Ilara-Mokin
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (November 2018) |
Ilara-Mokin
Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín, Ùlá, Ùláá | |
|---|---|
Urban | |
| Nickname(s): Ilara, Ùlá | |
  Ilara-Mokin Location in Nigeria | |
| Coordinates: 7°20′53″N 5°06′52″E / 7.34806°N 5.11444°ECoordinates: 7°20′53″N 5°06′52″E / 7.34806°N 5.11444°E | |
| Country |  Nigeria |
| State | Ondo |
| Government | |
| • Alara | Oba Abiodun Aderemi Adefehinti |
| Area | |
| • Total | 32 km2 (12 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| • Estimate (2019) | 45,000 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
| Climate | Tropical savanna climate (Aw) |
| Website | http://www.ilaramokin.org/ |
Ilara-Mokin (Yoruba: Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín) is an Ekiti town located in a central part of Ifedore local government of Ondo State. Ilara-Mokin is well known for her rich and preserved culture, academics, agriculture and tourism. Ilara-Mokin is about 12 km from Ondo state capital, and has Ipogun, Ipinsa, Ikota, Ibule-Soro and Ero as neighbouring towns.
History[]
According to oral history, the first Alara, or King, of Ilara Mokin was Obalufon Modulua Olutipin, who is said to be the same person as Obalufon Ogbogbodirin or Obalufon Alayemore, rulers of Ife between the 14th and 16th centuries whom established many different settlements before returning to Ile-Ife to rule. They were direct descendants of the semi-legendary Yoruba founder Oduduwa. Among those settlements was what is now known as the town of Ilara-Mokin. He led his family and supporters from Ile-Ife, to a site in modern day Ekiti region, and placed his son Ayajo on the throne before returning to Ile-Ife. The people, known as the Ará people (a Yorùbá) word meaning relative, or family), migrated for several centuries in the region until they arrived at a permanent location for safety and resources in the mid-1800s as civil wars plagued Yorubaland, which is their present location.[1]
The name Ilara-Mokin comes from the contraction of the phrase, "Ilé ará mọ̀ ọ̀kín" (in the native Èkìtì dialect, "Ulé ará mọ̀ ọ̀kín), meaning "The House of Ará knows the ọ̀kín bird. The word ọ̀kín, now attributed to the peacock in modern days, originally referred pure white bird known for its beautiful feathers, and said to represent royalty and prestige. It is often called "Ọba Ẹyẹ," "King of the Birds." The phrase was later contracted to " Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín," or "Ùlárá-Mọ̀kín."
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As a town in the Ekiti region, it was influenced significantly by the Akure Kingdom and Benin Kingdom. During the Kiriji War, Ilara served as the headquarters for the spy unit of the Ekiti-Parapo army.
The people of Ilara Mokin celebrate many holidays. The first one is Mokin Day,[2] which takes place in the month of November. Next is "Odun Ijesu"[3] which translates as Holiday of Eating Yam, which celebrates a successful harvest. This is celebrated in the first week of September. It is referred as "Ijesu" because the major crop grown as sold are Yams (Isu), and it is also a staple food.
Another festival is known as "Ajalemogun" in honor of the deity of that same name. Many rituals, which are now frowned upon, are said to be appeasing the deity and bring peace, joy, and prosperity to the land. [4]
Administration[]
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Ilara-Mokin is ruled by the Alara of Ilara Mokin, currently Oba Abiodun Aderemi Adefehinti, Agbekorun II, who has been ruling since 17 July 1998,[5] after succeeding Alara Oba Solomon Ojopagogo Afinbiokin, Adeyeye II. Surrounding him is a cabinet a chiefs, listed below in ranking order:
- Chief Lisa
- Chief Obaala
- Chief Odofin
- Chief Alawo
- Chief Sao
- Chief Osogbon
- Iyalode (head of Women affairs)
- Chief Oduno
- Chief Selemo
- Chief Ologun Sinkin (Risinkin)
- Chief Osindile
- Chief Araloyin
There are also chiefs that represent the hunters, farmers, and blacksmiths [6]
Geography[]
Ilara Mokin is a fertile rich grassland and forest. It is surrounded to the north by the towns of Igbara Oke and Ero. To the south includes the towns of Isarun, Ikota, Ibule Soro, and a few miles, the Ondo State capital Akure.[citation needed]
Education[]
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Primary and Secondary Education[]
- St. Michael Primary School
- The Apostolic High School
- Muslim Primary School
- Muslim Comprehensive High School
- St. Andrew's Primary School
- St. Joseph's Primary School
- The Apostolic Primary School
Universities/Colleges[]
- Public Service Training Institute
- Elizade University
Media[]
Radio[]
Notable People[]
- Michael Ade-Ojo, (b. 1938) businessman, founder of Elizade University
- Wahab Adegbenro, (1955 - 2020) Nigerian Physician and Ondo State Commissioner of Health
- Dele Ojo, (1938 – 2018) Nigerian musician and performer, who was a prominent musician in the Juju genre of music.
Photo Gallery of Ilara Mokin[]
St Andrews Anglican Primary School, Ilara Mokin
References[]
External links[]
- Towns in Nigeria