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History of the Egba Tribe

Ancient Origins

The history of the Egba tribe traces back to ancient times, rooted in the Yoruba people's migration to the region that is now known as southwestern Nigeria. The Egba people are part of the larger Yoruba ethnic group, renowned for their rich cultural heritage. One of the significant chapters in Egba history is the establishment of the Abeokuta settlement. In the early 19th century, under the leadership of Chief Sodeke, the Egba people migrated to the rocky and strategically defensive terrain of Abeokuta, creating a stronghold against external threats. The Egba people had encounters with European powers during the colonial era, navigating diplomatic relationships and challenges. The resilience of the Egba Kingdom during this period contributed to their ability to maintain a degree of autonomy.The Egbaland Kingdom, with Abeokuta as its capital, played a pivotal role in the political and cultural landscape of Yorubaland. The Alake of Egbaland, the paramount ruler, became a central figure in the governance and preservation of Egba traditions and the people actively resisted oppressive forces, both internal and external, during various historical periods. Their stance against tyranny and commitment to autonomy exemplify the spirit of resilience that characterises the Egba tribe.Egba history is intertwined with an array of socio-cultural practices. Traditional ceremonies, festivals, and rituals form an integral part of the Egba cultural identity, providing a sense of continuity and connection to ancestral roots.

History

The Egba group, originally under the Oyo Empire, became independent following the spectacular collapse of Oyo in the first half of the 19th century.^[6] Wars with the Dahomey, in which the Egba were successful partly due to the protection afforded by the Olumo Rock, led to the founding of the city of Abeokuta, which literally means "under the rock".

The Egba nation is made up of the following subdivisions: the Ake, Owu, Oke Ona and Gbagura, each with its own king. (Historically, the Egba nation is made up of these four divisions; Ibara, though geographically located in Abeokuta as well, is part of Yewaland.) During colonial rule the British recognised the Alake (or King of Ake) as the paramount ruler of the whole clan and their territory, and so, his successor is now referred to as the Alake of Egbaland. The titles of the kings of the aforementioned subdivisions are therefore Alake of Egbaland, Oshile of Oke Ona, Agura of Gbagura, and Olowu of Owu, in order of settlement and seniority in the Egba nation.

It is worthy of note that the original town and settlement of the Egba nation in Egbaland was under and around Olumo Rock, which is in the Ikija/Ikereku area of the Egba Oke Ona, The Jagunna of Itoko, an Oke Ona chief, is the high priest of Olumo. Olumo Rock is in the territory of and under the control of the Itokos.

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Egba anthem

Lori oke o'un peteleIbe l'agbe bi mi oIbe l'agbe to mi d'agba ooIle ominiraChorus: Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo; Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori OlumoAbeokuta ilu EgbaN ko ni gbagbe e reN o gbe o l'eke okan miBii ilu odo oyaEmi o f'Abeokuta sogoN o duro l'ori OlumoMaayo l'oruko Egba oooEmi omoo LisabiE eChorus: Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo; Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori OlumoEmi o maayo l'ori OlumoEmi o s'ogoo yi l'okan miWipe ilu olokiki oL'awa Egba n gbeChorus: Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo; Maa yo, maa yo, maa yo o; l'Ori Olumo

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Notable individuals

• Ladapo Ademola, the Alake of Abeokuta from 1920 to 1962, member of the Egba council. Also, a leading figure in negotiations with the Lagos State colonial government.
• Adegboyega Edun, a clergyman, teacher, principal and government administrator; the Secretary of the Egba United Government
• Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a businessman and politician
• Akin Fayomi, Nigerian diplomat, ambassador to France, Monaco, Liberia
• Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007
• Chief Ebenezer Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi, a musician and evangelist
• Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, a musician and activist

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