THE RICH HERITAGE OF THE EGBA PEOPLE By Comr. Adetunji Habeeb
THE RICH HERITAGE OF THE EGBA PEOPLE
By Comr Adetunji Habeeb
The Egba people, one of the most prominent Yoruba sub-groups in present-day Ogun State, possess a rich historical and cultural heritage that continues to shape their social and political identity. Traditionally, Egba land is organized into four major divisions Ake, Owu, Oke-Ona, and Gbagura each headed by a revered monarch: *Alake of Egbaland Paramount Ruler of Egbaland*, Olowu of Owu, Oshile of Oke-Ona, and Agura of Gbagura. These divisions collectively formed the historic city state of Abeokuta around 1830 under the leadership of the great warrior Sodeke, who led the Egba people to settle in Abeokuta, meaning “under the rock,” for strategic protection and unity.
A defining characteristic of Egba identity is the dual settlement structure. Traditionally, every Egba man maintains two homes: a city home in Abeokuta, often located close to the seat of his divisional king, and a village home (Orile) located in his ancestral agrarian community. This structure symbolizes a balance between urban civilization and ancestral heritage.
In contemporary political geography, this cultural structure translates into an Egba citizen often having roots in two Local Government Areas. One represents the urban center commonly within Abeokuta North or Abeokuta South, while the other represents the ancestral rural settlement located in surrounding LGAs such as Obafemi Owode, Odeda, Ifo, or Ewekoro.
This dual identity has historically influenced political participation and representation within the Abeokuta North, Obafemi-Owode, and Odeda Federal Constituency, creating a political landscape where cultural heritage and territorial connection intersect.
Representation in the Federal Constituency
A factual review of political representation in the Abeokuta North, Obafemi-Owode and Odeda Federal Constituency reveals that different areas have historically produced representatives who embody this dual city village identity.
1. 1999 – 2003: Hon. Bode Mustapha*
City: Ita-Oje, Gbagura Ward 6 Abeokuta North LGA
Village: Odutolu Olodo ward, Odeda LGA
2. 2003 – 2007: Hon. Jelili Amusan
City: Ika Ward 7, Abeokuta North LGA
Village: Opeji, Odeda LGA
3. 2007 – 2011: Hon. Jelili Amusan
City: Ika Ward 7, Abeokuta North LGA
Village: Opeji, Odeda LGA
4. 2015 – 2019: Hon. Micky Kazeem
City: Gbagura Ward 6, Abeokuta North LGA
Village: Someke, Obafemi-Owode LGA
These historical facts clearly demonstrate that Abeokuta North has indeed produced representatives who served the constituency, while maintaining ancestral ties across neighboring LGAs.
Debunking the Narrative of Marginalization
In light of these verifiable records, it becomes difficult to sustain the argument that Abeokuta North has been marginalized in the representation of the federal constituency. Such claims, when examined against historical facts, appear to be politically motivated narratives designed to create unnecessary division among brothers who share common ancestry and political destiny.
Rather than promoting misleading narratives, aspirants and political actors should openly identify their roots their city residence, Local Government of origin, and ancestral village connections within the Abeokuta North, Obafemi-Owode, and Odeda Federal Constituency.
A Call for Honest Political Engagement
Politics should be guided by truth, fairness, and collective progress, not by selective history or divisive rhetoric. The Egba heritage teaches us that unity between the city and the ancestral village has always been the foundation of our strength.
Therefore, the conversation about representation should focus not on manufactured marginalization, but on competence, inclusiveness, and the capacity to advance the collective interests of the entire federal constituency.
The Egba people have always thrived through balanced representation, mutual respect, and historical consciousness. It is this same spirit that must guide the political future of the Abeokuta North, Obafemi-Owode, and Odeda Federal Constituency.
As political conversations around the Abeokuta North, Obafemi-Owode, and Odeda Federal Constituency continue to gather momentum, it is important for the sake of fairness, clarity, and proper representation that all intending aspirants openly state their true dual ancestral roots
In the interest of transparency, every aspirant should clearly indicate both their City Local Government and their Village Local Government within the constituency. This will help party leaders, stakeholders, and the electorate properly understand where each aspiration is coming from.
Politics is fundamentally about identity, community, and grassroots connection. Therefore, as aspirations continue to emerge, the people deserve to know the authentic local background of those seeking to represent them. Such openness will strengthen credibility, guide informed decision making, and ensure that the mandate truly reflects the voice of the people.
Comr. Adetunji Habeeb
Former, Ogun State Board member
