IWO
About IWO DAY
Iwo Day Celebration is an annual week-long programme usually organized by some carefully selected good spirited people christened Iwo Day Planning Committee (IDPC), during which all sons, daughters, and residents of Iwoland (home and abroad) will converge in the town to give back to the community out of what they have achieved in life by dint of hard work and providence. The essence of Iwo Day Celebration is to reflect on the progress made so far by the indigenes, to interact among ourselves and to offer assistance where necessary.
The grand finale affords us the commissioning of newly completed developmental projects and to appreciate those who had distinguished themselves in some areas of human endeavours. It comes up on the third Saturday in December to celebrate the age-long tradition. This is the time the people at home are joined by those in diaspora together with their friends and well-wishers, irrespective of their religion and political affiliation come together to enjoy themselves.
IWO DAY PLANNING COMMITTEE (IDPC)
Iwo Day Planning Committee is one of the fifteen committees of Iwo Board of Trustees (IBOT) and incontrovertibly the most viable of all the committees. The committee works round the clock as members meet throughout the year, before, during and after Iwo Day celebration. In nutshell, the committee has no idle time.
HISTORY OF IWO DAY
Iwo solidarity Stars Club of Nigeria, Lagos in 1990 moved for the celebration of the annual Township Festival. This intention was circularised to all Iwo Clubs within and outside the town directly from the club and through the ‘collapsing’ Iwo Parapo and MAMSER. The main objective was to provide another channel through which Iwo people could speak with one voice and jointly sponsor programs to the benefit of the town.
The purposes of Iwo then were:
- 1. For the formation of Iwo Planning Body – comprising of average representative of all lwo Clubs in and outside the town. The body is to be elected annually at the period of the festival.
- 2. To co-ordinate and harmonise the activities of all clubs, societies, local government council and other group working for the development of Iwo in order to rationalise all efforts and resources.
- 3. To draw attention of government authorities to Iwo requirements and priorities.
- 4. To liase with all authorities which can influence and enhance the pace of development of Iwo.
- 5. To develop and maintain a non-political and non-religious socio-conscious and virile body as am-le representative of Iwo.
- 6. To create abundant wealth and prosperities, consequently uplifting Iwo to the level of her calibres.
SOME OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF IWO DAY PLANNING COMMITTEE 1990 TILL DATE
1. Building of Karrah Market Fence
2. Donation to the defunct Iwo Parapo for the resumption of work on Town Hall in 1993. After the long stoppage.
3.Completion of the impressive Ultra Modern City Hall.
4. Construction of new Oluwo Palace
5. Provision of Electrification materials for the rehabilitation of faults on power line from Iwo to Osogbo.
6. Refurbishing of NEPA Van after securing it from Osogbo.
7. Rehabilitation of wall and provision of New Gate at Oluwo Stadium.
8. Provision of adequate money for the securing and transporting of 7.5m. VA.Transformer from Lagos to Iwo.
9. Contribution to the fundraising and monitoring of the High Court rehabilitation in Iwo.
10. Contribution to the fundraising and monitoring of the take off of Bowen University, Iwo.
11.The Establishment of Farm Settlement at Akinleye off Iwo-Oyo Road,Idi Iroko,Oke Oba, Iwo.
12. Contribution to the fundraising and monitoring of the take off of Government Technical College,Iwo.
13.The Iwo Board of Trustees is constantly financing the Iwo Vigilante Corps for the peace and security of Iwo people.
14. Provision of security and cleanliness of the Osun State Television Station at Iwo before government of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola took over.
15. Organising Public Enlightment Programmeon Drug Abuse,Cultism,and Child Abuse.
16. Seeking financial and other helps from organisations for the development of Iwoland.
17. Financial contribution towards completing the step-down project for regular supply of electricity to Iwo and its environ.
18. Provision of Free Medical Services by the Management of Victory Hospital, Iwo in conjunction with IDPC
19. Renovation of Library office and Demarcation of National Identity Management Commission.
20. Borehole Provision for water supply.
21. Installation of High Power Generating Plant for City Hall.
22.Iwo Board of Trustees (IBOT) financial support to the renovation and fortification of the palace.
23.IBOT peaceful resolution on land issues between Baptist Convention and the Iwo land owners hosting Bowen University.
24.Visit of Oluwo to all wards in Iwo organized by IBOT caretaker committee
25. Production of Memorandum proposing the splitting of Iwo Local Government into three Local Development Areas.
26. Renovation of Area Command office, Nigeria Police.
27. Purchasing of Motorcycles for security officers.
28. Purchasing of Generating Plant for the Area Command Office, Nigeria Police.
29. Maintenance of Security Outfit in Iwoland
30. Rehabilitation of pipes from Iwo water works to Osun State Hospital, Iwo.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF IWO
Iwo is located in the tropical zone with an average rainfall of C.25.4cms, and temperature C.300C, very suitable for farming. It is located at an equidistance of about 37km from Ede, Gbongan, Ikire, Ibadan and Ejigbo. No wonder why it is the Senetirial seat for Osun West Senetirial District and the Zonal seat for Osun West comprising Ola Oluwa,Aiyedire, Irewole, Ejigbo, Egbedore,Ede North, Ede South, Isokan and Iwo Local Governments.
Iwo people migrated from Ile Ife, Obaloran Compound where Oluwo festival is still in celebration till today. Telu, a prince of the 16th Ooni led his people out in 14th century to settle first at the confluence of rivers Osun and Oba called Ogundigbaro after giving him blessing and necessary paraphernalia of a king by his mother. He later led them out to Igbo Orita few kilometers from the present Iwo. Telu died at Igbo Orita and succeeded by Aderonmu who moved his people out of Igbo-Orita on the advice of Ifa-Oracle that instructed him to move to a place where parrots abound. He died at the bank of the river Yanyanun at a point now called Adeke meaning’Obadake’. These birds were then birds were then known as ‘Eye-Iwo’ by many people. Other obas after him we’re Oba Adeyemi, Oba Ogunfenumodi and Oba Ogunlaoye, that ruled at Igbo-Orita.
Parin Olumade led the people in search of the parrot abode. In the 15th century, the parrots abode was found and first house that was built for Oba is now called Oloya Compound. Parin Olumade was the first Oluwo of Iwo at the present settlement.
LIST OF OLUWO TILL DATE
1. Oba Parin Olumade C1415-C1505
2. Oba Olayilumi C1505-C1541
3. Oba Adegunodo C1550-C1610
4. Oba Gbase C1610-C1673
5. Oba Alausa C1673-C1744
6. Oba Ogunmodede Ande C1744-C1816
7. Oba Muhammadu Lamuye C1816-C1906
8.Oba Sunmonu Osunwo 1906-1909
9. Oba Muhammadu Sani Abimbola Lamuye 1909-1929
10.Oba Seidu Adubiaran Lamuye 1929-1930
11. Oba Amida Abanikanda Lamuye 1930-1939
12. Oba Kosiru Ayinde Lamuye 1939-1953
13.Oba Rufai Adegoroye Ajani 1953-1957
14. Oba Samuel Omotosho Abimbola II 1958-1982
15. Oba Asiru Olatunbosun Tadese I 1992-2013
16. Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi 2015 Till date
IWO BOARD OF TRUSTEES
- 1. Prof Lai Olurode – President
- 2. Alhaji( Barr ) Ismail Toyin Kudaisi – 1st Vice President /Chairman Economic Committee
- 3. Alhaja Aremu Bintu Olabisi Orilende 2nd Vice President
- 4. Barrister Jiire Ayinla- General Secretary
- 5. Dr ( Mrs ) Taiwo Adeagbo – Director of Finance
- 6. Mr Kabiru Adeniyi Adisa Kulukulu FCA – Director of Publicity/Secretary Iwo Day Planning Committee
- 7. Chief Olusola Akanbi – Auditor
- 8. Barrister Yemi Abolusodun- Assistant General Secretary
- 9. Alhaji Nurudeen Emiloju – Assistant Director of Finance /Chairman Iwo City Hall Management
- 10. Hon Justice Wasiu Akanbi – Chairman Legal Committee
- 11. High Chief Muniru Adeniyi Adisa-Chairman Iwo in Diaspora Committee
- 12 Alhaja Aminu Mojirade Rukayat – Vice Chairman Iwo City Hall Management
- 13. High Chief Ayoku Liadi Ayoku
- 14: ESV Alhaji Prince Tayo Hassan- Chairman Land Matters Committee
- 15: Olori Iyabode Lamuye – Chairman Iwo Day Planning Committee/Chairman Social Committee
- 16: Dr Laosebikan Olayinka Adigun- Vice Chairman Public Health and Environmental Committee
- 17: Dr Taofeek AbdulHammed-Chairman Technical / Infrastructure Committee
- 18: Eng Ayoade A Lawal – Chairman Special Duties (Communication and Strategies) Committee
- 19: Dr Niyi Oriolowo – Chairman Public Health and Environmental Committee
- 20: Prof ( Mrs ) Bello Muibat Olabisi – Chairman Education Committee
- 21: Dr Tayo Akanmu – Chairman Youth Development Committee
- 22: Alhaji Liad Tella
- 23. Chief A.B. Oyetunde- Chairman Traditional Council Liason Committee
THE CENTRAL WORKING SUB-COMMITTEE
The Central Working Sub-committee is the sub-committee of Iwo day Planning Committee. It is the pivot for all other sub-committees of IDPC. It is responsible for coordinating the activities of all other organs of IDPC. It ensures harmonious working relationship among all its organs.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ACTIVITIES OF IWO DAY CELEBRATIONS.
The activities span for a period of one week as below:
1. Academic contests such as Quiz Competitions, Debates among schools, plus Science and Arts exhibitions.
2. Jumat Service at Iwo Central Mosque, Iwo.
3. Sporting contests such as Football, Table Tennis, Ayò Olọ́pọ́n (a traditional game), Boxing, Chess and Scrabble to be competed for amongst the people, and pupils, students of Primary, Secondary Schools and higher institutions in the City.
4. Environmental Sanitation (otherwise known as ‘ Operation Keep Iwo Clean’): This is to complement State of Osun Government efforts in the area of sanitation.
5. Lecture.
6. Elders’ Forum Meeting.
7. Grand Finale ceremonies: These are made up of:
7.1 A social gathering for hosting the Osun State Executive Governor, Royal Highnesses, Political Functionaries, prominent personalities, and other Well-wishers.
7.2 Launching of Developmental Projects
7.3 Entertainment by a Prominent Musician
8. Thanksgiving Service at Aipate Baptist Church, Iwo, Osun State.
ROADMAP FOR IWO DAY CELEBRATIONS
Based on the purpose and intention of the annual Iwo Day Celebration, the committee’s roadmap is as stated:
1.0 BEFITTING VENUE, There is a consensus among the committee members that a more suitable venue is needed for an important celebration of Iwo Day nature, which attracts dignitaries from far and near.
1.1 PUBLICITY: All major roads-Gbongan, Ejigbo, Ibadan,Osogbo, and Oyo are to be decorated with billboards and banners to create the much –needed.
2.0 APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE DAY: It must be the duty of Iwo Board of Trustees to provide Principal Officers of the day such as Chief Launcher, Chairman of the occasion and the related. They are to be duly informed early enough and secure their consent in good time. The names of these Officers are to reach the Planning Committee latest by August to make the work on the programme seamless.
3.0 TARGET OF A REASONABLE AMOUNT TO BE REALIZED: This will depends to a large extent on how suggestion in 2.0 is handled.
4.0 SEPARATE BANK ACCOUNT FOR IWO DAY PLANNING COMMITTEE AND IBOT: IBOT account should be separated with Iwo Day Planning Committee (IDPC). With this arrangement, IBOT will only be realizing fund to IDPC as need arises. At the end of Iwo Day Programme, money raelised will be handed to IBOT immediately.
5.0 INVITATION OF ROYAL FATHERS; Maximum number of Royal fathers to be invited outside Iwoland must not exceed two.
6.0 KEEPING TO TIME ON THE PROGRAMME: What happed during 2016 Iwo Day must never be allowed to repeat itself as the programme commenced in earnest around 2:00pm.
7.0 KEEPING OF IWO DAY FREE: Other ceremonies and activities must be suspended for the day. This will require enlightment and some measure of coercion.
8.0 All existing arrangements programme and activities, which have contributed immensely to successfully celebration of the Iwo Day in the past, are to be sustained. A good example is ‘Onilejile” approach where emphasis is on contributions from constituents compounds.
9.0 SUB-COMMITTEES: Central Working Committee, Social and Protocol Committee, Sport and Education Committee, Programme and Publicity Committee and Culture and Tourism committee have their specific programme of action, which will be brought when they are reconstituted. Work is already in progress on this.
BANKER: Wema Bank Plc, Iwo
IWO ANTHEM IN ENGLISH
Iwo the river of kings,
The home of the parrots,
Take it, we are one,
The blessings of Iwo we seek 2x
Come ye the sons of Iwo,
Come ye all our friends and family,
Come lets lift Iwo up,
The blessings of Iwo we seek 2x.
From all nooks and crannies,
All and sundry do come,
Come lets lift Iwo up,
The blessings of Iwo we seek. 2x
IWO ANTHEM IN YORUBA
1. Iwo olodo oba
Nile odidere o
Okan sani wa e gba o
Ire Iwo lan fe o/x2
2. Ewa omo Iwo o
Ewa ara ore wa
Eje ka gbe Iwo goke o
Ire Iwo lanfe o /x2
2.Nile loko lodo
Gbogbo aye e wa o
Ebawa gbe Iwo goke o
Ire Iwo lawa n fe oo/x2
Oriki Iwo
Iwo olodo oba, omo ateni gbola, teni gbore nile odidere
Omo oba to lu gberin afiporo je omo to lu gberin gberin
Iwo ti ko nilekun beni koni kokoro, Eru wawa ni won fi n dele
Eru ko gbodo je m’ogberin, Iwofa ko gbodo je mogbede
Omo bibi inun won ni je m’oderin
Bi wo kola biwo kolowo lowo, eru ti n se mi ni rami ta mi to mi ni temi o jare
Iwo lomo Olola ti n san keke, Iwo lomo oloola ti n bu abaja
Agbere ni wa won ki gbowo Ila lowo awa
Eyin lomo ara eru ke omo, omo ara eru bere eni
Omo araya le ki omo tode. Iwo ilu Alfa
Iwo todidere pepepe tenure te k’oroyin.
Edumare Bawa Da Ilu Iwo Si
Amin, Ase.