Iwara
Iwara | |
|---|---|
Town | |
 Iwara in Osun State | |
  Iwara in Nigera | |
| Coordinates: 07°31′20.28″N 004°42′17.28″E / 7.5223000°N 4.7048000°E | |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Geopolitical zone | South West |
| State | Osun State |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (WAT) |
| Postal code | 233110 |
Iwara is an ancient historic town situated in mineral-rich local government area of Atakunmosa East in the Osun State of Nigeria. Geographically, it is located at approximately 07°31′20.28″N 004°42′17.28″E / 7.5223000°N 4.7048000°E in the South West, one of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, within a forested, mineral-rich region. The ruling monarch of the city is known as the Awara.
History
[edit]The ancient Kingdom of Iwara was founded around c.1170 by Awara Ajila, the first monarch of the town.
Awara Ajila was the first eldest son of Owa Obokun Ajibogun Ajaka Onida Arara (1150-1255), the founder and first Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland who was a son of Yoruba (Omoluabi) royal progenitor Oduduwa Olofin Aiye [1]
Hence, the Awara is a grandson of the Yoruba progenitor Oduduwa Olofin Aiye.
Monarchy
[edit]The ruling monarch of Iwara Kingdom is the Awara. As eldest son of Owa Obokun Ajibogun Ajaka, who was the founder of Ijeshaland and the Owa Obokun Royal Dynasty; the Awara holds a position of considerable socio-cultural and traditional prominence, ranking next to the Owa Obokun Adimula throughout Ijeshaland.
According to historical records and oral tradition, the Awara's position as first son of Owa Obokun Ajibogun Ajaka confers upon him significant power and reverence. Notably, he is uniquely excluded from succeeding to the throne of the Owa Obokun Adimula, reportedly due to concerns that his ascension would concentrate excessive power in his hands.
His Royal Majesty, the Awara of Iwara serves as Chairman of Ijesha South Traditional Council.
Geography and Economy
[edit]Iwara is approximately 20 minutes drive to Ilesa, the capital city of Ijeshaland, and about 32.4 km (20.1 mi) to Osogbo, the state capital of Osun State. The town is bordered to the east by Ekiti State and to the south by Ifẹ.
Iwara and its sub-domains in Atakunmosa East are known for their rich arable land, natural mineral deposits, including gold, quartz, tourmaline, feldspar, biotite, and columbite.[2]
References
[edit]- Tomori, M.A (accessed 2024)."The Emergence of Oduduwa and the origin of Yoruba Kingdoms of South-Western Nigeria" Macos Consultancy Publication.
- Ajeigbe et al (2014). "Mineral Prospecting Potentials Of Osun State" European Journal of Business and Management, 6 (2).