Tales From The MIND

12

A taste of natures fullest drink,Water. The idea was amazing,for my 21st birthday,my friends and I had decided to explore nature and wonder on the amazement of how nature works.

First place we visited was the Idere hills in Oyo state. Let me tell you a little about Idere hills. "It is a historical mountain surrounded by a beautiful green landscape. This mountain has an interesting story dating back as far as over 600 years. It is located in a quiet town known as Idere in Oyo State,the hills is one of the biggest and most beautiful in Oyo state,Idere is rich in tourism and standing on the hills with my friends,I saw how wonderful nature felt like.
There were historical significances like Eeyore lake,a natural water pool on Idere hills. The defense wall, A fish lake, Yara- Yara means room in the beautiful Yoruba language. It is the real main gate to the town on the hills proper,it served the trio purpose of a security gate. Atapa spring,Olorogun Meji – The two large potholes formed inside the rock, it’s believed to have been formed by two rival wives. Ape tree- according to legends,this tree has been in existence for 300 years isn't it amazing, Kosomonu – The name kosomonu means "can't lose a child" in Yoruba. This is usually used by parents when searching for a missing child. The cave is one of the highest point of the mountain. From the cave, you can see every part of the community. It also has a tunnel that is used as a hideout.
The hills is also blessed with fruits.

Idere is one of the seven principal towns in Ibarapa area of Oyo stste. It is an ancient and legendary town in Yoruba Land, South west, Nigeria. An Oyo prince named Oshinkola left Oyo oro as an Oba (King) in search of a domain to settle in company of their mystical mother called AYE after loosing the throne of Alaafin to his elder brother. He settled at Ibona while still on the look out for the ordained location, his son Oba Olunlade took over the throne after his demise.

The third, Oba Oyewole moved from Ibona to Igbole Oko Oba where Oba Ogbonnu, Oba Olubioku also reigned. Oba Olunloye was also installed at Igbole Oko oba and he was the one that moved the community to Idere Hills and environment. Oba Akinso was installed and reigned on the Idere Hills. It was Oba Olufiji that brought his people to the present site. Eight Obas (Kings) have ruled at the present site before the incumbent - Oba Kingsley Onikola Oyelami (Olufiji II) who ascended the throne in year 2000 - till date. May his reign continue to be peaceful and prosperous.

Idere is divided into four quarters namely Oke Oba, Apa, Onigbio and Koso. There are about seventy two clans under these four(4) quarters. Also there are smaller towns/villages under the prescribed authority of the Onidere of Idere Land - Afua, Bakasa, Tobalogbo, Oba Igbole Oko Oba etc. There are seven Kingmakers(Afobajes ), Other traditional chiefs and small towns/villages heads that make up the Idere Traditional council.

The famed Eleko Idere of Irosun meji in Ifa panegyrics was an indigene of Idere Land, the spot where she used to sell her pap was preserved and recently built, modernised and beautified by the Idere Descendants' Vanguard with approval from Onidere-in-Council.

Idere is Sorrounded by hills and blessed with Agricultural lands. Its people are unique, they live for what they believe, they are resilent, industrious, truthful, honest and also accomodating. Multiple births are common among indigenes of Idere origin. Almost every house has at least a twin. Some of this multiple births deliveries are conducted at the nearest General hospital at Igboora being local authority headquarter, most of the multiple births within community are recorded in Igboora.
There are about 32 villages in Idere;

Tobalogbo

Kondo

Ajelanwa

Odo Eye

Aromajagba

Araromi

Oba

Oba Abeegunde