The Owa of Igbajo Land, Oba Adeniyi Fasade had urged the government of of the state of Osun to consider constructuon of Igbajo – Ada road in its infrastructural development plan.
The royal father made this appeal at the public presentation of a book titled Igbajo: History, Culture and Development, c1250-1990, authored by renowned historian, Dr. Oluranti Ojo.
The Owa, who was represented by the Oluomo of Igbajo Land, Akinrogun Sunday Akere noted that the access road would improve access and enhance the economy of Igbajo communities.
“We appreciate the facts that our Governor has sent a representative here. Please tell the Governor that the Igbajo – Ada road is very important ro is,” he said.
Meanwhile, renowned History Scholar, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso in his keynote address, observed that Igbajo that the development of Igbajo land is relatively slow and has been driven solely by township development associations.
“Igbajo has played a very significant role in the history of the Yoruba race, you will remember the Kiriji war. Aside Igbajo, another town tje Yoruba people should be grateful to is Imesi-Ile, where the peace treaty of 1886 was signed, after the war.
“But today, I cannot see any government presence in Igbajo, what I can see is the Kiriji Memorial College, which was established by the Igbajo people before it was taken over by the government and of course the Igbajo Polytechnic which was also established by the people, “ Oyeweso stated.
Author of the book, Dr. Ojo noted that Igbajo is the oldest community in Osun state after Ile Ife. Ojo who is the immediate past head of History and Diplomatic Studies department in the University of Abuja, said the Igbajo people settled in their current location over 400 years before the Kiriji war.
“The Igbajo people are not offshoot or extention of any tribe, Igbajo is Igbajo and their language is Igbajo language. They came from Ife and they have existed for over 400 years before the Kiriji war. So there is more to be studied about the people of Igbajo beyond Kiriji war,” Ojo stated. 00