History of Osogbo
CONCEPTS ABOUT THE EARLY HISTORY
The
influences that can affect the history of a people are said to be of
two kinds, which can be called internal or external, the former
resulting from the character and pursuits of the people, the latter
from the historical contacts and the political or religious movements
and fashions that have come from outside.
The
early history of Osogbo is essentially the legendary account of the
spirit-world; it is the history of the early people whom we call the
spirits and fairies. This is in line with Yoruba traditions, which use
mythical stories to explain the origins of the ruling families of an
early Yoruba state.
Research
into our traditions which is becoming increasingly known in scholarly
circles reveals that Osogbo had been founded as early as Oduduwa
period. Oso-igbo, the goddess of Osun River,
was the Queen and original founder of Osogbo. She was credited with
many important achievements, which helped to establish the State. She
lived in a beautiful surrounding and possessed magical powers, which
inspired her people and frightened their enemies. Traditions acclaim
her the goddess of fertility, protection and blessings. She possessed
the ability to give children (through birth) to barren women and power
to heal the sick and the afflicted by means of her medicinal water from
the river.
The
ATUPA OLOJUMERINDINLOGUN is a pointer to the beautiful surrounding. It
was a sixteen-point lamp which was allegedly kept burning from dusk to
dawn to maintain the glory of the place at night. This can be likened
to the modern day electrification of a community area. Today the Queen
and her descendants and admirers are referred to in praise as: -
“OMO ATUPA MERINDINLOGUN TI I TAN L' OROKI ILE.
B' O BA TAN F' OBA, A TAN F' OSUN.
A TUN TAN FUN IRUNMALE, A TAN F' ENYAN.”
Another eulogy about the beautiful surrounding says: -
“OSOGBO WU MI I DE, KI N LO D' AGBALA OSUN,
NI `BI TI WON TI N RE `RO TI WON TUN N GUN `DO IDE.”
Other characters who assisted Oso-igbo in her administration include:
LAKOKAN:
This was second in rank in the organization and the first character to
be seen and appeased before the Osun goddess could be approached.
IYAMAPO:
The Queen (Oso-igbo) and the people were convinced that the grove was
their soul and the source of their strength and, as such, guarded it at
all costs. The Iyamapo was the sentry spirit charged with the duty of
guarding the entrance to the grove.
OSANYIN: Was the spirit or character with the duty of protecting the grove from outside attack. Hence the praise-song: -
“A FI IBU `SANYIN SE ANPATA (2ce)
OGUN KO JA, K'OGUN K'OROKI
A FI IBU `SANYIN SE ANPATA” which literally translates: -
“We hold Ibu `sanyin as our shield (2ce)
No ravaging war ever devastated Oroki
We hold Ibu `sanyin as our shield.
AJE: Was generally in charge of the indigenous industry (dyeing) and finance.
OMENIYANMERIN
was mainly in charge of internal security and was a character believed
to possess the power to literally “swallow” enemies. Hence the name, “O
MI ENIYAN, MI ERIN” (he who swallows, even men and elephants).
(f) AJIGUN was the giver of children to barren women through the use of medicinal waters from the river.
(g) IGBO AWOWO was the abyss where condemned criminals were thrown alive to meet their waterloo. It was a system of justice.
(Song rendered in Yoruba language. Windows Media Player / Real audio required to play this file)
