If you travel through Ogun State, there is a town that carries a quiet kind of pride. It is called Ilaro, and it is more than just a dot on the map. Ilaro is the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government, a place many now call Yewaland [[1]]. For those who know the history, this name carries weight. The people of this region were once known as Egbado, but in modern times, they chose to adopt the name Yewa, a move aimed at gaining political autonomy and honoring their own identity.
The story of Ilaro goes back to the 18th century. It started with a warrior named Aro who moved all the way from Oyo to find a new place to call home. He settled on a hill known as Igbo Aje, which is now the center of the town. People began to call the place “Ilu Aro,” which simply means Aro’s settlement. Over time, as people spoke the name faster and easier, it changed to Ilaro.
From the beginning, the people of Ilaro were known for farming and hunting, but they were also ready to fight when needed. This brings us to the most important name in the town’s history: Oronna.
The Legend of Oronna
You cannot talk about Ilaro without respecting the name of Oronna. He was a hero to the people. In the old days, the Dahomey Army was a constant threat, always trying to invade and disturb the peace of the land. Oronna stood in the gap. He was a brave warrior who dedicated his life to protecting the safety and well-being of his people. Because of men like him, the town survived those tough times. Today, Oronna is not just a name in a history book; he is remembered as a guardian whose spirit still watches over the land .
When the Town Wakes Up
While Ilaro is usually calm, things change every November. This is when the annual Oronna Festival takes place. It lasts for one week, but the energy is enough to light up the whole state.
This festival is not just about dancing and celebration, though there is plenty of that. It is a time when the community comes together to care for one another. During the festival week, you will see street carnivals, cultural beauty pageants, and even a 50-kilometer race for the athletes. But what really shows the heart of the people is the medical check-up program organized during the event. They celebrate their history, but they also make sure the living are healthy.
Dancing to Tell the Truth
There is something special about Ilaro that many people outside do not know. The people here are the originators of the Bolojo and the famous Gelede dances. However, the Gelede here is not just for entertainment.
During the Gelede festivals, they use special songs called EFE. These songs are powerful. They are composed to expose the bad things people are doing in the neighborhood. If someone is behaving badly, cheating, or causing trouble in the community, the singers will sing about it during the dance. It is a unique way of correcting society. You laugh and you dance, but you also get the message that you need to fix your ways. It keeps the community honest.
The Pride of Yewaland
Today, Ilaro stands as the heart of Yewaland. The Olu of Ilaro is the paramount ruler of all Yewa land, a position he has held since 1993 [[29]]. This shows how important the town is to the entire region. The people speak the Egbado dialect, but they carry the Yewa name with pride.
There is a group of artists called Same Boundary who once came to Ilaro to document the culture and ancient buildings before they disappear. They said that the culture is almost endangered because not enough people are encouraging the younger generation to keep it alive. This is why stories like this matter.
Come and See
Ilaro is a place where history is respected, and culture is used to teach lessons. Whether you are an indigene living far away or a traveler looking for something real, Ilaro has a story to tell.
So, if you are planning your next trip, remember Ilaro. Come in November for the festival, or just come to walk on the same hills where Warrior Aro first settled. It is a town where the past is honored, the present is cared for, and the future is celebrated with truth and dance. This is Yewaland, and Ilaro is its beating heart.
