AN ODE TO MY LAND
E.F Precious
I hail from Èrúwà, one of the seven Ìbàràpá towns in Òyò State. Some mistakenly call us Òkè-Ògùn people, but no! We simply lie on the other side of the Ògùn River. We are not part of the ‘Ònkòs’ despite sharing the Yoruba language. Our distinct dialect sets us apart, giving us a unique identity wherever we go. (For more on this, see en.wikipedia.org under the topic “Onko” or “The True History of Yoruba,” Facebook post, May 3, 2022.)
Èrúwà Ojòkò! This noble town has birthed and nurtured many talented and distinguished leaders. Consider the current Speaker of the Òyò State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adébò Ògúndòyìn, a proud native of Èrúwà. Or Barrister Adébáyò Adéwúsì, former Postmaster General of Nigeria, who also calls Èrúwà his home. Let’s not forget the late Hon. Justice Adégboyè Àyìnlá Gbòlágùnté, a distinguished judge of the Òyò State High Court. These are but a few of the town’s illustrious sons.
Èrúwà Ojòkò! A serene haven filled with extraordinary people blessed with incomparable talents and unimaginable gifts. _ en.wikipedia.com
We are defined by our virtues, not by stereotypes. Our land is a sanctuary of peace, a blessing from Òlódùmarè, the Creator, who bestows upon us a love that fosters harmony among us. Àwa nà̀ kó, Òlódùmarè ló fi ìfé tó mùnádòkò tí nmù àlàáfíà jòbà láàrín wa jín kíwa.
We are peaceful but don’t mistake our kindness for weakness. Should you provoke us, you might receive an ironic blessing or two; our unique way of handling discord. Even our sister city, Àmèsìògò, shares this trait. We are not perfect, but we carry ourselves with pride. Test our patience, and you may regret it.
Our hospitality is boundless. Strangers and acquaintances alike are welcomed with open arms and warm smiles. We go the extra mile for those we embrace but remain mindful of our responsibilities. Whether the power is restored by IBEDC or not, the light within us never dims; our optimism shines brighter than any bulb.
Speaking of strength, we are exceptional beings with vigour and agility to spare. Our diet of àmàlà and morògbò soup; a culinary masterpiece fuels our resilience. Ìlàsà, a delicacy, is another blessing that ensures fertility and vitality. The formidable rocks and hills that surround us are a testament to our strength, a unique gift from Òlódùmarè that none can replicate. Look into it, and you’ll see the truth.
source: Ìbàràpá Parrot -word
Press.com Source: Dav_notion(Olatunji D. Olabamiji)
Source: @historylovers_001 (on Instagram.com)
Our resilience and determination are the oils that keep our engines running, even in the face of trials. We conquer challenges; we are never conquered.
So, I ask you, how could you live in or tour Òyò State without knowing about Èrúwà, one of the seven beautiful kingdoms surrounded by an ancient chain of hills? These hills, steeped in history, stand as eternal guardians of our heritage.
May it be unheard of you to bypass such splendour!
May it be unheard of you! Èrúwà Ojòkò!
Agbe dúdú orí Òkélé
Glossary:
Ìbàràpá: A region in Òyò State comprising seven towns with a shared dialect.
Òkè-Ògùn: The upper side of Ògùn River in northwestern Òyò State.
Ògùn River: A historical river in southwestern Nigeria.
Ònkò: A term for natives of the upper Ògùn River region.
Èrúwà Ojòkò: A eulogy meaning “Èrúwà, the children of Ojòkò.” Ojòkò is one of the surrounding hills.
Àmèsìògò: An expression praising the Ibadan people for their wit and expertise in communication.“
Àwa nà̀ kó, Òlódùmarè…”: “It is not by our doing; the Almighty God blessed us with love that fosters peace.”
Àmàlà and Morògbò: A staple dish of Èrúwà people, noted for its nourishing properties.
Àgbè dùdù orí Òkélé: “Offsprings of the black woodcock. Òkélé refers to another hill in Èrúwà.”
References:
en.wikipedia.org, Contents101.com (June 28) NGhubs, ibarapa Parrot (WordPress.com), @historylovers_001 (Instagram.com), the234project.com, and Dav_notion photography – Olatunji Oluwaseunfunmi Olabamiji (Facebook page
