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According to our oral tradition, Owo traces its origins back to the ancient city of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba culture. It was founded by Ojugbelu Arere , son of of the Yoruba deity Odudua, who was the first ruler of Ile-Ife.
The early art-historical and archaeological records reinforce these strong affiliations with Ife culture. Owo was able to maintain virtual independence from the neighboring kingdom of Benin, but was on occasion required to give tribute. The transmission of courtly culture flowed in both directions between the Benin and the Owo kingdoms. The skill of Owo's ivory carvers was also appreciated at the court of Benin. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Benin's rulers increasingly utilized insignia made from ivory, and imported Owo's art objects and recruited its artisans for their own royal workshops. There were other notable artworks that can be evidently supported.
Owo came under British rule in 1893. After Nigeria declared independence in 1960, it was part of the Western Region until 1967 when it became part of the Western State. Owo and its indigenes played significant roles in the politics of the first Republic in Nigeria. In 1976, it became part of the newly created Ondo State.
The Palace of the Olowo of Owo is the largest Palace in Africa.
Culled from wikipedia
The Olowo of Owo is the paramount Yoruba king of Owo. Ojugbelu Arere, the first Olowo of Owo was the direct descendant of Oduduwa known as the father of the Yorubas. The name Owo meaning Respect in British English was coined from the intrigue attitude of Ojugbelu who was the pioneer Olowo of Owo. The current Olowo of Owo is Olowo Gbadegesin Ajibade Ogunoye III
There are 7 Villages in Owo LGA. They are:
The Igogo festival is a festival held in Owo. It comes up annually in September to honor Queen Oronsen, a mythical wife of Rerengejen. During the festival, the Olowo of Owo and high chiefs of Owo Kingdom dress like women with coral beads, beaded gowns and plaited hair. There is also the wearing of headgears, caps and the beatings of drums. Firings of guns are prohibited in the festival.
Owo people are good dancers and also rich in music. The list of traditional dances includes; the Ajabure Traditional Dance which is performed as part of the funeral for the dead. There is also the Totorigi dance for men and women. The dancers have a beautiful costume and dressing which consists of a thick woolen material (aso oke or ofi) worn by both male and female. The females tie the cloth up to their chest with coral beads on (neck, wrist and ankle). They also use black-horse-tail which is moved with dexterity while dancing to their music accompanied by the agogo (gong) and drums.
The people are predominantly farmers and art workers (sculptors and ivory carvers). Their agrarian land is used to plant cash and food crops such as cocoa, plantain, yam, rubber, cassava, cocoyam etc.
Owo diet is made of savory stews/Soups served with a starchy side. Pounded Yams and Boiled Plantains feature predominantly. Below is a list of popular dishes.
Owo Soup
Egusi Soup