Unveiling Orimolusi Ijebu’s Rich Cultural Heritage: The Ijebu-Igbo Regberegbe Council

In the heart of Ijebu-Igbo, Regberegbe refers to age-grade associations, typically formed within three-year age gaps. As a sub-ethnic group of the Ijebu people in Nigeria, the Ijebu community comes together during the vibrant Ojude Oba festival to pay homage to their paramount traditional rulers, showcasing their rich Yoruba heritage through stunning attire and joyful celebrations.

According to the information gathered by MarvelTvUpdates, the Regberegbe are basically voluntary, non-profit organizations. They play an important part in promoting the development of towns and Villages as well as meeting the welfare needs of members living at home and in Diaspora.

In a vibrant display of culture and tradition, the Ojude Oba festival took place at the esteemed Orimolusi Palace of Oba Jayeoba Lawrence Adebajo Ojuromi VI, in Ijebu Igbo. The palace was filled with sons and daughters from home and diaspora, all united in their quest to honor their beloved king and other community leaders.

In the context of Regberegbe, The leadership structure of each Regberegbe group consists of:

1. Giwa: The head of each Regberegbe group.
2. Otun: The deputy head, who supports the Giwa.
3. Eta: The third-in-command, who assists the Otun.

Together, 2 each representatives represent their respective Regberegbe groups and form the Council of Regberegbe.

The Significance of Regberegbe in Yoruba Culture

Regberegbe is significant in Ijebu culture as it represents a connection to the divine, ancestors, and community. It’s a celebration of Yoruba heritage, traditions, and values. The festival brings the community together, fostering a sense of unity, shared heritage, and cultural pride.

How Regberegbe Works

The Regberegbe age-grade system is divided into groups with a three-year age gap. Each group has its unique name, and members are expected to participate in traditional activities and rituals. To join a Regberegbe group, one simply needs to find the group that corresponds to their age range.

Preserving Regberegbe for Future Generations

To ensure the continued survival of Regberegbe, it’s essential to document traditional practices, train younger generations in traditional music and dance, and promote cultural education. Community engagement, funding, and government support are also crucial.

List of Regberegbe Groups in Akile Ijebu

Here is a list of Regberegbe groups in Akile Ijebu, along with their corresponding age ranges:

Mafowoku – 1845-1848
Bobajolu – 1849-1852
Bobasete – 1853-1856
Gbobaniyi – 1857-1860
Oriyonote – 1861-1864
Majobate – 1865- 1868
Bobasanya – 1869-1872
Erobayo. – 1873-1876
Obagbuyi. – 1877-1880
Obaneye – 1881-1884
Obayori – 1885 – 1888
Obase – 1889 – 1892
Obabeko – 1893 – 1896
Obalolaye – 1897-1900
Obafowora – 1901-1904
Obagoroye – 1905-1907

Obangbade – 1908 -1910
Bobadega. – 1911 -1913
Fibiwoga. – 1914 -1916
Obalola. – 1917-1919
Obalolade. – 1920 – 1922
Obabosipo – 1923 -1925
Bobagunwa – 1926-1928
Bobasegun – 1929-1931
Mafowoku – 1932-1934
Olugbadebo – 1935-1937
Bobayo – 1938-1940

Bobagbuyi – 1941-1943
Obaleke – 1944-1946
Bobajolu – 1947-1949
Obafuwaji – 1950-1952
Bobagbimo – 1953-1955
Bobakeye – 1956-1958
Bobagunte -1959-1961
Gbobaniyi – 1962-1964
Jagunmolu – 1965-1967
Arobayo – 1968-1970
Tobalase – 1971-1973
Bobamaiyegun -1974-1976
Obayori – 1977-1979
Bobagunwa – 1980-1982
Obaneye – 1983-1985
Bobasete -1986- 1988

This list is the last update available as the age groups who registered newly have not been given names until next year.

Regberegbe plays a vital role in promoting Yoruba heritage and cultural identity by showcasing traditional practices. Music and dance are integral parts of Regberegbe celebrations. Traditional Yoruba music and dance styles, such as “Bata” and “Dundun,” are performed to honor the gods, ancestors, and community.

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