Iyáh-Gbẹdẹ
Iyáh-Gbẹdẹ, commonly known as Iyáh, is a town located 20 km off the Kabba-Ilorin federal highway, along the Ayegunle–Abuji Road. It is situated in Ijumu, a Local Government Area in Kogi State, Nigeria.
History
The original Iyáh settlement is believed to have been founded by Owa from Ile-Ife. The people of Iyáh-Gbẹdẹ have been renowned as great warriors, particularly during the Nupe Wars of the 19th century.
The town's history began at its old site called Iyáh lókè, located about 4 km uphill from the current location. Over time, it expanded into a large village with three main suburbs:
- Okeya
- Okekiti
- Ganran
The current settlement began to form around 1965–1966 and was completed by 1985. A postal agency was officially opened in Iyáh-Gbẹdẹ on February 25, 1978.
On January 9, 2017, Chief Ayeni Olusegun Williams, aged 55 and a native of Iyáh-Gbẹdẹ, was elected as the 4th Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, following the passing of Oba Jerome Sumonu in 2014.
The current Olu (king) of Iyáh-Gbẹdẹ, Oba David Ibitayo Faleke, was crowned in July 2017.
Notable Past Monarchs
- Oba Phillip Jeminiwa Eleah – reigned over 40 years, widely respected for his wisdom and conflict resolution.
- Oba Gideon Esemikose
- Oba Olusegun
- Oba Alemede
Literature and Documentation
- The Story of Iyah Gbẹdẹ by Chief Sam Adejuwon Ayinmode
- The Okun People of Nigeria by John Otitoju
Geography
Iyáh-Gbẹdẹ lies within: - Kogi West Senatorial District - Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency
It is one of the ten “Gbede” towns, which include: - Ayegunle - Ayetoro - Agringbon-Oke Gbede - Araromi Gbede - Ayeh Gbede - Iluafon Gbede - Iluagba - Iddo - Iyáh Gbede - Odokoro Gbede - Okoro Gbede
The native language is a local variant of Okun and Gbede, both dialects of the Yoruba language.
Boundaries
- Shares borders with Ayegunle Gbede and Ayetoro Gbede
- Jemibewon International Academy marks the boundary with Ayetoro
- The stream "Omi Oso" marks the boundary with Ayegunle
Town Planning and Culture
- Buildings must comply with a 3-meter setback from the main Abuji Road
- Famous for its palm wine
- Known for the Egungun Epa annual masquerade festival, a notable tourist attraction in Kogi State
References
- Wikipedia:WikiProject Council/Directory/Geographical/Africa