The Ifon Orolu Palace, also known as the Olufon’s Palace, is located in Ifon-Osun, Osun State, Nigeria. This town is one of the most ancient in Yoruba history, founded in the 12th century by Oba Olaosa Aladikun Akogun Erujeje Adugbo1. The palace is the residence of the Olufon, the traditional ruler of Ifon Orolu Kingdom.
The current Olufon, His Royal Majesty Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye Akinyooye III, ascended the throne in February 2024. He is the 35th Olufon and a first-class traditional ruler1. The Olufon is also known as the Aremo Obatala of the Universe, being a direct descendant of Obatala1.
The Olufon is asisted by his Council of Chiefs (also known as the High Chiefs and kingmakers). These are: Eesa, Ikolaba, Ejemu, Ooye, Aaje, Eleesi, and Iyalode. Other chiefs may be called upon by His Royal Majesty to perform different functions from time to time.
The kingdom is made up of traditional family units, mostly corresponding to the above high chiefs’ lineages, but also including many others. These other family units include Asaade, Basorun, Balogun, Diisu, Laropo, Owoka, Oluwin, Ajibodu, Akimo, and Sobaloju to mention just a few. Other ethnic groups who have lived successfully in Ifon for decades include the Hausa-Fulani people, Igbos, Ebiras, Idomas, and Agatus. Ifon people are very accommodating and kind to their visitors.
It is to be noted that before settling in its present location, Ifon Orolu people have lived in nearby settlements. They have had to relocate a few times, either due to inclement weather or impending warfare. The first settlement was known as Ifon Eega. This was the location given by divination to Aremo Obatala, the first Olufon, who was instructed to look out for where (Eega) weaver birds, and (Olu) mushroom, abound in large quantity as a place to settle. This also explains the present day logo and banner of Ifon Orolu with those weaver birds and mushroom dotted on and around a large tree.
RULERS AT IFON EEGA*
1. Olaosa Aladikun Akogun Ẹrujẹjẹ Àdúgbò 12th Century
2. Oyefimihan Onilare Ilofo 12th Century
3. Abiose Osagidigbi 12th Century
4. Laniyonu Akande 13th Century
5. Igbo Olugbile Agajolu 13th Century
RULERS AT IFON ERE
6. Oosagbemi Akinsigbin 13th Century
7. Olumorin Adubi 13th Century
8. Olugbonse Jejearalose 13th Century
9. Otolorin Okòó 13th Century
10. Akinseeko Onilosin 13th Century
11. Osatayo Onakunsola 13th Century
12. Orisayomi Omoribikolasi 14th Century
13. Osawuyi Olumoyekun 14th Century
14. Merolasa Adewure 14th Century
15. Arinola Osatokun 14th Century
16. Osayomi Arapaledoye 14th Century
*RULERS AT IFON BALE*
17. Akinrefon Abewela Ca 1398 – 1447
18. Odunolu 1450 – 1484
19. Olumoyekun 1488 – 1521
20. Emiolu Olumogbe 1524 – 1576
21. Ilori Ajagboye (After long interregnum) 1635 – 1672
22. Ajayi Ogidiolu a.k.a. Nage or Onagegbesumi 1680 – 1691
23. Orisafimihande Onilare 1693 – 1780
24. Olaojo Osatolu 1748 – 1780
*RULERS AT IFON-ILE (IFON-OSUN/IFON OROLU – THE CURRENT SETTLEMENT)
25. Oluyeyin Kerejegbe (At tender age) 1780 – 1833
26. Moronfolu Okunoye 1834 – 1844
27. Orisatoyinbo Alesinloye 1845 – 1900
28. Oyeku Arowogbadamun 1901 – 1910
29. Osadare Oluyeyin 1910 – 1912
30. Bamikeesa Atanda Akinyooye 1. 1912 – 1944
31. Salawu Oyelade 1945 – 1968
32. James Olagunju Akinyooye II 1971 – 1985
33. Ilufoye Olatoye Orisatoyinbo II 1st May, 1990 – 20th August, 2007
34. Al-Maroof Adekunle Magbagbeola; Olumoyero II, 20th February, 2008 – April, 2021
35. Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Akinyooye III February, 2024 Till Date