History of
Esure

The Great Migration Under Ajogun Ogborogan

It was during the reign of Osemawe the Oba of Ijebu-Ode (circa 1200 AD) that Ajogun Ogborogan — later known and addressed as Obanta — the first Awujale, travelled from Ife to found his own kingdom in the land of his maternal grandfather, Olu-Iwa Elewu-Ele. Ajogun was a son of Odudua through Gborowo, a daughter of Olu-Iwa.

Ajogun took with him his royal brother Obelu, as well as other crowned princes and renowned warriors, hunters and adept herbalists. Among those who travelled with Obanta were Liken, Alaopo-Oru, Rewu (of Orunwa), Osu-Olu, Olumegu, and Alawa.

Obelu was the director of affairs during the migratory journey and was therefore nicknamed "ETUMORA" — meaning one who directs affairs. This title endures as a mark of the Obelu's role in governance and leadership, enshrined in the royal motto of the Obelu of Esure Kingdom to this day: Etumora Amurowo, Alugbabode Iwa.

The Arrival of Ajogun with Obelu & the Birth of the Name 'Imusin'

Before the arrival of Ajogun (Obanta), Oloko had settled at Idoko in the area then known as IFE-OWODAIYE. However, when Ajogun, Obelu, and their retinue arrived at the site of the present Imusin Market, a sad incident occurred — Ojuri, the son of Obanta, died.

To mark the event, Obanta planted an "ISIN" tree at the site of the grave of Ojuri. Obelu also planted an "AKOKO" tree at the graveside alongside that planted by Obanta in commemoration of that sad event.

To further mark the event, Ajogun directed that all the neighbouring towns and villages should be called by the name of that tree which he had planted on his son's grave — hence the name 'Imusin' (meaning: a place where the ISIN tree grows).

Obelu's Sojourn at Ijebu-Ode

Obanta and Obelu continued their journey until they reached Ijebu-Ode where they settled. Obanta became the first Awujale at Ijebu-Ode. Because Obanta and Obelu were brothers, the people of Ijebu-Ode did not wish to accept Obelu as second in rank to the Awujale — they had no intention of accepting two brothers to rule them.

Obelu then surrendered the position of second-in-rank to the Awujale to Olisa and moved to settle in Imporogun in Ijebu-Ode. His quarter became known as MOGEBELU (Imu-Ogun-Obelu). Seventeen Obelus reigned and died at Mogebelu. The shrines of these past Obelus still exist in Mogebelu to this day.

The Ogun Obelu (God of Iron) is worshipped annually at this shrine during the annual Obelu Festival, which falls at the time of the new moon in November every year.

Obelu — a prince with a beaded crown — took precedence after Obanta on arriving Ijebu-Ode. He was not only clever and adept in traditional administration, but also a warrior, as some of his heirs were. The learned author of History of Ijebu Part I recorded:

The official intimacy between Obanta and Obelu, especially as regards traditional rites, was such that the Ijebus used to say:

Proprietary Rights of Obelu in Ijebu-Ode & Its Environs

Not only did Obelu settle at Mogebelu — an extensive area of land with common boundary in those days with Makun — he also settled his slaves on a portion of Imodi farmland and placed an Osi therein. This Osi, called Omiitu, is still worshipped there till today.

The tenants placed over the Imodi landed property still pay annually some Isakole. The Obelu also owns a portion of Ake farmland between Ijesha-Ijebu and Akaka in Remo. Traditionally, the Obelu used to appoint Baales for Akaka until recently.

Settlement of Obelu at Esure

Consequent upon disturbances and disorder in Imusin during the interregnum following the death of Oloko Adewumi, the Obelu was instructed by the then Awujale to establish an organised government at Imusin.

Obelu returned to Imusin and settled at a place called "ESUREYUN" — now abbreviated to ESURE. The Obelu established a central market named "ITA-OBELU" for the whole Imusin area, alongside which the present Imusin market has grown.

When Obelu founded Esure, his jurisdiction was quite extensive — with common boundaries with the Ajalorun's area of jurisdiction at Ibelu, and another common boundary at Idofe.

Esure as the Social Centre of Ijebu-Imusin

Esure did not merely become a seat of governance — it became the cultural, religious, and educational heart of the entire Ijebu-Imusin area. Several historic firsts were established here:

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  Age Grade Society Meetings

  In days gone by, the age grade society meetings for the whole of Imusin area were held at Esure, cementing its role as the civic heart of the community.

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  First Christian Church

  The first Christian Church in Ijebu-Imusin — then Anglican — was built at Esure, marking the beginning of the Christian faith in the wider Imusin area.

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  First Central Mosque

  The first central mosque in Ijebu-Imusin was also established at Esure — a testament to the community's history of religious tolerance and coexistence.

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  First Primary School — 1904

  The first primary school in Ijebu-Imusin was established in Esure in 1904, making education accessible to the community over a century ago.

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  First Secondary School — 1954

  The first secondary school in the area was also established at Esure in 1954 — continuing a proud tradition of Esure as an engine of learning and development.

Government Set Up by Obelu: The Pampa & Osugbo

In setting up an administrative machinery for the whole of Imusin area — in fulfilment of his assignment from Ijebu-Ode — the Obelu, having obtained the permission of the Awujale, instituted two governance structures: the Pampa Society for youths, and the Osugbo Cult for elders. Both were responsible for judicial functions in the area.

The two senior Chiefs at Imusin at that time were the Ajase of Idoko-Ajase and Magusen of Itamarun. The Obelu persuaded both chiefs about the formation of the Pampa Society and appointed the first Agbon (an Ajase's descendant) and handed over the staff of office.

The Pampa titles rotated between the two sections of Imusin — IKATUN and IKASI — a unique arrangement peculiar to Imusin unlike the procedure in other areas of Ijebu land. The Osugbo title of Odele was confined to Odonopa, the town where the Iledi was (and still is) situated. Unlike other Osugbo institutions in Ijebu land, the titles at Imusin were rotative and filled by promotion.

Obelu Ruling Houses

There are four Ruling Houses entitled to contest for the Obelu stool. Succession rotates among the houses in the order numbered below. The present Obelu is from the Alarada Ruling House (No. 3).

Candidates proposed by the ruling house entitled to fill a vacancy must be a male member of the Ruling House concerned. Where no suitable male member is available, succession can devolve on the son of a direct female descendant of the Ruling House, if found suitable. Successors shall not necessarily be sons of a previous holder — a candidate must however be able to trace his direct descent from a previous holder of the title.

The seven Kingmakers oversee the nomination and installation process, led by the Ekeji Otu as Chairman.

Obelu's Markets & Annual Festival

The Obelu's Annual Festival comes up in November every year. During the festival, the Obelu returns to his ancestral home at Mogebelu, Imporogun Quarters, Ijebu-Ode to perform some ceremonies. The Obelu remains at Ijebu-Ode for three days, after which he returns to his domain at Esure.

During the annual festival, the Osugbo at Imusin shall sound the traditional drum (Agba) to welcome the Obelu when he returns from Ijebu-Ode. The Pampas also attend to welcome the Obelu and to present their staff of office during the celebrations.

A List of Some Former Obelus

The following is a list of some of the distinguished men who have carried the title and responsibility of the Obelu of Esure Kingdom through the centuries: