The History of Ede town,the home of Timi Agbale Olofa Ina: By Adabanija Kamorudeen.

The foundation of Ede town often attributed in different accounts either to Alaafin Sàngó or to Kori. By either account,it is certain that Ede had come to existence in the early phrase of Old Oyo Empire. In the Oyo Kingdom list Alaafin Sàngó was a feared figure both by his subjects and across the Niger by the Borgus and Nupe Empires. He was known for his warring and tyrannical ways and as a symbol later deified in history. His era we turbulence and was the fourth Alaafin of Oyo while Kori was the sixth. The first four Oyo rulers were “Mythological”

It is evident from the above that Ede was established by the Oyo authorities before the 16th century. Though Ede is an ancient town, (it is certainly not as old as Ile Ife,Ila Orangun,Oyo Ile,Owu,Awo,Ara,Ojo, Iragberi,Apòmùn and Ibokun among others)

There is no way the history of Ede can be separated from the Royal position of Oyo Kingdom among the descendants of Oduduwa in Yoruba land. According to Mashood Raji (Elegant Dreamers) Oranmiya the youngest son of Okanbi was said to have embarked on a voyage back to Makkah with the intention to avenge the killing of his grandfather. He went as far as River Niger but the Nupes hindered him crossing their territory. He had to return back home but on his way back,he had to settle at the foot of a hill called Ajaka in Eyio territory. Hence Oranmiya founded a city there and referred to it as Oyo Ajaka. He named one of his sons after the place, Ajaka so Oranmiya was the first Alaafin.

Ede is one of the oldest towns in the South West. It is traditionally said to have been founded about 1500 by the Timi Alapotiemi tiemi (Timi Olofa Ina) a hunter and warlord,sent by Alaafin (King) Sàngó of Old Oyo (Katunga) capital of Oyo Empire,to establish a settlement to protect the Oyo Caravan route to Benin, a 127 miles and 204 kilometres to the South East. Nearby towns include Awo and Ara. Oduduwa is believed