migrated to egba. In 1855, the inauguration of king Pawu in Ago-Owu made him a first-class ruler, as he became the paramount ruler of all owu people in Yoruba land.
The kingdom is ruled by six ruling houses, Ayoloye, Akinjobi, Amororo, Akinoso, Otileta, Anigbua.
Owu Kings in Egba since 1855 are as follow:
Pawu April 1855-1867
Adefowote 1867-1872
Aderinoye 1873-1890
Adepegba 1893-1895
Owokokade 1906 – 1918
Dosumu I 19181924
Adesina 1924 – 1936
Gbogboade 1938 – 1946
Ajibola 1949 – 1972
Oyegbade 1975 – 1980
Oyelekan 1987 – 1987
Odeleye 1993 – 2003
Dosumu 2005.
The Owu War
Owu people move about the region fighting wars while retaining family networks. There were no responsibilities for a particular gender; the group is generally responsible for defending their homestead and building dwellings.
It Brought the saying among the Yorubas that “A bi omo l’owu, e ni Ako tabi Abo; e wo ni kin se omo nibe”?. (A child is born in Owu, you are asking if its a male or female, which isn’t a proper child?).

The Owu people settled at a village called Dariagbon, next to Sifirin in Osun, when the Ife people started their war song as they thought Owu people could be conquered easily.
The Owu people annihilated Ife’s army, and those who survived were turned back by the king of Iwo. Iwo was founded shortly after the establishment of Owu
Not long after the Owus victory over the Ife, the Ijebu traders at Apomu fell out with the Owu traders.
This event led to the owus invading Apomu killing many Ijebu residents.

The Ijebu people reinforced, camped at the farm not far from Osun river.
The Owu people immediately attacked the Ijebus; they heard of their approach but met fierce resistance as the Ijebus were now better armed.
The Ijebus was attacked the second time, causing havoc on the Owu’s army.
Third time, the Ijebus and the Ifes attacked the Owu people, but at this time, the Owus have moved out of dariagbon were the majority of the Owus were concentrated.
The Owus were isolated after this. No villages wanted to trade with the Owu people until the 18th century when Ikija befriended the Owus; however, Ijebus and the Ife attacked and destroyed Ikija for supporting Owu.
Source: https://dakingsman.com/the-owu-war-and-the-kingdom-yoruba-history/

Adekunle Fajuyi | Early life, Career & many more

Adekunle Fajuyi was the first military governor of the western region of Nigeria and a victim of the July 28, 1966 coup. He was born on July 26, 1926, in Ado Ekiti.
Education
Fajuyi studied at St. George’s catholic school, Ado Ekiti, before enrolling at the army training school, Yaba.
Adekunle Fajuyi – Career
Fajuyi joined the army in 1943 as a sergeant with the Nigeria Signal Squadron. He was trained in Nigeria and the United Kingdom and rose to become the commander of the 1st battalion in Enugu. After the January 1966 coup, Fajuyi was posted to Abeokuta as a garrison commander.
He was appointed the first military governor of the western region after General Ironsi became the head of state.
Personal Life
Fajuyi was married to Eunice Ayodele Fajuyi that died on July 12, 2013. The pair had a son, Donald Olufemi.
Adekunle Fajuyi – Death
Fajuyi was shot and killed by coup plotters on July 29 1966.
The July 29 coup was planned by Major T.Y Danjuma (General Staff Officer II, SHQ), Lt. Col. Murtala Muhammed, (inspector of signal), and Martins Adamu.

Troops of the 4th battalion cordoned the Government house Ibadan on July 29, 1966.
Colonel Fajuyi, Lt. Nwankwo, and General Aguiyi Ironsi were arrested and abducted on the orders of Major T.Y Danjuma.
Danjuma, who was accompanying General Ironsi on a nationwide tour to Ibadan, was the one who led the troops of the 4th battalion to the government house in Ibadan.
Col. Fajuyi was not the target but immediately became a victim; the troops arrived at the government house.

He was beating mercilessly right from the government house before the three were driven out of the government’s house in three separate vans led by Lt. William Walbe.
They drove towards Iwo road before the three were forced down and led toward a farm in Lalupo before Lt. Nwankwo escaped.

Fajuyi and Ironsi were shot immediately after Nwankwo’s daring escape by the coup plotters.
Source: https://dakingsman.com/adekunle-fajuyi-early-life-career-many-more/

Importance of Eyo Festival | Yoruba Culture

Eyo is a part of the masquerades in Yoruba Land that comes out during a special event in Lagos.

Masquerades in Yoruba Land are regarded to as the spirits from the dead.



The Eyo masquerade, also known as “Adamu Orisha’s play”, has five Orisha (deity).

They are usually identified using their “Aga,” which usually vary from one group to another.

Origin

The festival is the most popular event in Lagos and was staged at Oke Ipa to honor the late king of Lagos, Oba Akintoye, in 1854 (the first documented event).

Like every other part of Yoruba Land, farewell rituals must occur for a monarch that has just passed on as a divination process, according to the Yorubas belief.



In Lagos, the ritual used to be a little different from how it is done with the rest of the Yoruba monarchs.

When Eyo first started, it use to be staged after the demise of a king of Lagos. There are a lot of claims on how the cultural festival started.

Historians believe that Eyo was inherited in Ibefun, Ogun State, after the former king of Lagos, Oba Akinsemoyin, consulted the Eyo Orisha (deity) for help.

Importance of Eyo Festival | Yoruba Culture

Oba Akinsemoyin had consulted the deity to help his childless younger sister, Erelu Kuti, so that she can bear a child.

With the help of Eyo deity, Erelu was able to bear two children whose line to date determines who the Oba of Lagos is going to be in Lagos.



Eyo festival was first staged in Oke Ipa in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Oke Ipa became where the king of Lagos (obas) and important dignitaries unite to watch the Eyo play, and sometimes back then, it takes some essential dignitaries days by foot to get there.

The Eyo play became so crucial to the Lagosians that it became a cultural festival that has been modified over the years.

Eyo Regalia

The Eyo full regalia includes a white gown covering the hand and feet, a headgear (Aga), and a stick-staff called Opanbata. The stick is used by the masqueraders to greet one another.

The Eyo staff is called Opanbata, and it is made of palm fronds and a stick.



The festival uses to be staged in honor of the king of Lagos that has just passed on, and it was later modified to include notable personalities in Lagos.

A request must first be put forward to the head of the Eyos ( Akinsiku of Lagos), who will request for “Ikaro” (offerings) that will be distributed among the other Eyo deities.

Following the offerings, a ritual also occurs at the sacred sanctuary of the “Awe Adamu,” (One of the Eyo orisha). It is when the plans and what masquerade will stage the Eyo play will be determined.

On the eve of Eyo day, One of the senior five of the Eyo group called Eyo Laba group performs a vital rite where the Oba of Lagos officially gives his blessings. This rite is called Agodo Erection Rite. Following that, Gbale rites are observed, which symbolizes sweeping away of evil.

On the festival day, the Eyos gather in numbers in full regalia and move towards the Enu Owa, (a ceremonial crowing place of the Obas). From there, they proceed to the Obas palace at ILA Idunganran before moving to the street of Lagos Island through the Tinubu Square. It is where thousands of people and tourists will receive them and join in the festival.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/importance-of-eyo-festival-yoruba-culture/

The story of Moremi Ajasoro | Yoruba History

Moremi was a queen in Ile-Ife, the wife of Ooni Orunmila. She was also a princess from Offa. As a young princess, Moremi was famous because of her beauty, and even till today, she’s described by the Yorubas as the most beautiful woman ever lived.
Moremi was a direct descendent of Olalomi Olofa-gangan, who was one of the first settlers of Offa”.
Ifa Oracle, part of the Yoruba religion, had a significant influence on Moremi’s story.
Unlike Orunmila, who already has children from the previous relationship, Orunmila was Moremi’s first husband, and they had a son together called Oluorogbo.
The Ugbo Invasions
Ile-Ife faced security challenges whereby a group appeared to be covered from head to toe with raffia leaves terrorizing the region.
These people are seen as spirits by the Ife people as their traditional masquerades, which they regard as spirits dressed in cotton robes similar to the invader’s way of hiding their identities. It made the people of Ife relentlessly scared to fight back.
But after a lot of abductions and other atrocities, Queen Moremi thought there should be a solution, so she consulted an Orisha (god in Yoruba religion) at the Esimirin river for help. (Consulting an Orisha could be personally or through the Ifa priest).
Ugbo, as they are called, would invade Ile-Ife, mostly on market days, and loot.
The Orisha agreed to help Moremi but demanded an offering of payment.
Moremi pledged to give whatever the Orisha wants once her demand is met.
The Captured of Moremi
Moremi posed as a trader and allowed Herself to be captured by the intruders. Once in captivity, her beauty couldn’t go without notice, the leader of Ugbo fell for her trap and made her one of her wives.
During her time with the leader of Ugbo, she realized that the intruders are not spirits, but humans disguised as masquerades.
She left for Ile-Ife to tell Ooni Orunmila about her discovery.
With the discovery, traders in Ile-Ife gather themself on the next market day for revenge.
They stood against the invaders and fought back. As the invaders approached, the traders scared them off with their burning torch. The Ugbo invaders were terrified of being burned alive as the raffia leaves they are covered with could go inflamed easily. Ugbo invaders realized their secret had been discovered, so they stopped terrorizing the people of Ile-Ife.
The Orisha that guided her plan was revisited to make her payment just as she pledged. The Orisha demanded her only son, which she had with Ooni Orunmila.
She pleaded with wealth, but the Orisha insisted on having her son. Moremi fulfilled her promise and sacrificed her only son, Oluorogbo.
She was consoled by the natives of Ile-Ife, who call themselves children of Moremi till today.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/moremi-the-story-of-a-queen-yoruba-history/

Oranmiyan – A warrior who ruled three different empires

Oranmiyan, best known as Odede by the Ife indigenes, or Oranya was a hunter, warrior who ruled three different empires both in Yoruba and Benin kingdoms.
He is believed to have lived between the 8-13th century. To define Oranmiyan, you must talk about his staff-stick, which is now an obelisk that is placed at the Oranmiyan Cenotaph entrance.

The Obelisk is one of the tallest stone carvings in the world that has grown in size over time and the staff-stick, which is an art, is embedded with messages which have never been interpreted to modern language.

The place of Oranyan in Yoruba history has come under several attacks since historians have been doing their research on Yoruba culture.

Who was Oranmiyan

Oranyan is the child of Lakanje, a woman who was rescued by Ogun during a Cold War in Yoruba kingdom

Lakanje became one of Ogun’s concubine after her rescue before Oduduwa’s affair with her. She was pregnant rather too quick before she could differentiate who the father was.
He was treated less favourite among Oduduwa’s children, especially, been light-skinned like Ogun, and spent most of his childhood at the Ogun shrine before going on an expedition , as advised by the Ifa Oracle.

Early historians believed that Oranmiyan was not expected to return from the journey as Igodomigodo warriors were one of the fearful during the time.

Invasion Of Igodomigodo (Benin kingdom)

Oranmiyan led army stormed Igodomigodo bringing the indigenous village and all villages surrounding it under his control.

He settled at a place called “Use,” where he ruled all the towns as a single kingdom later known as Bini (Benin) kingdom.
Oranmiyan left “Use” after his leadership was facing many controversies and settled at a place called “Egor,” where his affair with the daughter of the Enogie of Egor resulted in his first son Eweka I.

Enogie of Egor was one of the only few that supported his leadership and the reason why he was accepted to the village after he left “Use.”

Oyo-Ile

It is believed that Oranmiyan had left the Bini kingdom before the birth of Eweka I.

After he left the Bini kingdom, Oranmiyan settled at Oyo-Ile, where he built the Oyo empire.

He had an affair that resulted in the birth of his second-born, “Sango.”

After many years, he returned to Ife and took over the throne from Ogun, who many believe was his father.

Sango, who is Oranmiyan second-born, took similarities in Ogun’s spirituality symbols. It fuels the speculation that Sango inherited somethings from his grandfather.

Oranmiyan died not long after he came back to Ife.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/oranmiyan-a-warrior-who-ruled-three-different-empires/

Sen Buruji Kashamu is dead.

It was announced today by the former senator Ben Murray-Bruce on his official Facebook account.

In the statement released, Sen. Murray-Bruce said Kashamu died at the first cardiology consultants, in Lagos.



The announcement of his death is coming barely a year after he buried his mother.

Who was Buruji Kashamu

He was born on 19 May 1958 in Ogun State.

Sen. Kashamu is an entrepreneur and politician from Ogun State. He contested for the last governorship election in Ogun State but lost to gov. Dapo Abiodun.

Kashamu became the senator representing the southwest Ogun East senatorial district under Peoples Democratic Party but was removed in 2015 by the tribunal.



The court ruling was challenged at the tribunal, and Kashamu’s victory was reaffirmed, and he was in office from 2015 till 2019.

The U.S authorities accused him of being a drug lord before he allegedly escaped back to Nigeria.

He was as well indicted in 1998 on charges bordering conspiracy to import and distribute heroin after twelve other suspects arrested confessed to his involvement.

He was also caught with $230,000 in cash the same year in the U.K. by the U.K. police and was held for five years as Kashamu challenged extradition requests from the U.S. authorities.



He was freed in 2004 and came back to Nigeria soon after.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/2020/08/08/sen-buruji-kashamu-is-dead/

Samuel Ladoke Akintola was a Nigerian Journalist, Politician from Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.

He was born in Ogbomosho in Oyo State on July 6, 1910, and was one of the first military coup victims in Nigeria.

Education

Akintola attended baptist college in 1925, upon graduating secondary education, Akintola started working.

In 1946, he received a British scholarship to study in the UK, where he earned a law degree.

Career – Background

Akintola started teaching after graduating from secondary education. In 1930, Akintola began teaching at the Baptist academy.

He left teaching in 1942 and joined the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).



In the same year, Akintola left NRC and started working at the Daily Service Newspaper, working his way to be an editor within months of starting.

In 1945, Akintola started his Newspaper, Iron Yoruba, in which it’s written in the Yoruba language.

Political career

Akintola returned from the UK in 1949 and teamed up with others, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo to for the Action Group (AG) political party.

He was appointed as the AG party parliamentary leader in 1953 and a minister at the federal level.



He became the Minister for labor in 1952 before he was appointed as the Minister of Communications, Health, and Aviation.

Samuel Ladoke Akintola – Controversies

After Nigeria gained independence, the AG party started facing a leadership battle. Awolowo accused Akintola of trying to replace him as the leader.

AG party passed a vote of no confidence and removed Akintola as the premier during a meeting in May 1962.



It led to a different crisis within the party, leading the party to break into two. This crisis at the western region house of assembly led the prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, to declare a state of emergency.

Akintola lost all legal proceedings to be reinstated into power, but in a dramatic turn, In 1963, Sir Balewa restored Akintola as premie.

Soon after, Akintola became the leader of a newly formed political party called the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).

1963 Election and death

Akintola was announced the winner of the general election in 1963 and became the premier under NNDP. The vote was reportedly vigorously rigged as people of the western region favors Awolowo’s party to the newly formed party.

Samuel Ladoke Akintola – Death

Akintola was among those killed during January 15, 1966, military coup. The coup plotters had stormed Akintola’s residence in Ibadan, targeting him.Â

He was said to have engaged in a deadly shoot out with the coup plotters before being killed.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/2020/08/08/samuel-ladoke-akintola-early-life-career-many-more/

How to become a successful blogger

The majority of people blog for leisure-oriented activities, while some blog for business purposes.

Some, on the other hand, blog fulltime, making it their sole source of income.
The beginning is quite easy; you can register for free on a blogging service provider like a blogger or hosting provider like WordPress.

You can register for a self-hosted blog to look more professional. Please read my previous article on how to build a website here.

People tend to believe in articles written on a Self-hosted blog than on a free blogging platform.
To be a successful blogger, you need to be able to understand what Self hosted Websites are.

You will need to purchase a web hosting for a Self-hosted website. Your website will not be active without web hosting, as this is what connects your site to the internet.
If you are not happy with your web hosting provider, there are many more you can pick from elsewhere.

You will have almost total control over your site’s design and layout, using software of your choice.

Next is to create the website for your blog.

By the time you get to this stage, you would have to decide if you are using a Self-hosted website or a free blog.

You can create a free blog from providers like Tumblr, Blogger, WordPress, etc.
Before creating a website for your blog, you will need to know what you will be blogging about;

Identifying yourself to your passion is the key to this as every niche has its Audience.

For example, Fitness Blogs, News Blogs, Car Blogs, Personal Blogs, Travel Blogs, etc.

Good writers can write about anything, but identifying yourself with your passion will help with your blog’s ideas as it grows.

Setting up your blog

Once you have set up your Self hosted website or free blog, the next thing you will need to do is designing it.

Choose a theme and layout that will be perfect for the type of blog you have chosen.

You will need to create categories and add them to your blog.

As you are writing on various topics, Effective categorized websites will divide the website content into sections.

Having a personal email account

When you want people to engage with your blog, apart from commenting on your posts, people will more likely communicate with you through your email if it is associated with your web domain.

Having a custom domain email will look professional and also appear more official.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/2019/07/05/how-to-become-a-successful-blogger/

Odunlade Adekola – Early Life, Career and many more


Odunlade Adekola was born in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, in southwestern Nigeria on 31 December 1978.

He is a Nigerian actor, singer, film-maker, and entrepreneur; He has starred in, scripted, produced, and directed several Nigerian films. Odunlade became a household name after featuring in the movie titled ‘Asiri Gomina Wa’ in 2003.

His active role in his films has helped in paving the way for him in the Nollywood industry. He is the founder of Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP).


EDUCATION


Odunlade went to St John’s Primary School and secondary education at St. Peter’s College in Abeokuta, before proceeding to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, where he obtained a diploma certificate.

ODUNLADE ADEKOLA – Background

Odunlade joined the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts practitioners in 1996 and started acting the same year.

He won the Africa Movie Academy Award as the best actor of the year 2014. He made his entry into the Nigerian music industry in December 2015. Adekola is an advertising icon for the Global Communication Company known as GLO, the same as his pictures are being used in adverts and web marketplace across Nigeria. He is known for his films like Sunday Dagboru, Alani Pamolekun, Mufu Oloosha oko, Adebayo Aremu Abere, Odaju, Oyenusi.

Personal Life

Odunlade married his girlfriend, Ruth, in 2013; the couple is parents to four sons.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/2020/08/02/odunlade-adekola-early-life-career-and-many-more/

Olamide Adedeji – Early Life, Music Career & many more

Olamide Adedeji, better known by his professional name “Olamide Badoo,” is from Lagos, Nigeria. He was born on the 15th of March 1989, in Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria.

He is multiple awards winning rapper, and entrepreneur whose music career has spanned over a decade.

Education


Olamide gained admission to study mass communication at the Tai Solarin University of Education in 2008 after primary and secondary Education in Lagos.

Career

Olamide uses his music to talk about his struggle growing up. He raps in the Yoruba language with a mixture of broken English, making it easier for the indigenous to reflect on his music.


He released his first hit, “Eni Duro,” in 2010 while he was in the university’s second year.The single was successful and received positive reviews.


In 2011, Olamide released his debut studio album “Rapsodi,” The album was released by coded tunes records after signing to the label.


The album has guest appearances from 9ice, Wizkid, ID Cabasa, D’Banj, putting Olamide into the spotlight with great commercial success.

In 2012, Olamide left Coded Tunes and started his label “YBNL Nation.”

Olamide released eight more albums after Rapsodi.

Personal Life

Olamide welcomed his first son with his partner on January 30, 2015.

The naming ceremony had high profiles and celebrities in attendance, including Gov. Babatunde Raji Fashola. He named him Maximilian Boluwatife.


On July 1, 2019, Olamide welcomed his second son Tunrepin Myles with his partner Adebukunmi in the United States of America.

Olamide welcomes his first daughter with Maria Okanrende, a popular On-Air personality on August 16 2019. Her name is revealed as Asaiah Monife Maria.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/2020/08/02/olamide-adedeji-early-life-music-career-and-many-more/

Ooni Ogun & The Obalades crown chiefs of Yoruba Land

It is widely believed that you have to be somehow associated with Ifa to get the Yoruba people’s genuine history.

Hence this article is about the man whose influence is believed to have impacted how Ifa oracle in Yoruba land is consulted.

Ogun is believed to have introduced oral tradition through the Ifa system in Yoruba Land.

He was crowned the first Ooni of Ife after the demise of Oduduwa; however, Ogun was not Oduduwa’s child.

Who is Ogun?

He was a craftsman and the head of spiritual responsibilities in Yoruba land.

The highly sophisticated metal-work of the ancient Yorubas discovered all over the Yoruba land during colonization is attributed to Ogun’s work, from the bronze cast to Iron weapons, and many other sculptures.ÂÂ

All of these arts are believed to have been produced at the Ogun shrine in Ife.ÂÂ

The Obalades

The throne of Ooni was vacant after the demise of Oduduwa, and Oduduwa’s children were busy elsewhere.

Ogun sent Oduduwa’s children on different journeys as advised by the Ifa oracle to effect Yoruba land and territory expansion.

Oduduwa’s eight children’s descendants are known as the Obalades (crown chiefs) of Yoruba land.

They are the Onipopo of Popo, (Benin Republic), Onisabe of Sabe, (Benin Republic).

And the Alaafin of Oyo (Nigeria), Oregun of Ile-Ila (Nigeria), Alake of Egbaland (Nigeria), Alaketu of Ketu (Nigeria), Owaoboku of Ijeshaland (Nigeria), Owa of Ilesa (Nigeria) were the true heir to the throne.

“It is believed that Ogun purposely sent all Oduduwa’s children on different journeys to effect Yoruba territory expansion.

But historians have argued that Ogun had followed Ifa oracle’s advice and Ogun did nothing malicious.

It made Ogun, who is not related to Oduduwa, the opportunity to become the Ooni of Ife.

Is Oduduwa a Yoruba man?

Oduduwa is believed to have migrated to Yoruba Land. His wives were, however, a Yoruba woman, and his children got married to the Yorubas.

It is worthy to note that Yoruba people’s reason for worshiping their ancestors was how documentation is achieved.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/2020/08/05/ooni-ogun-the-obalades-crown-chiefs-of-yoruba-land/

Ooni Obalufon Alayemore – The man who redefined Yoruba tradition

Ooni Obalufon Alayemore (Obalufon II) was born into the second Ooni of Ife’s lineage family, Osangangan Obamakin. He was the son of the fourth Ooni of Ife Obalufon Ogbogbodirin (Obalufon I). He was a traditional ruler and the fifth Ooni of Ife.


He is described as the grand patron of arts as the Yoruba art tradition reached its peak during his reign.

The Ife marbles put Ife historic art on the spotlight when the late king of Ife, Ooni Adelekan Olubuse gave the British colony governor, Gilbert Thomas Carter three artifacts known as Ife marbles in 1896.

The exact time Obalufon II was alive is not known. In comparison, others have put the date between the eighth and ninth centuries A.D, while some have argued that it is between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries A. D, but he was certainly active during Oranmiyan’s reign.


The arts associated with Obalufon are dated based on radiocarbon and thermoluminescence analysis.


But historians have argued that the dates could be wrong. Most of the artifacts associated with Obalufon were found in a second burial background, making the test unreliable as soil analyses in the first burial would have yielded useful information.


The stylistic artifacts found at the Ita Yemoo site are also believed to be associated with Obalufon II.

The sixteen artifacts of life-size head symbolizing the allegiance of sixteen Yoruba crown states to Ife is also believed to be associated with Obalufon.

Another art associated with Obalufon II is the Obalufon mask. A technique described as timeless with the prominent almond-shaped eyes, and noticeable holes around the chin areas so that a beard could be attached.


He disclosed that Obalufon II left the throne briefly for Oranmiyan, who had just returned from establishing kingdoms across the Yoruba land and Benin.

Obalufon has established cities and towns like Ido-Ogun, Ilara, and many more before returning to succeed Oranmiyan becoming the first and only Ooni to be crowned twice.
The fine arts in ancient Yoruba kingdom and Benin (Bini) are similar as both Obalufon II, and Oranmiyan is believed to have inherited the tradition from their lineage.
Source: https://dakingsman.com/ooni-obalufon-alayemore-the-man-who-redefined-yoruba-tradition/

Obafemi Awolowo – Early Life, Career & many more

Obafemi Awolowo was a journalist and politician from Ikenne in the Ijebu-Remo of Ogun State, Nigeria.


He was born to David Shopolu Awolowo and Mary Efunyela Awolowo on 6 March 1909 in Ikenne.

Education

He attended Baptist Boys’ High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, and became a teacher.

After secondary education, he proceeded to Wesley College in Ibadan, where he was a shorthand typist.
During his time at Wesley College in Ibadan, he worked as a correspondent for the Nigerian Times.


He left Wesley College in 1927 and proceeded to the University of London, where he received a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.).


On 19 November 1946, Awolowo was called to the bar by the honorable Society of the Inner Temple after studying law at the University of London.


Career

Upon Awolowo’s return to Nigeria, he founded the Oduduwa group and a newspaper company, Nigerian Tribune, in 1949. He also became an active politician, teaming up with others to become the leader of a newly formed “Action Group.”

In 1952 he became the first leader of the Government, Business, and Minister of Local Government and Finance and the first premier of the western region.
During his time as the leader of western region, Awolowo became the voice of the masses, passing legislation that helps the lower middle class and the poor.

He introduces free primary education and health care service to all children in the Western Region.
In 1959, Awolowo became a member of the parliament and leader of the opposition to Balewa’s government.

He was in government until 1963, during which he was arrested and jailed for three years for allegedly encouraging rebellion act against the government.
Awolowo died at his residence in Ikenne at the age of 78 on May 9 1987. He was survived by his wife, Chief Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, who later died on November 25, 2015. Their five children survived them.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/obafemi-awolowo-early-life-career-many-more/

Olamide Adedeji – Early Life, Music Career & many more

Olamide Adedeji, better known by his professional name “Olamide Badoo,” is from Lagos, Nigeria. He was born on the 15th of March 1989, in Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria.



He is multiple awards winning rapper, and entrepreneur whose music career has spanned over a decade.

Education


Olamide gained admission to study mass communication at the Tai Solarin University of Education in 2008 after primary and secondary Education in Lagos.

Career

Olamide uses his music to talk about his struggle growing up. He raps in the Yoruba language with a mixture of broken English, making it easier for the indigenous to reflect on his music.


He released his first hit, “Eni Duro,” in 2010 while he was in the university’s second year.The single was successful and received positive reviews.




In 2011, Olamide released his debut studio album “Rapsodi,” The album was released by coded tunes records after signing to the label.


The album has guest appearances from 9ice, Wizkid, ID Cabasa, D’Banj, putting Olamide into the spotlight with great commercial success.

In 2012, Olamide left Coded Tunes and started his label “YBNL Nation.”

Olamide released eight more albums after Rapsodi.

Personal Life

Olamide welcomed his first son with his partner on January 30, 2015.

The naming ceremony had high profiles and celebrities in attendance, including Gov. Babatunde Raji Fashola. He named him Maximilian Boluwatife.




On July 1, 2019, Olamide welcomed his second son Tunrepin Myles with his partner Adebukunmi in the United States of America.

Olamide welcomes his first daughter with Maria Okanrende, a popular On-Air personality on August 16 2019. Her name is revealed as Asaiah Monife Maria.
Source: https://dakingsman.com/olamide-adedeji-early-life-music-career-and-many-more/

DonCandido:
Fun facts on Agemo masquerade:

1. Not unique to the Ijebus.

2. The original Agemos were 48 and NOT 16.

3. The Agemo did not originate with the migration of Obanta, it was the religion of the autochonous society he met at Ijebu.

4. Agemo is an harvest festival (mainly yam and corn) amongst the Ijebus.

The current Agemos are 17 not 16. One of them apparently lost his powers.

Alagemo Merindinlogun – The 16 deities of the Ijebus


The Ijebus of the southwest region of the Yoruba people of Nigeria is referred to as omo Alagemo, (Children of Agemo).
Agemo is believed to be so powerful that young adults and women fear it and plays an essential role in keeping and unifying the Ijebu people.It is one of their significant traditions.


So What is Agemo?


Agemo is a spiritual concept and traditional practice of the Ijebu people; it unites the Kingdom of Ijebu during the pre-colonial era and even to date.

It is widely believed that during the Atlantic-Slave trade, The Ijebu Kingdom was feared, and the impact of the slave trade on Ijebu land was minimal.

Alagemos protection was one of the things attributed to their defense against invasion.

However, the peace in the Ijebu Kingdom didn’t last as by the late eighteenth century; the British took over the kingdom. The Ijebu Kingdom was one of the last territories to collapse.

The collapse of the domain didn’t happen until the destruction of other cities and empires surrounding Ijebu- land.

Lord Frederick Lugard led thousands of British troops and mercenaries to take over the kingdom in 1892, leading to decay of vital cultural practices.

Alagemo Merindinlogun – When Does Agemo Comes Out?

“Ireku” must be performed by the “Oloja Agemo” (Agemo priests), For the Agemo to come out.


It involves atonement and sacrifices in which must yield positive results before the “Idojo,” (The day Ifa will be consulted to know when the Alagemo can come out), This is also when it would be determined how long the ceremony is going to take.

The festival usually lasts between seven and nine days.

It is worthy to note that majority of Orishas worshiped in Yoruba land are spirits of their ancestors who once lived and walked on earth.

The way of their survival from hunting to curing illness embedded in the form of practice for generations to come, which gave birth to many traditional methods like Egun ceremony, Alagemo, Ifa and many more.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/alagemo-merindinlogun-the-16-deities-of-the-ijebus/

Nok Culture – Ancient Human Race

Indigenes of Nok, Kaduna State of Nigeria were amused when human-size figurines were discovered in the region. The people were surprised, not because of the type of sculpture rooted out, but because of how advanced and extraordinary they were.

The name “Nok Culture” is attached to the figurines discovered in 1943 during a mining operation. Archaeologist Bernard Fagg named the figurine after the village “Nok.”
When these figurines were discovered, Nigeria was practicing a federal state with three regions, the Western, Eastern, and Northern areas.

Nok figurines were found all over the Eastern and northern regions of Nigeria, but more of these figurines were discovered in the village called Nok.

Some figurines were also discovered in Jos but not as much as those found in Nok’s village.

Due to Nigeria’s precious mineral resources, the country became a mining destination during the British colonization. Many artifacts were discovered during this time in Nigeria.

Historians believe that evidence at Taruga, the site in which most of the figurines and iron slag were found, suggests that they were moved from their original location to Taruga.

Before discovering the sculptures, the majority of West African people have been using Nok Culture figurine for centuries for rituals and traditional purposes.

So who are the Nok Culture

Archaeologists suggest that the Nok were living in the West Africa region at least 900 BC and disappeared mysteriously around 200 AD.

During the evacuation of some Nok figurines, archaeologists found several other artifacts like bracelets, knives. These findings were described as extraordinary and timeless.
But Yoruba traditionalist and historian have argued that the Nok Culture lived with the region’s new human race.

According to Yoruba tradition, the Nok culture is an ancient human race represented in West African culture to date.

The Nok had an external human organ feature. The differences in the characteristics are almost the same as what makes human beings different, except for the noticeable big ears, large eyes, thick lips, and small height.

They are known as “Egbere” in the western region due to their small size. The Nok range was from 2 to 4 feet tall.

Evidence also suggests that the terracotta sculptures discovered in the Eastern and Northern parts of Nigeria are of heroes or essential figures in society. It is in the tradition for people of the region to build statues of heroes and essential figures in the community.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/nok-culture-ancient-human-race/

The Real Reason Yoruba Wants Its Independence

Calls for Yoruba independence is gaining rising support among a growing number of Yorubas.

The ever increasing instability in the country played a significant role in influencing the request of the break-up of a united Nigeria.

Yoruba land was independent until 1914 when Lord Frederick Lugard merged the southern and northern protectorate.

Understanding the increased agitation of Yoruba independence

The country’s union wasn’t universally welcomed; the southern has been calling for independence since Nigeria gained independence in 1960.

Biafra had declared independence from Nigeria, leading to a brutal civil war that led to the death of millions of lives. The battle lasts for three years, 1967-1970.

The southern and northern jurisdiction is home to over 250 ethnic groups with hundreds of languages, making Nigeria the seventh most populous country globally and the first in Africa.

The Yoruba Summit Group, YSG, had declared that the rise in banditry, killings, and kidnapping, especially in the country’s peaceful western region, would lead to the collapse of Nigeria if it’s not addressed before the 2023 general elections.

Traditional Yoruba ruler led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, warned president Buhari last year during a visit to the presidential villa.

The Ooni said that the Yorubas don’t want any war but are ready to defend themselves if the insecurities in the southwest region are not addressed appropriately.

The Real Reason Yoruba Wants Its Independence – Way Forward

The question at hand is, why can’t we vote like Scotland and Scandinavia?

The answer is simple, with a population of over 200 million people. The people living in the southwest region, which is the home of the Yorubas, are about 21 million people.

A legally binding referendum for independence might favor Yoruba, but what is needed to achieve one.

A strong political movement for Oduduwa republic to become a sovereign state.
A petition to call for independence.
A legal challenge

Source: https://dakingsman.com/the-real-reason-yoruba-wants-its-independence/

Ebenezer Obey- Early Life, Music Career and many more

Ebenezer Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi, Better known by his professional name “Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey,” is from Owu-Abeokuta, Nigeria. He is a jùjú musician, guitarist, and evangelist. He was born on 3 April 1942 in idogo, present-day Ogun State.

CAREER

Obey started his music career soon after finishing his apprenticeship under late Nigerian guitarist and singer, Fatai Rolling Dollar’s band. He moved to Lagos to pursue his career and started independently before forming the music group, “The international brothers.”

The International brothers were so successful that the band is called on to perform at any significant ceremony in the country. The group introduces more guitars, western drum kits.

In the 1970s, the widely known band changed its name to Inter-reformers. The band released eight albums throughout his career with over 60 records. In the early ’90s, Obey became born again and became a gospel singer.

Obey is also described as the one who transits juju music from neo-traditional form to modern way.

The inter-reformers released their highest selling record in 1972 with the “board members.” The record was released after their return from the United Kingdom.

Ebenezer Obey – Personal Life

Ebenezer got married to his long-time girlfriend, Olaide Olufade, in 1963 and welcomed their first son, Shina.

On 23 August 2011, Olaide died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital at age 67. Obey is blessed with several children and grandchildren.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/ebenezer-obey-early-life-music-career-and-many-more/

The Descendants of Ife

Ife’s descendant can be traced back to a single warrior and leader who is famously known among the Yorubas as Oduduwa.

The Oduduwa is the first man to lead and rule Ife, but not only did he rule Ife, but he also fought and won over many other kingdoms within the Yorba land.

In many years, it is believed that Oduduwa was able to compete and defeat not less than 13 indigenous villages led by Obatala, and brought all the towns into a single community known as Ife.

Among his clan, he was also called as Olofin Adimula, Olofin Aye, and Olufe.

The three glorifying names are meant to praise his magnificence as a leader who brought unity among people.

The Descendants of Ife

Other times, instead of Oduduwa, he is also referred to as Ooduwa or Oodua by other kingdoms within the Yoruba Empire.

After his death, he was immortalized as a god, who they subsequently approached for divinity consultation.

Based on a report from some early-day historians, they believed that Oduduwa was an émigré from another nation, who came to settle in the south of Nigeria at one time in the 12th century CE.

He is believed to have brought the traditional Yoruba religion with him.

Some found that his belief was part of his movement from his previous location. However, this prior location of Oduduwa remained a controversial issue as about four different reports gave different earlier places of Oduduwa in history.

One report has it that Oduduwa immigrated to Nigeria from Mecca, where he was a prince.

His emigration was believed to occur as a result of the persecution of the notable Muslims in Mecca. As a result, Oduduwa and his followers left Mecca to seek for a new settlement.

The second report claims that Oduduwa came down from Egypt, and not from the Arabs.

During his reigning period, it is believed that much of his inventions can be traced back to the ways of feudal Egypt.

Thirdly, another report is a claim from the Indigene of Benin city – Edo’s people – who claimed that Oduduwa was their prince as he left Benin due to the Royal conflict.

And for this reason, one of the descendants of Oduduwa was allowed to take back the leadership of the Kingdom of Benin.

Finally, it is the tradition of Ife about Oduduwa, which states that Oduduwa was a warrior who hailed from Oke-Ora – an eastern part of Ife towards the Ijesa people – and that, he descended from the hills with a chain.

Consequently, they praise him as Atewonro, which translates to one who descends on a chain. As a warrior, he is always said to wear iron as an armor. After his arrival, he fought and conquered about 13 communities and overthrow Obatala.

Hence, he brought all the communities together as one, and eventually, he was referred to as the first Ooni of Ife. The bearer of the rightful kings of the entire Yoruba as his sons overtook the mantle of leadership in the other Yoruba land.

In essence, Oduduwa is an immigrant who was received by the aborigines of Ife.

History has it that Oduduwa had about seven children. The first of which is called Okanbi Iyunade, who married Obatala and gave birth to Owu, who also became a king known as the Olowu.

He was believed to have gained his crown when he was still an infant, precisely while crying on his grandfather’s lap. Omonide – who was Oduduwa’s most cherished wife – gave birth to Sopasan.

Sopasan was the first of Oduduwa’s children to leave Ife, and he also gave birth to crowned kings of Ketu.

He was believed to have settled in two different areas; Oke – Oyan and Aro. Ajagunla Fagbamila Orangun was the first legitimate son of Oduduwa, and he was crowned as the king of Ila.

He married Adetinrin Anasin, who gave birth to Ifagbamila.

Other children of Odudwa includes the Onisabe of Sabe, Onipopo of Popo, Orunto, and Oranmiyan. Orunto was born by one of Oduduwa’s maid, and his predecessor holds the Obalufe title – a royal title which is second in rank to the Ooni of Ife – in Ife till the present day.

Oranmiyan, who was the last born of Oduduwa was the most adventurous of them all as he migrated to Oyo and became the first Alaafin of Oyo, Benin, and became the first Oba of Benin, and finally became the sixth Ooni of Ife.

Obalufon II Alayemore was on the throne of Ife when Oranmiyan came back from his journey, and he claimed his rightful royal seat from Alayemore again.

Oranymiyan gave birth to Lajamisan, the progenitor of all Ooni of Ife, who reigns in Ife.

Ile-Ife is presently part of Osun State and has an estimated population of about half-a-million people.

It is home to one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, Obafemi Awolowo University, as well as the Natural History Museum of Nigeria.

Ife is also a prominent regional agricultural center for a surrounding area that produces vegetables, grain cacao, tobacco, and cotton.

Source: https://dakingsman.com/the-descendants-of-ife/