Sepeteri is one of the ancient towns in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria. Nestled between Shaki, Igboho, Ago-Amodu, and Oje Owode, the town stands as the largest settlement in Saki East Local Government Area. Beyond its geographical significance, Sepeteri carries a rich cultural and historical legacy, being a town steeped in Yoruba traditions, legends, and economic potential.
Origins and Settlement
The people of Sepeteri trace their ancestral roots to Ifon, a historic town in present-day Osun State. Oral tradition recounts that early settlers migrated from Ifon and established the community, building a society that has endured for centuries. Like most Yoruba towns, Sepeteri claims descent from Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba people.
The town’s traditional leadership is embodied in the title Obalufon, which is borne by the reigning king. The ruling houses of Sepeteri include the Daodus, Baloguns, and Ogboros, who collectively uphold the town’s heritage and customs.
Location within Oke-Ogun
Sepeteri is strategically located in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo North Senatorial District, a region that comprises ten local government areas. Oke-Ogun, often referred to as the “food basket of Oyo State,” stretches from Iseyin in the south to Bakase, near the boundary with Kwara State, in the north. Sepeteri’s position makes it a vital cultural and economic hub in this sub-region.
People and Culture
The town is predominantly Yoruba, with a homogeneous community that speaks the Yoruba language and practices Yoruba cultural traditions. Like other Yoruba towns, Sepeteri thrives on the extended family system, which plays a central role in its social and cultural life.
In terms of religion, Islam is the dominant faith, with significant populations of Christians and adherents of traditional beliefs. Festivals, shrines, and cultural practices still enrich the spiritual life of the people.
Economy and Natural Resources
Sepeteri is blessed with abundant natural resources and fertile land. The town is particularly known for its mineral deposits, including tantalite, columbite, cassiterite, kaolin, and granite. In recognition of this wealth, the Oyo State Government has initiated efforts to establish a lapidary and an international gemstone market in Ibadan, where miners from Sepeteri and other towns can trade their resources.
Agriculture remains the mainstay of the local economy. The climate and soil favor the cultivation of food crops such as yam, cassava, millet, maize, rice, plantain, and fruits. Cash crops such as citrus, tobacco, and timber also thrive in the area, making Sepeteri an important contributor to food security and raw materials for industries.
Tourism and Heritage Sites
Sepeteri and its surrounding Oke-Ogun area hold immense tourism potential. Among its notable attractions are:
Old Oyo National Park – a site preserving the remains of the ancient Oyo Empire, one of the greatest empires in pre-colonial West Africa.
Iyemoja Shrine – dedicated to the river goddess, reflecting the Yoruba spiritual connection with water deities.
Fishing Festival – a traditional celebration that draws locals and visitors together in cultural display.
Historic mining sites – remnants of early mineral exploitation in the region.
A fascinating piece of local legend speaks of a river in Sepeteri inhabited by a live crocodile with a palm tree growing from its back. Oral tradition insists that this creature still resides there, adding to the town’s mystical aura.
Nearby, the Ikere Gorge Dam, one of the largest dams in Nigeria, has the capacity to supply water and hydroelectric power to much of the Southwest region. This dam underscores the economic importance of the Oke-Ogun zone and its potential role in regional development.
Sepeteri is more than just a town in Oke-Ogun—it is a repository of Yoruba history, tradition, and resilience. From its migration stories rooted in Ifon to its mineral wealth, agricultural productivity, and cultural legends, Sepeteri embodies the spirit of the Yoruba people. As Oyo State and Nigeria continue to explore economic diversification and cultural preservation, Sepeteri’s heritage and resources stand as a beacon of both history and future potential.
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