Ijeshatedo, a community occupying land areas between Surulere and Mushin Local Government Areas of Lagos State, was founded by the trio of Fatodu, Fakolujo and Apoti-lja, who were Ijeshas and migrated, during the Yoruba civil war around 1822, from Oko Isoya in Ifewara, now under Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun State.

The trio initially settled in Oroku in Ebute-Metta, before the exigencies of farming and hunting prompted them to finally settle down in the present day Ijeshatedo. It must be noted that, it was during this Yoruba civil war that most people from different towns and villages relocated from one area to another.

The area known as Ijeshatedo today was never inhabited by any tribe or family before the arrival of Fatodu, Fakolujo and Apoti-lja, hence the name "Ijeshatedo", which literarily means "an area founded by Ijeshas."

Fatodu and Fakolujo were blood brothers, while Apoti-lja was the son of Fatodu. Fakolujo also had some children after settling down in Ijeshatedo, among whom were Daramola and Adefenwa.

Abule Ori-Okiti was another village that sprung up many years after Ijeshatedo, and was inhabited by migrants from Oyo and Efon Alaaye. Osundiran Agunbiade and Orisagunwa were thus the second settlers whom history said settled in Abule-Ori-Okiti in Ijeshatedo around 1832.

Other prominent families who came from llesa between 1895-1900 include Adambiene Igan and Osunparoko families. Oteniya, Abatan, Ogunmola and Gbogodo also settled in some parts of Ijeshatedo. However, the four died, leaving no children.

Monsuru Apoti-Ija, Abuja

IJESAS IN BENIN REPUBLIC


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