Located in the northwestern part of Oyo State, Nigeria, is one of the most historically significant towns in Yorubaland. Known for its elevated terrain, agricultural prominence, and deep-rooted traditions, Saki remains a vital symbol of Yoruba identity, spiritual heritage, and resilience.
Geography and Location
Saki is situated approximately 184 kilometers northwest of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Geographically, it lies on longitude 3.42° East and latitude 8.41° North, with an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, including the famous Asabari Hill, which rises to over 2,000 meters.
Saki is bordered by the Ofiki River, a tributary of the Ogun River. Its savannah vegetation and rivers like Taba and Foofoo have historically provided water and supported agricultural activity. The Foofoo stream has since been dammed to serve as a modern water source for the town.
Founding and Historical Significance
Saki’s origin dates back to the late 12th or early 13th century when Ogun, the eldest son of Oduduwa, was sent to explore and administer distant lands within the Yoruba Kingdom. After Oduduwa lost his sight, Ogun temporarily ruled from Saki, issuing commands to other parts of the kingdom. For this reason, Saki once served as a central seat of Yoruba leadership.
The name “Saki” is believed to have originated from an exclamation by Oranmiyan, another son of Oduduwa, during a confrontation involving a local leader named Oke-Kesi. Oranmiyan reportedly said “N ṣakiri,” meaning “he is running about,” a phrase that eventually evolved into “Saki.”
Saki has strong spiritual connections, particularly with Ogun—the Yoruba god of iron and war. According to legend, Ogun lived and died in Saki, making the town a sacred place for his worshippers. Today, sacrifices and traditional rituals are still offered in his honor at Ogidigbo, a sacred site in Saki.
The town is also linked to other key Yoruba figures such as Oke-Kesi and Ekunsimi, the wife of the first Okere of Saki, whose spirit is believed to dwell in the Ogun River near Iseyin.
Leadership and Governance
The traditional ruler of Saki is known as the Okere of Saki. Following the death of Oba Kilani Olatoyese Ilufemiloye in 2013, the throne remained vacant for several years. After much consultation and legal review, Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyeniyi was officially appointed Okere of Saki on December 18, 2019.
Economic Importance and Agriculture
Saki is widely referred to as the food basket of Oyo State due to its agricultural productivity. Major crops cultivated in the area include yams, maize, cassava, beans, okra, rice, sorghum, tobacco, indigo, and cotton. The town also supports livestock farming and is home to a government livestock station.
Craftsmanship and Commerce
Saki is renowned for its aluminum pot production, a skill passed down through generations. Its thriving weekly market, the Sango Market, attracts traders and buyers from far and wide, contributing significantly to the town’s economy.
Infrastructure and Health
Saki has several health facilities, including both government and private hospitals. A major branch of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, is currently under construction in the town and is expected to improve healthcare access for residents.
One of the most striking natural features of Saki is its towering granite hill, an inselberg that rises over 1,600 feet. This site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and holds potential for eco-tourism and hiking activities.
Saki is not just a town—it is a vital chapter in the story of the Yoruba people. Its historical relevance, cultural depth, and economic strength make it a cornerstone of Yoruba civilization. From its early role in the leadership of the Yoruba kingdom to its current status as a thriving agricultural and commercial center, Saki continues to hold a unique and enduring place in Nigerian history.
Let the name Saki be remembered, not just as a location, but as a living testament to the heritage, strength, and vision of the Yoruba people.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, on Friday, urged motorists who are participating in the fasting periods, to ensure that they take rest at intervals, to avoid road crashes.
The FRSC Commander in-charge of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway corridor, Mr Nasir Mohammed, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota.
He noted that the advice had become expedient following the commencement of fasting periods by both Christian and Muslim faithfuls.
NAN reports that Catholic faithfuls had commenced lenten season with the distribution of Ash on Wednesday, which period is marked by 40 days fasting.
In the same vein, Muslim faithfuls had also began observation of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, which period is also marked by fasting.
Mohammed urged motorists to be cautious of fatigue and possible dehydration during the fasting periods, and ensure that they take hours of rest before returning to the steering.
He also warned motorists against over speeding and wrongful overtaking, which could lead to tragedy, adding that drivers must strictly adhere to all safety rules while on the road.
“We are appealing to motorists, especially Muslims and Christians who are fasting, to always observe the rest after every four hours of driving, to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“Also, all motorists are enjoined to drive to stay alive; Wishing all safer roads and fuller life.” he said.
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye has disclosed that the Nigerian Tiktoker, simply identified as Mirable, has been admitted to a State-owned health facility, and is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
Adeleye added that an investigation had begun and the survivor is presently receiving psychosocial support, and is responding positively to medical treatment.
The commissioner stated this on Thursday night shortly after visiting the survivor at the health facility, in the company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Medical Director of the facility.
According to her, the visit was aimed at assessing the survivor’s condition and ensuring that appropriate medical and welfare interventions were promptly administered.
The Commissioner praised the personnel at the State-owned medical facility and the State Ministry of Justice for their quick response, as well as the Nigeria Police Force and Ogun State Police Command for their rapid and timely action as soon as the case was transferred to the State.
“This structured approach is intended to protect the survivor’s welfare while guaranteeing that investigations are conducted professionally, thoroughly, and strictly on the basis of verifiable evidence”, Adeleye said.
She added that detailed examinations and all required clinical procedures are being carried out in line with established standards for managing cases of alleged sexual assault, while the security agency is carrying out their investigation simultaneously.
“The welfare, dignity, and safety of every survivor remains our utmost priority. The Prince Dapo Abiodun led- administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence, stressing that “while we stand firmly with survivors, we are equally guided by due process.
“Investigations must be evidence-based, transparent, and fair to all parties involved, even as whosoever is found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
She urged residents to steer clear of speculative narratives or sensational commentary that could compromise due process while assuring them that the State Government would get to the bottom of the issue to ascertain the veracity of the claim.
Meanwhile, she assured members of the public that further updates would be communicated at the appropriate time as credible findings emerge from ongoing investigations.
Nigerian TikToker, known simply as Mirabel has finally opened up on the allegation of rape she earlier raised in a viral video.
It was recalls that the content creator, with the username @mirab351 had, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at her residence in Ogun State.
She claimed that the alleged rapist inflicted an injury on her privates with a blade.
Her story generated reactions across social media, causing the Nigeria Police to swing into action.
Some netizens, however, expressed scepticism on the factuality of the allegation, stating that the stories were not adding up.
But the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said on Thursday that the command was investigating the matter.
However, Mirabel, who opened up to Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, VDM said she had been into drugs and could be hallucinating.
