Derin Ologbenla the founder of Oke Igbo

Posted byoloolutofPosted inHistory


Derin Ologbenla the founder of Okeigbo was a warrior from Ile-Ife whose trade was to prosecute war on behalf of the poor and the oppressed. It was through one of his efforts to liberate people that he founded what we know today as Oke-Igbo. Although, no official date could be given as when precisely Oke-Igbo was founded but history has it that the period between 1830 and 1840 are most likely to be the period that Okeigbo was founded.
Derin Ologbenla was said to have received an invitation from Ajibike, an Ifa consultant to Ooni Adegunle Abewela between the periods of 1839-1849. Ajibike was also serving Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Arilekolasi who as at that time was having a running battle with his subjects, the Ondo people. Derin being a friend of Ajibike was invited to liberate the Osemawe from the shackles of his subjects who are bent on killing him. Derin Ologbenla who as that time was in Ijesha after he has assisted them to win a war led his army from Isoroge to Ondo. Although, the decision did not go well with the Ijesha, he went ahead to pursue his purpose of liberating Osemawe.
Initially, he sent three spies to Ondo and bring back the situation report and assess the strength of the Ondos. After, they came back with their report, he was said to have assembled other notable war veterans who included: Ife prince, Are, Sowo from Egba Owu, Adumbu from Origbo, Onileowo from Origbo, Ebi from Ijesha, Esubi from Offa and Jarogungbo from Origbo and Kuole an Oyo man who had settled in Origbo. The journey to Ondo from Ife was through uninhabited jungle traversed by only powerful hunters.
The journey to Ondo began as Derin Assembled 75 soldiers who carried their weapons through the thick forest, hills, rivers and streams. It was on their way to Ondo that they arrived at a place where they met one Ife hunter called ‘Ojoge’. Derin was said to have persuaded his soldiers to pass the night at that place which later became what we know today as Oke-Igbo. Another thing was said to have happened mid-way in the night was the disappearance of Ojoge, the Ife hunter. The next morning when he appeared, he was said to have been drilled and it was discovered that his disappearance in the night was to inform the Ondo people about an invading army. Upon the discovery of his betrayal, he was executed at a place that is today the current site of Saint Andrew’s Primary School, Okeigbo. Although, Ojoge was executed for his betrayal, a stream he discovered was named after him and today it is known as ‘Odo-Ojoge’ in Oke-Igbo.
As expected, the Ondo people who have been informed about an invading army had assembled at Odosida, a well prepared army ready to rout the Derin’s gendarme. As the war progressed, Derin was said to have invoked charms and incantations which made him automatically invincible for the Ondos and aftermath of this, the Ondo soldiers in their hundreds were murdered by Derin who was said to have used his sword to unleash hell on the Ondos who were subsequently defeated. After the victory of Derin and his soldiers he was said to have told his men that they should go back and to that place ‘Okeigbo’ meaning ‘over the bushes’ at a place where they had earlier settled and that was how ‘Okeigbo’ was born.
History further has it that the Osemawe who Derin and his soldiers came to liberate was killed by his people before Derin could reach him, but he was said to have been given a befitting burial and Derin installed another head for the town before his eventual departure from Ondo.

YorubaRenaissance

Published by oloolutof

Urbanologist, Geographer, Traditionalist and Oral historian. ​I am a versatile, personable, computer literate and goal – driven achiever. I have good communication skill with ability to interact at different levels. I am self –motivated, can easily assimilate new ideals and quite adaptive to work in different environments. Studied in University of Jos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and University of Calabar.

28 thoughts on “Derin Ologbenla the founder of Oke Igbo”

  1. I am always head swollen and pround when i read the history of my GREAT GRAND FATHER! OBA DERIN OLOGBENLA!! I am a descendant of the Great warrior!…..And would also like to say a big thank you to the creator of this blogg for a job well done!……I will like to also ask for a great favour too from the creator and publisher of this post….Could it be possible to get the photograph of OBA DERIN OLOGBENLA for viewers to see!?? It would be much exciting to see BABA photograph…. and definitely LOADS of appreciation will be showered on the publisher!.
    THANKS for your effort
    Prince Oluwasegunfunmi Adeniyi Adesua.

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  2. Am proud of you the author of this write up ,can you pls use this medium to please our ancestor like Derin ologbenla are kugbaigbe kuole and other warrior that what they have labour to build okeigbo can not elect it credible traditional council leader (OBA ) let all us come together to settle our difference and move forward oloroke a gbewa o. Gbemibade F

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  4. Though I’m just coming to terms with the revelation that I am from Ile-Ife and when I went further with my findings, I was told that I’m a descendant of this Great man, warrior and king Derin Ologbenla. Reading this blog alone has done great deed in making me to accept and embrace my newly discovered heritage. Yes! I still need to make lots of research and possibly visit the royal house of Ile-Ife to confirm my discovery. I am a son of the great, great and great sons of Derin Ologbenla who moved and settled in Okitipupa, Ondo state. With the family name; Amuyinmi. Ile-Ife here come your son. Amuyin Oluwole

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  5. I will be pleased to be intimated with the line of history of obaship in Okeigbo,of especial,the reign of late oba sir Daniel Adetunji Ogunjimi. History has it he was the first crowned Oluoke of Okeigbo,it is the authenticity of this claim I want verified,and the impact the Oluoke made during his reign

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  10. i read somewhere that there was a war between Ondo and OkeIgbo. Does anyone know the date of the war? Are there reference materials on this point that I can read?

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  12. Thanks so much for the history of Oke-Igbo. May God continue to help you in research. I am so glad that I belong to Oke-Igbo. Sir, is there any research work on Oke-Igbo dialect?

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  13. Very many thanks for this insightful piece.I am a direct descendant of Ooni Derin Ologbenla.My name is Ologbenla Adedotun.I’m proud to be associated with Oke Igbo and it’s People.I was told that there are some legacies of my great great grandfather in Oke Igbo that need to be sustained.I’m seeking for a partnership in this wise.Thanks a lot Oloolutof

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    1. Prince Adedotun Ologbenla, history can repeat itself through your person, you can built on the legacy of your great great grandfather in Okeigbo even today and be greater. Contact me through 09033928487.

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  16. I’m so proud being an Oke-Igbo offspring. Thanks for the publication and more grease to your elbow.
    Kudos to you and I wish you success in your endeavors.

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  17. Just checking out this beautiful blog again after 2013 and to my surprise i have found that the editor of this blog has posted the picture of my grandfather Oba derin Ologbenla…I am overwhelmed and proud of you sir
    Eledumare bless you sir.

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