Oba Joel Sowunmi Adeboye: The Unforgettable 19th Orimolusi and Economic Architect of Modern Ijebu-Igbo by Ayo Marvel

Oba Joel I. Adeboye was born on December 8, 1909, as Joel Sowunmi Sonuga. He trained as a nurse at the Baptist Hospital in Ogbomoso. His good education and sixteen years of experience working as both a teacher and a medical officer helped him stand out among all traditional rulers in Ijebuland.

Oba Adeboye was known for being very intelligent, charismatic, handsome, energetic, and courageous. He was a natural leader, a brilliant administrator, and a king whose impact on the Orimolusi kingdom remains unforgettable.

He became the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo in 1947 at the age of 38 and ruled until 1955. He is remembered today for his outstanding achievements and modern ideas.

Oba Adeboye was the first formally educated king in the history of Ijebu-Igbo, and he used his knowledge to bring rapid development to the town.

Under his leadership, electricity came to Ijebu-Igbo in 1948. The Town Planning Authority was created that same year, and in 1949 he founded Molusi College, the first secondary school in the community.

He also cleared a large forest and turned it into what is now known as Ojowo/Atikori Market. In 1950, he started the Apoje Farm Project and helped build the Ijebu-Igbo Town Hall. That same year, he introduced the first local bank, Agbon-Magbe Bank, which later grew and became Wema Bank Plc.

Other major achievements of his reign include the establishment of the Leper Settlement in 1951, the construction of a modern post office in 1952, and the tarring of major roads in 1953. He also placed a ban on the high bride price, fixing the official dowry at 12 pounds and 10 shillings to stop the exploitation of families.

One of his most important traditional achievements was helping to recover the beaded crown that the Awujale, Oba Daniel Adesanya, seized from the previous Orimolusi, Oba Abraham Adesemowo, in 1942. Through his persistence, the crown was restored in 1950.

With the 1954 Macpherson Constitution, the Ijebu Divisional Council (IDC) was formed. In 1955, Oba Adeboye became the first elected Chairman of the IDC after defeating the Awujale, Oba Daniel Adesanya, in a well-contested election.

He was also the first Ijebu monarch to travel abroad by airplane for an official assignment.

His time on the throne opened the door for strong economic planning and growth in Ijebu-Igbo.

Tragically, on the September 21st, 1955 when Oba Joel Adeboye was returning from the conference, he never thought the journey would be his last assignment but fate struck and it unexpectedly happened in a plane crash in Tripoli, Libya from a cocoa conference in London. His body was flown back to Lagos on September 27, 1955, in a BOAC aircraft.

He was received at the airport by Oba Adeniji Adele of Lagos, the Western Region Minister of Education, Mr. S. O. Awokoya, the Lagos Town Clerk, Mr. D. O. Akinbiyi, and Mr, D. O. Sami, President of IPS who identified the corpse at the Airport.

Although he ruled for only eight years, Oba Joel Adeboye completely transformed Ijebu-Igbo and left behind a legacy of progress, intelligence, and strong leadership.

He is remembered with pride and respect across the entire Orimolusi kingdom. May his continue rest in eternal peace.