Ogun State Kings- The Ewusi Of Makun Sagamu

EWUSI OF MAKUN

My father, Oba Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya, is the current Ewusi of Makun, Sagamu, Remo, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Ewusi is the traditional title of the king of Makun. He ascended the throne on 27th May 2007.

Sagamu is composed of 13 different towns which are as follows: Makun, Ofin, Epe, Soyindo, Ibido, Egbepa, Ado, Ipoji, Batoro, Oko, Ijoko, Latawa, Ijagba that came together in 1865.

Makun has four ruling houses. They are:-

(a) Osoribiya/Abara
(b) Inanuwa
(c) Muleoruwa/Orungba
(d) Eerikokunsa/Olukokun/Agunloye.

The four ruling houses rotate the kingship of the Ewusi.

On the demise of an Ewusi , it is the tradition of Makun to perform all the traditional rites and rituals. The next ruling house knows itself. It is their duty to present the candidate for the vacant stool. The family can present one or more candidates to the kingmakers in Makun. The kingmakers in Makun are ten in number. They are the following through their titles. Only those who are holding these titles as at the time a new king is to be appointed are the kingmakers. They are as follows.

1. The Lisa
2. “ Losi
3. “ Aro
4. “ Odofin
5. “ Oliwo
6. “ Apena
7. “ Balogun
8. “ Ogbeni odi (Asoju Oba)
9. “ Olotu Omoba.
10. “ Akoje

There are so many events that will take place between between the period of selection and coronation. There will be restriction, seclusion, and transformation in a practice commonly known as Ipebi.

Ipebi

This is usually a three-month seclusion in a native shrine He is not allowed to see any member of his family except male. During this time he goes through different rites and learns all he needs to know about the traditions and customs of the land and he is fortified traditionally and he gains the power of the previous Ewusis before him. This is a period of real transformation from a mere man to the Oba, alase, ekeji Orisa (King, the ruler and the gods’ lieutenant).

Below are some of the known Ewusis that have ruled over Makun although It was be noted that this is not an exhaustive list due to lack of historical records.

1. Ewusi Osoribiya - Atobatele I
2. Ewusi Agunloye - Agunloye I
3. Ewusi Eerikokunsa - Eerikokunsa I
4. Ewusi Orungba - Orungba I
5. Ewusi Inanuwa - Inanuwa I
6. Ewusi Ajayi Afolu - Afolu I
7. Ewusi Soleghe Olukokun - Olukokun I
8. Ewusi Soyombo Agunloye - Agunloye II
9. Ewusi Sotinwa Atobatele - Atobatele II
10. Ewusi Theo. Oremade - Olukokun II
11. Ewusi Michael Ashaye - Eerikokunsa II
12. Ewusi Henry Adetunji Ayeola - Afolu II
13. Ewusi Olutayo Efuwape Ogunsowo - Inanuwa II
14. Ewusi Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya - Orungba II

Ewusi of Makun, Oba Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya & Olori Beatrice Iyabode Akinsanya, coronation day, 27th May 2007

Ewusi of Makun, olori and Akarigbo, Paramount ruler of Remo (Late Oba Sonariwo)

Ewusi of Makun Kingdom

Makun has two main quarters which ate Ojutun and Agbowa. Traditionally, they have been associated with the  clan cults of Makun. It must be noted that even with the introduction of  Christianity and Islam, the traditional clan cults are still maintained by their custodians. There are other major quarters and sub-quarters that emanated from the two main quarters. The quarters, either major or sub-quarter are the following.

1. Itun Alara
2. Itun Imode
3. Itun Ejina
4. Itun Abara
5. Itun Emuko
6. Itun Ojutun
7. Itun Isote
8. Itun Yenugho
9. Itun Ode
10. Itun Kuna
11. Itun Regun
12. Itun Agbon
13. Itun Liwo
14. Itun Ladugba
15. Itun Oje
16. Itun Solomade

My parents at the Thanksgiving ceremony of my father's coronation day 28th May 2007

Ewusi of Makun with the Akarigbo & Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babtunde Adewale Ajayi in a meeting

Although, the purpose of this piece is not to give a comprehensive account of the history of Makun or Indeed Sagamu. A more comprehensive account can be found  here, nevertheless it is noteworthy to remember that Sagamu is the commercial capital of Remo Town, a very important Town in Ogun State that also seats the paramount ruler of Remo, the Akarigbo. 

I remain a proud son of Makun, a great, thriving & developing community full of hard working and accommodating people. Makun is the home of colourful tradition, culture and festivals. Home to many masquerades, traditional worshippers, Christians & muslims alike. It is home to many industrious sons & daughters of  Sagamu and Ogun State. Long live Makun!