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The Akoko-Ikale: A Revision of Colonial Historiography on the Construction of Ethnic Identity in Southeastern Yorubaland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 May 2014

Olukoya Ogen
Olukoya Ogen*
Affiliation:
Obafemi Awolowo University
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Extract

The Akoko-Ikale constitute a significant part of the Ikale sub-ethnic group in southeastern Yorubaland. However, as far as Yoruba historiography is concerned, the Akoko-Ikale and indeed the larger Ikale nation have suffered from neglect because they remain one of the least researched groups in Yorubaland. As a result of the dearth of serious academic works on the Ikale people, official and hegemonic accounts of Ikale's origin and ethnic identity that became institutionalized during the colonial era have become the abiding mantra in Ikale contemporary historical discourse.3 For instance, the Akoko-Ikale, as well as the generality of the people of Ikale, who are culturally, linguistically, and biologically of Yoruba stock, are widely perceived to have originated from Benin and so are Edoid people.

The need to address and underscore the threat to identity posed by Ikale's historigraphical neglect and its fundamentally flawed Edo identity constitutes the major plank for this study. It is against this backdrop that this paper finds it expedient to focus on the origin and ethnic identity of the Akoko-Ikale. This important Ikale sub-group is singled out for scrutiny because of my belief that a systematic attempt at tracing the origin and pattern of migration of specific and very significant Ikale lineage groups such as the Akoko-Ikale represents the best way to discredit Ikale's widely alleged Edo identity and Benin ancestry.

Type
Research Article
Information
History in Africa , Volume 34 , 2007 , pp. 255 - 271
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2007

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References

1 NAI, Ondo Prof. CSO 26/4 30030, “Assessment Report on the Ikale District of Okitipupa Division,” Matthews, B. J. A. (1932), 54Google Scholar; and Ijose, Abiodun, A Brief History of Osooro and How Ilutitun Was Founded (Lagos, 1990), 8–9Google Scholar.

2 See Osoba, Segun, “Plenary Session in the Identification of Areas of Need in Research” in Akinjogbin, I.A. and Ekemode, G.O., eds., The Proceedings of the Conference on Yoruba Civilisation (Ife, 1976), 676Google Scholar. See also Oyegoke, Bisi, “A Review Article on the Groundwork of Nigerian History,” Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria 2(1982), 78–80Google Scholar. Oyegoke's essay is a critique of the chapter by I.A. Akinjogbin and E.A. Ayandele, who appear to believe that the history of Yorubaland before 1800 is simply that of the northwestern and central parts of Yorubaland, especially that of Oyo and Ife.

3 See, e.g., the following: NAI, Ondo Prof. CSO 26/29731, “Ikale Intelligence Report, Okitipupa Division, Ondo Province,” Garvin, C. I., (1934)Google Scholar; Bajowa, Olu, Ikale (Lagos, 1998), 25Google Scholar; Talbot, P.A., The Peoples of Southern Nigeria (3 vols.: London, 1969), 1:231Google Scholar; Egharevba, Jacob, A Short History of Benin (Ibadan, 1968), 26Google Scholar; and Bradbury, R.E., Benin Studies (London, 1973), 48Google Scholar.

4 Ibid. The term “Edoid” refers to any sub-ethnic group whose culture or origin is held to be Edo-derived. For details see Harunah, Hakeem, A Cultural History of the Uneme from Earliest Times to 1962 (Lagos, 2003), 59Google Scholar.

5 The Akoko-Ikale, who were led by a man named Afujalura, are reputed to be among the earliest inhabitants of Osooro in Ikaleland. See Ijose, , Osooro, 8–9Google Scholar and personal communication with Chief N. Akinluwo, community leader, Akinluwo's lodge, Igbotako-Osooro, 27 June 2004.

6 See Mandelbaum, Maurice, “Some Forms and Uses of Comparative History” American Studies International 18(1980), 23Google Scholar.

7 Ibid.

8 “Ikale Assessment Report,” 54; Ijose, , Osooro, 8–9Google Scholar.

9 Ibid.

10 The view that the people of Ikale are of Benin origin has gained wide currency, e.g., “Ikale Intelligence Report;” Bajowa, , Ikale, 25Google Scholar; Talbot, , Peoples of Southern Nigeria, 231Google Scholar; Egharevba, , Short History, 26Google Scholar; and Bradbury, , Benin Studies, 48Google Scholar.

11 Personal communication with Chief F. Aboluje, community leader, B2 Oke-Ode Compound, Ise Quarters, Ifira-Akoko, 28 July 2004; Madam Alice Ojo, trader, B4 Oke-Ode Compound, Ise Quarters, Ifira-Akoko, 29 July 2004; and Mr. V.K. Adeyehun, community leader, 16 Ogunyanmoju Street, Ira Quarters, Ilutitun-Osooro, 4 June 2004.

12 The Akoko-Ikale have made several strident but futile efforts to trace their roots back to Akokoland. Places like Oba-Akoko, Arigidi-Akoko, and Okeagbe-Akoko have been suggested as probable sources of origin. The claims are unconvincing, however, since they could not be substantiated with evidence from other historical sources.

13 Saba, F.O. “Inter-Group Relations among Akoko Communities in the Pre-Colonial Times” in Olukoju, Ayodeji, et.al., eds., Northeast Yorubaland: Studies in the History and Culture of a Frontier Zone (Ibadan, 2003), 6–7Google Scholar; Akomolafe, C.O., “Akoko under British Rule: 1900-1933, (M.Phil., OAU, Ile-Ife, 1976), 8Google Scholar.

14 Ibid. The term “Nupoid” refers to any sub-ethnic group whose culture or origin is held to be Nupe-derived, while “Yoruboid” refers to any sub-ethnic group whose culture or origin is Yoruba-derived. See Harunah, , Cultural History, 59Google Scholar.

15 Lasebikan, E.L., Ijinle Ohun Enu Yoruba (Ibadan, 1958), 32Google Scholar, cited in Olatunde Olatunji, O., Features ofYoruba Oral Poetry (Ibadan, 1984), 77Google Scholar.

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17 Personal communication with Madam Alice Ojo.

18 Personal communication with Mr. V.K. Adeyehun and Chief N. Akinluwo.

19 Personal communication with Chief F. Aboluje.

20 See Erim, E. O., “Totemism: an Aid to the Reconstruction of African History” in Abasiattai, M.B., (ed.) Expanding Frontiers of African History: the Interdisciplinary Methodology (Calabar, 1988), 150Google Scholar; and Erim, E.O., “Oral Tradition and the Development of Nationality” in Erim, E.O. and Uya, Okon, eds., Perspectives and Methods Studying African History (Enugu, 1984), 39Google Scholar.

21 Personal communication with Mr. V.K. Adeyehun and Chief N. Akinluwo.

22 Personal communication with Chief F. Aboluje.

23 Personal communication with Chief F. Aboluje and Madam Alice Ojo.

24 Personal communication with Mr. V.K. Adeyehun and Chief N. Akinluwo.

25 Personal observation during field studies among the Akoko-Ikale in Ikaleland and at Ise quarters in Ifira-Akoko. Also, oral communication with Chief F. Aboluje and Mr. V.K. Adeyehun.

26 Ibid.

27 Davison, R.B., “The Inter-Disciplinary Approach to the Study of History” in Abasiattai, , Expanding Frontiers, 9Google Scholar.

28 Akinjogbin, I.A., Milestones and Concepts in Yoruba History (Ibadan, 2002), 9Google Scholar; and Atanda, J.A., “The Yoruba People: Their Origin, Culture, and Civilization” in Olatunji, Olatunde J., ed., The Yoruba: History, Culture, and Language (Ibadan, 1996), 7–8Google Scholar.

29 Adetugbo, Abiodun, “The Yoruba Language in Western Nigeria: Its Major Dialect Areas” (PhD., Coulmbia. 1967), 1–3Google Scholar; and Akinkugbe, O.A., “Comparative Phonology of Yoruba Dialects, Itsekiri and Igala,” (PhD., Ibadan, 1978), 28–30, 50–53Google Scholar.

30 Saba, , “Inter-Group Relations,” 6–7Google Scholar and Akomolafe, , “Akoko,” 8Google Scholar, as well as personal observations during field studies in Akokoland.

31 Personal observation during field study at Ifira-Akoko and personal communication with Princess A. Adesuloye, the Regent of Ifira, Palace grounds, Ifira-Akoko, 29 July 2004 and Chief F. Aboluje.

32 Sterk, Jan P., “The Linguist and the Historian: Any Common Ground?” in Abasiattai, , Expanding Frontiers, 52–53Google Scholar.

33 This list was developed by Prof. Ben Elugbe of the Department of Linguistics and African Languages, University of Ibadan.

34 See the appendix for the breakdown, analysis and the sources relied on for the computation

35 Personal communication with Dr. F.O. Oyebade, Head, Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, 21 May 2004.

36 Adetugbo, Abiodun, “The Yoruba Language in Yoruba History” in Biobaku, S.O., ed., Sources of Yoruba History (Oxford, 1973), 192Google Scholar.

37 See Agoyi, T.O. “Isori Oro Ninu Ekiromi,” (M.A., University of Ilorin, 1997), 1–2Google Scholar; and Ibrahim-Arirabiyi, Femi “A Comparative Reconstruction of Akpes Lects,” (M.A., University of Port Harcourt, 1989), 2–4Google Scholar. I also benefited from personal discussions with Dr. Francis Oyebade and Mrs. T.O. Agoyi; both of them are specialists in comparative dialectology.

38 Ibid.

39 Adetugbo, , “Yoruba Language,” 183Google Scholar.

40 The details of this Ikale-Ifira dialectal analysis are provided in the appendix.

41 See the appendix for details

42 Personal communication with Princess A. Adesuloye.

43 Personal communication with Chief F. Aboluje.

44 Personal observation during field studies in Akokoland.

45 Personal communication with Madam Alice Ojo.

46 NAI, Ondo Prof. 1/2, File no. OP123, “Intelligence Report on Akoko District of Owo Division,” J.H. Beeley, 1934; Saba, “Inter-Group Relations,” 6–7Google Scholar; Akomolafe, “Akoko;” and personal communication with Chief F. Aboluje, 29 July 2004.

47 “Intelligence Report on Ifon District” in Beeley's, J.H. “Intelligence Report on Akoko District of Owo Division,” 9Google Scholar.

48 Personal communication with Chief F. Aboluje.

49 Personal communication with Mr. V.K. Adeyehun and Chief N. Akinluwo.

50 Ogen, Olukoya, “The Ikale of South-eastern Yorubaland, 1500-1800:a Study in Ethnic Identity and Traditional Economy” (Ph.D., University of Lagos, 2006), chapter 4Google Scholar.

51 “Ikale Intelligence Report,” 8; “Ikale Assessment Report,” 5-8.

52 Ogen, , “Ikale,” 137–39Google Scholar.

53 Agiri, B.A., “Yoruba Oral Tradition with Special Reference to the Early History of the Oyo Kingdom” in Abimbola, , Yoruba Oral Tradition, 170Google Scholar.

54 Personal communication with Oba G. B. Faduyile, the Abodi of Ikoya, 5 July 2004; Oba T.O. Adesayo, the Ahaba of Ajagba, 2 June 2004 and Oba A. Olatuyi, the Olura of Igbinsin, Ode-Igbinsin, 17 July 2004.

55 “Ikale Intelligence Report,” 4.

56 NAI, Ondo Prof. 1/2. OP 113, “Covering Report to an Intelligence Report on the Ikale District of the Okitipupa Division of Ondo Province,” Carr, F. B., (1934), 1–2Google Scholar.

57 Ibid.

58 “Ondo-Ikale Boundary” in “Ikale Assessment Report,” 230.

59 “Ikale Intelligence Report,” 4; NAI. Ondo Prof. 1/2 File No. OP 993, “An Intelligence Report on the Bini Confederation Area of Okitipupa Division,” Curwen, R. J. M., (1937), 1–2Google Scholar; and “Ikale Assessment Report,” 64. Also see Obayemi, Ade, “The Yoruba and Edo-Speaking Peoples and Their Neighbours before 1600” in Ajayi/Crowder, History of West Africa, 1:224Google Scholar and Kenyo, Alademomi, Founder of the Yoruba Nation (Lagos, 1959), 46Google Scholar.

60 “Ikale-Ijebu Boundary” in “Ikale Assessment Report,” 231-37.

61 “Ondo-Ikale Boundary” in “Ikale Assessment Report,” 224-27.

62 “Ikale Intelligence Report,” 4.

63 Kenyo, , Founder, 46Google Scholar.

64 Personal communication with Oba T.O. Adesayo, 12 June 2004; Oba S. Oyegbemi, the Oluhogho of Ijuoshun, Oluhogho's Palace, Ode-Ijuoshun, 25 July 2004; Prince Endurance Oyeneyin, businessman, Lisa quarters, Ode-Iyansan, 1 August 2004; and Oba J. Turoti, the Larogbo of Akotogbo, Larogbo's Palace, Ode-Akotogbo, 25 July 2004.

65 NAI, “Ondo-Ikale Boundary,” 225Google Scholar.

66 “Covering Report to an Intelligence Report on the Ikale District,” 1-2.

67 “Ikale-Ijebu Boundary,” 232-33.

68 Ikale Intelligence Repot,” 2-4; NAI, Ondo Prof. “Covering Report to an Intelligence Report on the Bini Confederation Area of the Okitipupa Division of Ondo Province,” Curwen, R.J.M., 1937, 1–2Google Scholar; Bajowa, , Ikale, 25Google Scholar; Talbot, , Peoples of Southern Nigeria, 231Google Scholar; and Egharevba, , Short History, 26Google Scholar; Osoba, , “Plenary Session,” 676Google Scholar; and Ogen, “Ikale,” chapter 3.

69 I thank Dr. F.O. Oyebade, Head, Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, as well as Dr. Tope Olumuyiwa and Mrs. T.O. Agoyi of the same Department for the computation and analysis of the cognate correspondence of the above dialects/languages. The personal discussions that I had with them at various times on comparative dialectology and historical linguistics also proved very useful. The Dialectal informants were as follows: Edo language, Mrs. T.O. Ugiagbe, (42), Edo linguist, 13, Etinosa St, Benin City, 13 July 2004; Ifira dialect, Chief F. Aboluje, (63), community leader, B2, Oke-Ode Compound, Ise Quarters, Ifira-Akoko, 29 July 2004; Ikale dialect, Mr. A. Olatumile, (36), Ikale / Yoruba linguist, lecturer, 13, Ope-Oluwa Street, Aja Quarters, Ode-Idepe, 02 March 2003; Standard Yoruba, Mrs. T.O. Agoyi, (45), Yoruba linguist, Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, AAU, Akungba-Akoko, 23 April 2004.