Ipele

Ipele is a town in Owo local government in Ondo State, south western Nigeria. History has it that the name Ipele evolved from the original Yoruba name "Apo Ole" meaning "the borough or track of a thief". There have been many stories of how a settlement (now Ipele) used to be a haven for kidnappers, hence the description. There is also historical link with the Edo Kingdom.

Today Ipele is growing in population and headed by a King known as "Olupele". The most famous being OBA OTEKALU who lived for almost 125 years and whose descendants today include Eganmidayo Alex Oloye, the CEO of OLLEX LIMITED.

The first Nigerian OPEC secretary general, Chief Meschack Otokiti Feyide hailed from this town. Other Nigerian dignitaries from Ipele include former Owo local government Chairman and Minister of State for Education Dr Adewumi Abitoye, former Cooperative Bank (now Skye Bank) CEO Chief Olupitan, Mr.Samuel Akinola Lasekan(dcd), his son Bankole Lasekan an animator who has worked on numerous blockbusters in Hollywood and video games, Mr. Dapo Aderinola, former editor of Nigerian Daily Times, Mr.Samuel Ojo Adebiyi, Chief Executive of Mansion Press Limited, Chief Bobagunwa Olabode Thomas Dairo, a socialite popularly known as "The Guvnor" in Lagos. Professor Dele Orisawayi (Former Dean Faculty of Arts - University of Calabar) and former Director of Public Health in Lagos State, Dr Tosin Olomolehin also hail from this town.

Ipele women are mostly traders while the men are renown farmers and hunters but the younger generations are presently making waves in politics, business and academics.

Ipele and the people of Ipele are rich in colourful various festivals but the most important one being the seven yearly ERO festival which is mainly aimed at celebrating old age and thanks giving for living a worthy and pious life (Sexagenarians and septuagenarians are believed to be in this group)

Majority Ipele people are Christians. There are quite a few Alhajis and Alhajas in the community.