First Generation Heroines in the History of Ijebu Igbo by Dr. Saint Stephen Adebayo

When reflecting deeply on the evolution of Ijebu Igbo, one cannot but ask: what would the vision of its growth have looked like without women?

This question may sound unusual, but history teaches us that the foundation of Ijebu Igbo’s greatness was not built by men alone. Women played pivotal roles through sacrifice, trade, courage, and spiritual fortification in shaping what we now celebrate as our ancestral pride.

MarvelTvUpdates came across this remarkable historical research by Dr. Saint Stephen Adebayo and chose to share it, giving him well-deserved kudos and maximum respect for his great work.

These legendary heroines deserve to be remembered and honored for their immeasurable contributions:

1. Sopenlukale

A noblewoman and consort to Oba Osimore, she was married to Layiloye, one of the pioneering warlords of Ijebu Igbo. A prominent merchant, she traded in cloth, hunting utensils, and other goods, traveling tirelessly to sustain both family and community.

2. Mojo (Mojoyin)

Wife of Ogunelegin Larinde, she bore three children—Kibo, Olusi, and Molode. Having migrated with her husband from Ife, her family made a great sacrifice for the new settlement, as her first son was offered in the spiritual struggle for Ijebu Igbo’s stability.

3. Efunyela

Married to Onayelu, she was mother to Usen, Ikupakude, and Ojuromi. Her first son, Usen, was sacrificed to protect the land from spiritual invasion, underscoring the depth of devotion and sacrifice demanded of mothers in the formative years.

4. Tamolu

Granddaughter of Olu Iwa and wife of Olokinne-Ide, she is remembered for bringing Orisa Osungborowo from Ijebu Ode, a spiritual reinforcement that advanced Ijebu Igbo’s progress.

5. Modein

Wife of Abijaparako, she gave birth to Lawusi, Kileyo, and Owogbegi. Through her family line, her legacy became interwoven with the growth of Ijebu Igbo’s early settlements.

6. Moje

The wife of Tanrin-Larinkoye, she is remembered for her bravery. Upon sighting an elephant, she quickly ran back to Oke Jaga to alert her husband—an event significant to the unfolding history of the town.

7. Beje

A princess and daughter of Osimade Ofiran (brother to Onayelu), she married Gboin. Through this union and her active contributions, she played an important role in shaping the community’s early development.

8. Mosibi Oluromade

Another princess, and sister to Beje, she was married to Lasomodu. Like her sibling, she contributed significantly to the advancement of the settlement, ensuring that women’s influence was deeply embedded in Ijebu Igbo’s evolution.

The Enduring Legacy of Women in Ijebu Igbo

As passed down through oral traditions, these women were not passive figures but instruments of growth, sacrifice, and progress in the formative era of Ijebu Igbo. Their courage, resilience, and foresight established legacies that continue to echo through history.

Today, as we celebrate their contributions, the question extends to the women of the present generation:

What will you be remembered for in centuries to come?

The future of Ijebu Igbo rests in your hands, your vision, and your actions. May the spirits of these ancestors continue to guide and prosper the land.