THE LEGEND OF ORUKU OF ILAWE-EKITI:
the Great guerrilla war hero
In one of the ancient parts of Ilawe Ekiti in Ekiti state, Nigeria known today as Irorin emerged a tall, awesome and fearful personality popularly known as Oruku (though he has his other names ) . According to our elders, he migrated from Ile Ife alongside a man called Ejioo (he has his other names too) .
The two of them settled and formed what’s was initially known as the Abiire family and which formed part of the nucleus of what is known today as Irorin quarter in Ilawe Ekiti.
The duo initiated two important family houses in Irorin quarter that we now know as Aderuku or Oruku house and Ejio house.
Oruku deity has variously been described and called Odofin Orin because of his closeness to the deity known as Orinlase.This piece is not to relate the story of their closeness.
.
Oruku was a monumental figure in the annals of history of Ilawe-Ekiti hence he is celebrated among other deities during the annual Olofin festival and others through the parade of his effigy round the ever growing town of Ilawe Ekiti followed by his adherents and admirers in their hundreds during the celebration. Olofin festival(Oro Olofin)itself is the Oba (King)s festival.
The life of Oruku was defined by his incredible feats on the battlefield particularly his unparalleled skills and strategic brilliance in guerrilla warfare in defence of Ilawe Ekiti at any War front.
He had a camp in the center of Adin .As a war tactician , he led other fighters to crush the Benin and Ijesha invaders.There is a place known as Igbo Oruku (The Oruku Forest) where he decimated the Ijeshas .
Also at ISIA Settlement which is part of Irorin quarter in Ilawe he captured and disciplined a merciless Ijesha warrior known as Agidanyi who was then tormenting the inhabitants of the area. Oruku not only disciplined and humbled Agidanyi he seized his weapons.
Agidanyi himself is a Deity being worshipped annually at Erimo,a town in Osun State up till date
Oruku was bold and his bravery made him force another warrior known as Oluteu based in Erijiyan to swallow kola nut against his tradition and wish. Oluteu is a deity in Erijiyan today.
Oruku was said to have stopped palm wine tappers from operating along Erin river in Erijiyan and that the order stands till today. Oruku war exploits were noticed at Efon, Obo and several areas of Ekiti including Ijesha in Osun State.
It was said that Oruku in his latter days appeared with a mysterious horse and a red mouth handkerchief in battles which created confusion for his enemies
Legends have it that his presence on the battlefield was both inspiring to other local soldiers from Ilawe while creating fears in the minds of the opponents.His towering figure alone was enough to strike fear into the hearts of the enemies .
According to legends, after Oruku would always be called upon in times of war and he would appear riding a horse armed with gun and sword.He was never defeated in any battle.
His strategic acumen and physical prowess were key to these victories.
The resting place at the centre of Adin where he used to spy on invaders was partially destroyed with some relics by those who erected a hall on the spot few years ago.The Adin people in Ilawe adore and regard Oruku as their guardian till today for protecting them during the ravaging wars.
His grove where traditional prayers are offered to him is located inside the Owa Oruku (Oruku hall) in Irorin quarter of Ilawe. It was the spot our elders believed Oruku who is our Projenitor entered the ground only to be called upon when necessary.
Despite his formidable strength in war, Oruku was a Farmer, Hunter and a Blacksmith .He was well known for his kindness and deep sense of love.
We were told Oruku had two wives which perhaps brought about about the two lineages in Aderuku house today.
LEGACY
His legacy in Ilawe is a complex history of heroism, strength, loyalty and humanity.
His stories are not just about his physical abilities but also about the character and wisdom he displayed in leading his people in war and never allowed any thing to prevent him from defending Ilawe territorial integrity .
The tales of his life are recounted with reverence, serving as moral boldness and cultural lessons for generations.His panegyrics further potray his lifestyle .
The mere mention of his name ,continues to evoke boldness, strength and heroism in Ilawe Ekiti folklore.
As a mark of honour to him coupled with traditions, it is forbidden to ride horses in Ilawe-Ekiti #
High Chief Ajibade Olubunmi
The Odolofin of Irorin quarter,Ilawe Ekiti