The Origin of Ilorin: A Historical Insight
“Ilorin is not a Hausa or Fulani territory. Hundreds of years ago, Oko-Erin, or ‘Elephant Forest,’ was home to brave hunters like Òjó Oníṣekúṣe from Ijesha and Ẹ̀mìńlá from Ìlá-Ọ̀ràngún.”
“Ọláderin, from Oyo Alaafin, was the first to settle here. His hut became a hub for hunters, and the name ‘Ilorin’ originated from the sharpening stone they used for their machetes.”
“As people joined Ọláderin, Ilorin expanded. It was initially an Oyo settlement, with no other tribes present. Over time, leadership passed from Ọláderin to his descendants, eventually to Àfọ̀njá, a powerful warlord.”
“Afonja’s quest for power led him to invite Fulani Alfa, Alimi, for support. This alliance shifted the balance, with Hausa and Fulani presence growing. Despite Afonja’s initial dominance, Alimi and his followers eventually
“Thus, Ilorin’s complex history began as a Yoruba settlement and evolved through significant conflicts and alliances. Today, it’s a blend of diverse cultures, but its roots remain deeply Yoruba.”
