- Ilobu
Ilobu is a
city inOsun State ,Nigeria .ILOBU, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government of Osun State, has a chequered history, it is an ancient Town with remarkable history. The site of llobu had been occupied since the 16th century. Ilobu was founded by Laarosin, a native of Oyo who was a great hunter and undoubtedly, the expeditions were no easy tasks. On one of such occasions, he went as far as Iregba where he stayed for some time.Guided by his oracle, Laarosin finally settled on a virgin land later known as llobu. He engaged in farming and hunting. His activities soon attracted people from far and near. Discovered at the site was kind of substitute salt called 'OBU-O-TOYO'. It was a mineral people needed. Traders and travellers started referring to the settlement as ILU-OBU-O- OTOYO. It was from the mineral that llobu derived its name.
The accommodating nature of Laarosin (and his descendants) enhanced the growth of the town. His fame as a greater hunter, warrior and diviner soon spread far and near hence more people came to settle with him. The town equally served as a place where traders and travellers can rest.
Ilobu was in the 'IBOLO' Province of Yoruba proper. Ilobu was one of the four provinces of Yoruba proper. Others were Ekun Otun, Ekun Osi and Epo. These provinces were created by Oyo lle, which was founded by the Famous Oranmiyan, a grandson of Odudua. The founding father of llobu, Laarosin, was from the ancient City (Oyo Ile). The important towns in the Ibolo province (as mentioned by the famous historian, Rev. Samuel Johnson) were Iresa, llobu, Ofa, Oyan, Okuku, Ikirun, Ido and Ejigbo.
In the 19th Century there was a series of civil wars that plagued the Yoruba Country. Ilobu was affected in more than one way. A newly appointed Balogun of Ibadan was directed to carry out an attack on llobu. The bravery, the diplomacy of the people of llobu and the support of Elepo, on Ibadan warrior saved the situation. The impeding attach was warded off.
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