Osun State
Osun State (/ˈoʊʃuːn/; Yoruba: Ìpínlẹ̀ Ọ̀ṣun), occasionally known as the State of Osun by the state government, is a state in southwestern Nigeria; bounded to the east by Ekiti and Ondo states, to the north by Kwara State, to the south by Ogun State and to the west by Oyo State. Named for the River Osun—a vital river which flows through the state—the state was formed from the southeast of Oyo State on 27 August 1991 and has its capital as the city of Osogbo.[4][5]
State of Osun | |
|---|---|
Flag Seal | |
| Nicknames: | |
Location of State of Osun in Nigeria | |
| Coordinates: 07°30′N 4°30′E / 7.500°N 4.500°ECoordinates: 07°30′N 4°30′E / 7.500°N 4.500°E | |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Geopolitical Zone | South West |
| Date created | 27 August 1991 |
| Capital | Osogbo |
| Government | |
| • Body | Government of Osun State |
| • Governor | Ademola Adeleke (PDP) |
| • Deputy Governor | Kola Adewusi |
| • Legislature | Osun State House of Assembly |
| • Senators | C: Ajibola Basiru (APC) E: Fadahunsi Francis Adenigba (PDP) W: Adelere Adeyemi Oriolowo (APC) |
| • Representatives | List |
| Area | |
| • Total | 9,251 km2 (3,572 sq mi) |
| • Rank | 28th of 36 |
| Population (2006 census) | |
| • Total | 3,416,959[1] |
| • Rank | 17th of 36 |
| Demonym | Osunian |
| GDP (PPP) | |
| • Year | 2007 |
| • Total | $7.28 billion[2] |
| • Per capita | $2,076[2] |
| Time zone | UTC+01 (WAT) |
| postal code | 230001 |
| ISO 3166 code | NG-OS |
| HDI (2018) | 0.609[3] medium · 14th of 37 |
| Website | www |
Of the 36 states of Nigeria, Osun is the ninth smallest in area and nineteenth most populous with an estimated population of about 4.7 million as of 2016.[6][7] Geographically, the state is divided between the Nigerian lowland forests in most of the state and the drier Guinean forest–savanna mosaic in the north. The major geographical features are rivers including the state's namesake, the River Osun which bisects the state's interior before forming much of the state's southwestern border with Oyo State and flowing south. Other important rivers are the Erinle and Oba rivers, both Osun tributaries which flow from the north before meeting the Osun along the southwestern border. Among the state's fauna are mona monkey, common kestrel, purple heron, and royal antelope, along with some of Nigeria's last remaining Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee and African forest elephant which inhabit the heavily threatened forests along the southern borders with Ondo and Ogun states.[8][9][10]
Osun State is primarily inhabited by the Yoruba people, mainly of the Ibolo, Ifẹ, Igbomina, Ijesha, and Oyo subgroups.
In the pre-colonial period, the area that is now Osun State was split up between various Western Yoruba states with some states being town-based as others were part of larger empires like the Oyo Empire. From 1877 to 1893, Western Yoruba states fought the Kiriji War alongside other Eastern Yoruba groups against Eastern Yoruba groups; the war ended in a British-brokered stalemate before the area was colonized and incorporated into the British Southern Nigeria Protectorate which later merged into British Nigeria in 1914. After independence in 1960, the area of now-Osun was a part of the post-independence Western Region until 1967 when the region was split and the area became part of the Western State. In 1976, the Western State was split and the state's west became Oyo State. Fifteen years later, Oyo State's east was broken off to form Osun State.
Economically, Osun State is largely based around agriculture, mainly of cocoa, cassava, millet, maize, potato and yam crops. Other key industries are services, especially in urban areas, along with artisanal mining and ivestock herding. Osun is home to several of Nigeria's most famous landmarks, including the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University, one of Nigeria's pre-eminent institutions of higher learning. The university is located in the ancient town of Ile-Ifẹ, an important early center of political and religious development for Yoruba culture. Other important cities and towns include the ancient kingdom-capitals of Ila Orangun, Iragbiji, Ikirun, Oke-Ila Orangun, Ijebu-Jesa, Ipetumodu, Ede, Iwo, Ejigbo, Ibokun, Ode-Omu, Otan Ayegbaju, Ifetedo, Esa-Oke, Ilesa, Okuku, Otan-Ile and Igbajo. Osun State is additionally noted for having the second highest literacy rate in the country.[11]
History
The modern State of Osun was created on 27 August 1991 from part of the old Oyo State. The state's name is derived from the River Osun, the venerated natural spring that is the manifestation of the Yoruba goddess of the same name.[12]
The former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola launched and laid the foundation for the groundbreaking of Osun State University with six campuses (Osogbo, Okuku, Ikire, Ejigbo, Ifetedo, and Ipetu-Ijesha) strategically located across the state. Important cultural events in the state include the Ori Oke[13] and Egungun festival (masquerade festival)[14] in Iragbiji,[15] Olojo in Ife and the Osun Osogbo festival.[16]
Culture
Every year, adherents and non-adherents of Osun, one of the Orisa (the traditional deities of the Yoruba people), travel from all over the world to attend the annual Osun-Osogbo festival in August. Visitors include nationals of Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad, Grenada, and other nations in the Americas with a significant Yoruba cultural heritage. Annual traditional festivities and invocations of the Osun goddess are held along the banks of the river bearing her name into which – according to Yoruba Oratory traditions – she transformed.[17]
Ọsun-Ọsogbo Grove, the shrine of the annual rites of the deity and an important artistic center, was declared a World Heritage Site in 2005.[18]
Demographics
The major sub-ethnic groups in Ọsun State are Ife, Ijesha, Oyo, Ibolo and Igbomina of the Yoruba people, although there are also people from other parts of Nigeria. Yoruba and English are the official languages. People of Osun State practice Islam, Christianity and the traditional faith.
Climate
The climate of Osun is tropical savanna usually warm, with a wet and dry season. It has a yearly average temperature of 64°F and receives approximately 596 inches of rainfall. It is dry for 59 days throughout the year, with an average moisture in the air of 77% and a UV index of 7.[19]
Tourism
The State of Osun is home to a lot of tourist attractions based on its rich history and the cultural base of the Yoruba.
This place is considered as an heritage site. It is located along the Osun river and it is home to the goddess of fertility, Yemoja.[20]
Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls is located in Erin-Ijesha. It is a tourist attraction located in Oriade local. The fall features seven floors.[21]
Mineral Resources in Osun State
The following are the mineral resources in Osun State[22]
- Gold
- Granite
- Columbite
- Talc
- Tantalite
- Tourmaline
Muslims and Christians in Osun
Osun State was created from the old Oyo State in August 1991, has a large population of both[Muslims and Christians.[23] Among the famous religious leaders from Osun State is the London-based Muslim cleric Sheikh Dr. Abu-Abdullah Adelabu, who hails from the state's capital city, Osogbo and Pastor (Dr.) Johnson Ade Odewale of Christ Apostolic church, Calvary Assembly from Odeomu, who is based in Boston, USA. The popular Pastor E.A Adeboye hails from Ifewara in Osun state. Also Pastor David Oyedepo among others. The Osun State government claims to offer services to both Muslims and Christians in the state, especially through Pilgrims Welfare Boards.[24]
The major traditional rulers in Osun State acclaim either the Faith of Islam or Christianity. While, for instance, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) and Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland Oba Gabriel Adekunle (Aromolaran II), Oba Moses Oyediran Ogunsua Of Modakeke, Oba Samuel Oyebode Oluronke II (Olokuku of Okuku), and Oba Sunday Olatokun (Olotan of Otan Ile) ascribe to Christianity, Orangun of (Ile) Ila-Orangun Oba Wahab Kayode Adedeji Oyedotun (Arutu-Oluokun Bibiire I), Ataoja of Osogbo Oba Jimoh Olaonipekun Oyetunji (Larooye II), Timi of Ede Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal (Laminisa I), Aragbiji of iragbiji (Oba Abdulrasheed Ayotunde Olabomi),[15] Owa of Otan Ayegbaju Oba Lukman Ojo Fadipe (Olatanka III) and Oluwo of Iwo Oba Abdul Rasheed Adewale Akanbi (Ilufemiloye Telu I) practiced Islam. The dominant religions in Osun State are Islam and Christianity although a certain amount of traditional religion is still practiced.[25]
Education
A list of tertiary institutions in Osun state includes:
- Adeleke University, Ede
- Federal Polytechnic, Ede
- Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife
- Osun State College of Technology
- Osun State Polytechnic
- Osun State University
- Bowen University Iwo
- Westland University Iwo
- Federal College of Education Iwo[26]
- National Open University of Nigeria Iwo Study center
- Wolex Polytechnic Iwo
- Mercy College of Nursing Ìkirè Ile, Iwo
- Iwo City Polytechnic Feesu, Iwo
- Royal College of Public Health Technology Iwo
- Fountain University Osogbo
- Osun State college of Health Technology, Ilesa
- Osun State College of Education, Ilesa
- Federal University of Health Sciences Ila Orangun[27]
Local Government Areas
Osun State is divided into three federal senatorial districts, each of which is composed of two administrative zones. The state consists of thirty Local Government Areas and Area offices, the primary (third-tier) unit of government in Nigeria.
Osun State's 30 Local Government Area headquarters:
| LGA | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| Aiyedaade | Gbongan |
| Aiyedire | Ile Ogbo |
| Atakunmosa East | Iperindo |
| Atakunmosa West | Osu |
| Boluwaduro | Otan Ayegbaju |
| Boripe | Iragbiji |
| Ede North | Oja Timi |
| Ede South | Ede |
| Egbedore | Awo |
| Ejigbo | Ejigbo |
| Ife Central | Ile-Ife |
| Ife East | Oke-Ogbo |
| Ife North | Ipetumodu |
| Ife South | Ifetedo |
| Ifedayo | Oke-Ila Orangun |
| Ifelodun | Ikirun |
| Ila | Ila Orangun |
| Ilesa East | Ilesa |
| Ilesa West | Ereja Square |
| Irepodun | Ilobu |
| Irewole | Ikire |
| Isokan | Apomu |
| Iwo | Iwo |
| Obokun | Ibokun |
| Odo Otin | Okuku |
| Ola Oluwa | Bode Osi |
| Olorunda | Igbonna, Osogbo |
| Oriade | Ijebu-Jesa |
| Orolu | Ifon Osun |
| Osogbo | Osogbo |
List of current Local Government Area Chairmen.[28]
Notable people
- Enoch Adeboye – General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God[29]
- Chief Dr. Oyin Adejobi- former actor, dramatist and popular poet[30]
- Gbenga Adeboye – musician, comedian and radio presenter[31]
- Toyin Adegbola- actress[32]
- Sheikh Abu-Abdullah Adelabu – scholar and cleric.[33]
- Isiaka Adeleke – politician and former Governor[34]
- Chief Adebisi Akande- former Governor of Osun State[35]
- General Ipoola Alani Akinrinade (RTD) - former Chief of Army Staff and the First Chief of Defence Staff in Nigeria.[36]
- Akinloye Akinyemi – former Nigerian major[37]
- Bolaji Amusan - Nigerian ICT entrepreneur[38]
- Olusola Amusan – entrepreneur, speaker[39]
- Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola – former State Governor[40]
- Lanre Buraimoh - artist[41]
- Davido – musician[42]
- Patricia Etteh, Nigerian politician and first female Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives[43]
- Daddy Freeze- radio presenter[44]
- Bola Ige SAN-(1930–2001) politician and lawyer[45]
- W.F. Kumuyi – General Overseer, Deeper Life Christian Church[citation needed]
- Duro Ladipo – actor and dramatist
- Gabriel Oladele Olutola[46] - President of the Apostolic church of Nigeria and LAWNA Territorial Chairman.[47]
- Iyiola Omisore – politician and engineer[48]
- Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola – former Governor of Osun State and former Military Governor of Lagos State[49]
- Sen. Ademola Adeleke - 2022 Governor elect
See also
References
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- ^ a b "C-GIDD (Canback Global Income Distribution Database)". Canback Dangel. Retrieved 20 August 2008.
- ^ "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ Onyeakagbu, Adaobi. "See how all the 36 Nigerian states got their names". Pulse.ng. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
- ^ "This is how the 36 states were created". Pulse.ng. 24 October 2017. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
- ^ "Osun - Nigeria | Data and Statistics". knoema.com. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
- ^ "Population 2006-2016". National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- ^ Okekedunu, J.O.; Ogunjemite, Babafemi; Adeyemo, I.A.; Olaniyi, Oluwatobi (January 2014). "Daily activity budget of the Mona monkey was studied in Ibodi Monkey Forest, Osun State, Nigeria". FUTA Journal of Research in Sciences. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
- ^ Owolabi, Bibitayo Ayobami; Adewumi, Adebayo; Odewumi, Oluyinka Sunday; Okosodo, Ehi Francis; Orimaye, Jacob Oluwafemi (March 2018). "Survey of Avifauna Species of a Degraded Environment: Case Study of Osun State University, College of Agriculture, Ejigbo, Nigeria". Merit Research Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology. 6 (2). Retrieved 18 January 2022.
- ^ Uwaegbulam, Chinedum (14 November 2016). "Conservationists discover chimpanzees in South West". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
- ^ "Action Plan - Nigeria" (PDF).
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Osun-Osogbo", Wikipedia, 27 April 2020, retrieved 10 June 2020
- ^ "Iragbiji hills: Monuments of nature's beauty". 30 October 2018.
- ^ "Obatala Centre for Creative Arts © 2004".
- ^ a b "Iragbiji", Wikipedia, 26 May 2020, retrieved 10 June 2020
- ^ "Everything You Need to Know About the Osun-Osogbo Festival". 18 July 2016.
- ^ "Osun State of Nigeria :: Nigeria Information & Guide". www.nigeriagalleria.com. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
- ^ "Osogbo | Location, History, Facts, & Population | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ "Osun weather and climate ☀️ Best time to visit 🌡️ Temperature". www.besttravelmonths.com. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
- ^ "Four Places to Visit in Osun State". 19 May 2018.
- ^ "A sanctuary of purity and beauty". 24 January 2018.
- ^ "Natural Resources – Welcome To The Embassy of Nigeria". Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 15 March 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 15 March 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
- ^ "Left behind: Traditional religion worshippers lament isolation, govt bias, battle everyday rejection". Punch Newspapers. 12 September 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
- ^ "FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IWO – IWO, OSUN STATE". Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ^ "Management – Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun". Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ^ "Local Government Areas – The Official Website Of The State Of Osun". Osunstate.gov.ng. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
- ^ "RCCG Miracle Center | History". www.rccgmunich.com. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "Remembering the thunderking of theatre, Duro Ladipo". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 7 March 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "Remembering one of Nigeria's pioneer comedians, Gbenga 'Funwotan' Adeboye". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "Yoruba actress, Toyin Adegbola, appointed government official | Premium Times Nigeria". 5 August 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ Trapp, J. B. (23 September 2004). "Grocyn, William (1449?–1519), cleric and Greek scholar". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/11650. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
- ^ admin (30 April 2017). "Isiaka Adeleke: The Death that Stunned Osun". THISDAYLIVE. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "Akande and his hidden treasures". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2 December 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "General Akinrinade @ 80". Vanguard News. 3 October 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "Akinyemi and the loneliness of exile". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 6 January 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ . 4 March 2016. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
- ^ "I'm a self-development junkie— Olusola Amusan". Punch Newspapers. 3 September 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
- ^ "Mr Rauf Aregbesola, what goes around, comes around". TheCable. 20 February 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "My encounter with bead painting - Lanre Buraimoh". Vanguard News. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "Osun 2022: I'm fighting for my state, Davido defends support for uncle, Adeleke". Punch Newspapers. 16 March 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "Patricia Etteh: The fall and the triumph". The Nation Newspaper. 25 April 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "Daddy Freeze don beg Oyedepo for forgiveness". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "11 things you probably didn't know about Bola Ige". The Nation Newspaper. 23 December 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ Adelegan, Femi. (2013). Nigeria's Leading Lights of the Gospel: Revolutionaries in Worldwide Christianity. Westbow Press. p. 71. Retrieved 7 September 2019. ISBN 978-1449769543.
- ^ Komolafe, Sunday Jide. (2013). The Transformation of African Christianity: Development and Change in the Nigerian Church. Langham Monographs, p. 107. Retrieved 7 September 2019. ISBN 978-1-907713-59-0.
- ^ admin (18 December 2016). "Beyond Politics: Iyiola Omisore, an Accomplished Professional, Family Man". THISDAYLIVE. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- ^ "You're a liar, not prudent, Oyinlola replies Akande | Premium Times Nigeria". 16 December 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
External links
- Official website