ADVERTISEMENT

We have chanced upon some photos of the oldest palace in Ibadan.

These photos were shared in a recent post made by the popular Nigerian blog, YOOBAPEDIA and the photos came with some history concerning the palace.

The post reads;

“The 200 years old Irefin Palace in Ibadan is believed to be the Oldest palace in Ibadan, with 125 rooms it pride itself as one of the biggest palace in yoruba history.

It was built by Ba’ale Irefin, Ogundeyi Ogunlade. His father, Ogunlade was a courageous warrior who had migrated with his family from owu to Ibadan and would later settle at the hill top known as Irefin today in the 18th century, just as other war lords who founded Ibadan. Ogundeyi’s father had in his control several slaves and servants which pronounces his noble status.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Irefin people were predominantly blacksmiths and may have derived the name from Irefin (Iru efin) translated as the “emission of smoke” which emanates from their compound when they are engaged in their occupational activities.

As it it known that Ibadan’s leadership administration was established on the basis of merit and still obvious till today. By merit, the system gave room to equality, fair play and accountability of rulers and the ruled. Indigenes and non-indigenes were largely rewarded through their display of power and diplomatic activities which include trading, industrialization, agriculture and more which could sustain the society. 

The period of 1820 to 1929 recognized traditional rulers who were 23 in numbers as Baale. From 1930 till date, the traditional rulers were addressed as Olubadan. In simpler term, this implies that anyone who was a Baale between the aforementioned periods has the same power and honor as the Olubadan.

Consequently, when Ogunlade’s merit of leadership emerged in the early 19th century, it was his compound’s turn to provide a leader that would manage and uphold the Ibadan spirit of bravery and tactful governance. Among his three sons, many agreed that Ogundeyi was worthy of the position as they believed he would have time for the people. Towards the year 1912, Baale Ogundeyi Ogunlade of Irefin compound ascended the throne by becoming the 21st Baale of Ibadan.

He was said to be a generous monarch and was credited with being the highest donor to the establishment of the popular Ibadan Grammar School where he donated 100 pounds and the land upon which the school was built.”

See the photos below;

Source: NaijaOnPoint.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments