Ikole Ekiti, a jewel in the heart of Ekiti State, Nigeria, stands as a testament to the resilience, beauty, and cultural richness of the Yoruba people. Nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, Ikole Ekiti is not just a town but a beacon of tradition, education, and progressive spirit.
Celebrating Heritage and History
Ikole Ekiti, often called the “Home of Peace,” is steeped in history and tradition. The town is a proud custodian of rich Yoruba heritage, with roots tracing back to the early days of the Yoruba civilization. It has been a hub of significant historical events and a birthplace of influential figures who have contributed to the growth and development of Nigeria.
Educational Excellence
Known for its commitment to education, Ikole Ekiti houses several renowned institutions that have shaped the minds of many who have gone on to achieve great things nationally and internationally. The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), with one of its campuses in Ikole, stands as a modern beacon of learning, continuing the town’s legacy of academic excellence.
Cultural Richness
The cultural landscape of Ikole Ekiti is vibrant and dynamic. Traditional festivals, music, dance, and art are integral to the community, reflecting the town’s deep cultural roots. The Epa Festival, celebrated annually, is a colorful display of the town’s rich cultural heritage, bringing together people from far and wide.
Ikole Ekiti’s Oriki
Oriki, the Yoruba praise poetry, is a beautiful way to honor and celebrate the essence of a place or person. Here is the full Oriki of Ikole Ekiti:
Ikole,
Omo a lu ogun, a re wa ja re’le,
Omo Igbole o mu’gi gun ogba k’efo to,
Omo a gbon s’epo, a gbon sare,
Omo a jo ropo,
Ikole, omo a gbon n’ja, n’ijo Ogunmola,
Ikole Ekiti,
Omo Olode,
Omo Olode bi Oga,
Omo a gbon n’je, a gbon n’mu,
Omo ar’ika gbo re’le,
Ikole,
Omo Oba a ki Iwa, to n’ile ni’re,
Omo agbe l’apo, b’oyinbo se gbe e wole,
Ikole, omo a roko le ekun,
Omo eru k’aa lo,
Omo eru k’aa bo,
Omo Ajibogun, Ajiboye,
Omo a foniru,
Omo a pon epo,
Omo obirin k’ose,
Omo akitan gbegi je,
Ikole,
Omo a teru n’gbogbo ogun,
Ikole, omo a fi eti gb’ofun,
Omo ajani roko, om’awa,
Ikole, omo a gba eru bi olofa mo.
Translation:
Ikole,
Child of those who wage war and return home victorious,
Child of Igbole who climbs the fence to harvest vegetables,
Child who dances in wealth, child who dances to the rhythm,
Ikole, child who excels in battles, in the time of Ogunmola,
Ikole Ekiti,
Child of the brave,
Child of the brave like Oga,
Child who excels in eating and drinking,
Child who brings the news home,
Ikole,
Child of the king who greets well, who has a good home,
Child who carries a bag, just as the white man carries it into the house,
Ikole, child who builds a farm in the lion’s land,
Child of unstoppable slaves,
Child of unstoppable returnees,
Child of Ajibogun, Ajiboye,
Child who pounds yam, who fries palm oil,
Child of a woman who cooks,
Child of a blacksmith who eats iron,
Ikole,
Child who bears burdens in all wars,
Ikole, child who uses the ear to receive a neck ring,
Child who farms in the forest, child who is adept,
Ikole, child who receives burdens like a skilled archer.
This Oriki celebrates the bravery, resilience, industriousness, and cultural richness of Ikole Ekiti, encapsulating the essence of its people and their proud heritage.
A Bright Future
As we honor Ikole Ekiti today, we celebrate its past, acknowledge its present, and look forward to a future filled with promise and potential. The town continues to evolve, blending tradition with modernity, and maintaining its status as a beacon of hope and progress in Ekiti State.
Ikole Ekiti, we salute you. May your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
Written by Abiodun Oluwagbemi
