Connect with us

Lifestyle

Saki: The Ancient Yoruba Town with a Rich Legacy Saki (also spelled Shaki) (PHOTOS)

Published

5 months ago

on

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.”

See also  Perpetua Nkwocha: The Nigerian Football Legend Who Redefined Women’s Game

Cultural Heritage and Traditions

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.

See also  God’ll pick my successor, don’t try to drive me away – Kumuyi warns Deeper Life members

Tourism and Landscape

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.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 681
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

Published

8 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

See also  Jimoh Ibrahim: Nigerian Businessman Lawyer Politician and Senator for Ondo South

“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

See also  The Tragic Death of Semira Adamu: A Global Wake-Up Call on Deportation Practices (PHOTOS)

“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 37
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

Published

12 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 35
See also  God’ll pick my successor, don’t try to drive me away – Kumuyi warns Deeper Life members
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

Published

12 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 31
See also  PHOTOS: The Story of Madam Efunroye Tinubu, businesswoman, kingmaker and the first woman to kick against British rule in Nigeria
Continue Reading

Trending