Ajowa-Akoko is a town located in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. It is known for its governance structure involving eight autonomous kings and is considered a boundary town between Ondo and Kogi States. The town has been in peaceful coexistence considering its setup, was officially established in 1955. Ajowa has a rich cultural heritage and significant educational institutions.
Ajowa-Akoko originated as an amalgamation of eight independent communities: Uro, Efifa, Ora, Ojo, Iludotun, Oso, Daja, and Esuku. The union was facilitated by P. A. R. A. Olusa, a regional representative at the Ibadan Conference in 1954, to unify smaller villages for enhanced development and representation before the then Western Region government.[1]
The town's name, "Ajowa", translates to "We Come Together" in Yoruba, reflecting the consensus-driven establishment. Despite their unity, each community retains its traditional ruler, cultural practices, dialect and original land holdings.[2]
Governance
Ajowa-Akoko operates a confederal system, where the eight communities are ruled by their respective kings:
The Oluro of Uro
The Elefifa of Efifa
The Olora of Ora
The Olojo of Ojo
The Oludotun of Iludotun
The Olu of Daja
The Olukotun of Oso
The Elesuku of Esuku
The kings govern their individual domains autonomously while collaborating on issues affecting the entire town.
Educational institutions
Ajowa-Akoko is home to numerous educational institutions, including the FESTMED College of Education, Ajowa-Akoko, which offers various programs in education.[3] Public and private primary and secondary schools serve the town's population.
Prominent residents
Ajowa-Akoko has produced notable individuals, including:
Military officers, such as two retired Major-Generals (as of 2014)
Politicians, such as Hon. Adeyinka Banso, a former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly.[1]
The Olusa Family, most prominent family and ruling house of Iludotun and Ora
Challenges
The town has faced security challenges, including incidents of kidnapping along major roads and within the community. For example, in 2022, a monarch from Oso-Ajowa was abducted and later released after a ransom was reportedly paid.[4] Efforts are ongoing to improve safety in the area.
Culture and unity
Despite challenges, Ajowa-Akoko residents celebrate their diverse traditions while fostering a spirit of peace, love, and progress.[2] The young people are united by organizations such as National Union of Ajowa Students (NUAS), Ajowa Progressive Youth Network (APYN). The kings are in a council of Obas headed currently by The Elefifa of Efifa Oba Benson Ayodele Adebiyi, Preceded by Oba Kayode Olusa of Iludotun
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