Iledi Osugbo Abalaye, Ajina Square

Iledi Osugbo Abalaye Shrine

Iledi Osugbo Abalaiye is a pre-colonial traditional site in Ajina Square in Ikorodu area of Lagos. It was built in 1810 by joint community effort and the building is used for the traditional rights and installation ceremony of the Obas and Chiefs. The Iledi Osugbo plays a significant role in the History and Origin of Ikorodu.^[1]

The Osugbo society plays an integral role in Ikorodu's traditional and cultural history, reflecting the complex interplay between political, religious, and social institutions in the society. In 2019, the traditional coronation rites for the new Iyalode was done at the Iledi Osugbo Abalaye in Ikorodu for a high powered traditional rites led by the Apena of Ikorodu.^[2]

The Iledi Osugbo site at Ejina market square site is considered a sacred spaces in Yoruba culture and tradition as it plays a role in maintaining local cultures and traditions in the state. ^[3]

Community Relations

The scared site is a place that provides a range of political and religious functions, including where rifts are settled. It serves as Yoruba traditional court whenever there are disputes between individuals, villages or towns, the matter is settled at Iledi .

Cultural significance of The Iledi Osugbo

Attire and regalia

Members of Iledi are easily identifiable by their distinctive white attire and the sticks they carry. This unique dress code is an important part of Iledi's tradition and cultural heritage.

Role in royal succession

Iledi plays a crucial role in the royal succession process of Ikorodu. The Oba-elect (Ipebi) is kept at Iledi for three months, during which time he undergoes initiation and indoctrination into the traditions and customs of the land. All sacrifices and rituals necessary for the Oba-elect's coronation are carried out at Iledi.^[4]

Cult groups

Iledi is home to several cult groups, each with its own distinct operations and traditions. These groups are categorized into three main types: Owopa, Osugbo, and the Reformed Fraternity. The Reformed Fraternity is unique in that it is composed of wealthy individuals

Further reading

• Slogar, C, Coleman African Studies Center (2024). Carved Ogboni Figures from Abeokuta, Nigeria. African Studies Center.

See Also

• Nigerian confraternity
• African Traditional religion
• Oba Ayangbure's Place

References

1. tope_litcaf (2016-02-02). "Iledi osugbo Abalaiye". Modupe Apoola Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
2. oriwusun (2019-12-09). "Shonubi family leads new Iyalode Folake Adebimpe to "Osugbo Abalaye" to perform final rites". Oriwusun Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
3. Canada, Immigration and Refugee Board of (2019-06-20). "Nigeria: Ogboni society, including structure, rituals, ceremonies, and current status; membership and the consequences of refusing to join or trying to leave; relationship with police and judicial authorities (2017-April 2019) [NGA106269.E]". https://irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/country-information/rir/Pages/index.aspx?doc=457826&pls=1. Retrieved 2024-11-23. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
4. oriwusun (2016-12-19). "Rousing welcome, as massive crowd, family members celebrate Oba Semiudeen Kasali out of Ipebi". Oriwusun Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-11-19.