Ifon Orolu, also known as Ifon-Osun, in Osun State, Nigeria, is one of the most ancient towns in the history and culture of the Yoruba people. The town was founded in the 12th Century by Oba Olaosa Aladikun Akogun Erujeje Adugbo, who migrated with his people from Ile-Ife, following the direction of the Ifa Oracle. He was the first child of Obatala, the deity of piety. Other towns and villages also known as Ifon, (such as Ifon Omima in Ondo State, and Ifon Sepeteri in Oyo State), all owe their ancestry to Ifon-Orolu. The main town is also the headquarters for many villages, model towns and hamlets inhabited by its people and their visitors. Such places include Osun-Eesa, Kajola, Idi-Iroko, Isangbe, Bashorun, Oloode, Alaiko, Ikimo, Oloso, Opapa, and Odofin, to name a few.
Ifon-Orolu is indeed a kingdom, headed by the Olufon, with village heads (Baale) appointed by His Royal Majesty to oversee the affairs of various towns and villages and to provide good governance.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye Akinyooye III, who ascended the throne in February 2024, is the 35th Olufon of Ifon Orolu Kingdom. He is a first class traditional Oba, a beaded-crown monarch, the permanent Chairman of the Orolu and Irepodun Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Deputy Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas. The Olufon is also known as the Aremo Obatala of the Universe, being a direct descendant of Obatala. Historical records show that it was one of the beaded crowns of Olufon that the 9th Olufon gave to the Alaafin of Oyo. Hence, the Olufon is the only Yoruba king who is traditionally allowed to wear his own crown and enter the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo without removing his shoes.
Representation
A national bod, the Ifon Progressive Union (IPU) brings together all Ifon Orolu people, regardless of their religious or political affiliations. The IPU is managed by elected committee members, with state branches throughout Nigeria.
A similar body represents Ifon Orolu sons and daughters living outside Nigeria. Known as Orolu in Diaspora, its members spread across the globe and can be found in the US, Canada, UK, Malaysia, Israel, Spain, Italy and Australia, amongst other countries. there is no doubt that Ifon-Orolu people are well travelled and globally acquainted.
Home branches of the IPU and Orolu in Diaspora play significant roles in the development of Ifon Orolu Kingdom, in areas such as education, health, community welfare, and other social-cultural activities of the kingdom.
Location Land Mass and Economic Significance
Ifon-Orolu, the main town of the Kingdom, is located 7°52′N 4°29′E . It is a major economic hub with a network of roads to Osogbo, the Osun State Capital, Ogbomoso in Oyo State and Ilorin, Kwara State. Ifon-Osun is also a major commercial centre in Osun State, boasting arguably the largest open market in the State, known as Oja Obada
The market, which holds every five days, is a signifcant commercial center for farmers, traders, artisans, and other people from as far away as Ondo,
Oyo, Ekiti and Kwara States. Ifon Orolu is only approximately twelve kilometers from Osogbo, making it one of the most affordable places to live while working in the State capital.
In addition to the well-known hospitality and genuine kindness of its people to visitors, one other significant asset of Ifon Orolu is its land mass, stretching over several kilometers. The land is relatively flat and fertile, making it very suitable for agriculture, as well as other forms of industrial development and commercial ventures. Ifon Orolu also boasts of hard-working young men and women who are ready and willing to acquire new skills. These core assets are indispensable for industrial development and economic growth. Ifon Orolu is the place to come first for anyone seriously thinking of expanding their industrial and commercial outfits