Lifestyle
Chief Sodeke: Leading War Chief and Defender of Abeokuta
Early Life and Leadership
Chief Sodeke was born in Iporo, in the heart of Egbaland, during the late 18th century. Known for his courage and strategic mind, he rose to become the Seriki, or war chief, of the Egba people. At a time when wars and raids threatened the Yoruba, Sodeke guided his people in search of safety. Around 1830, he led the migration to the rocky terrain of Abeokuta, helping to organize the settlement and defense alongside other Egba chiefs.
Abeokuta and Lasting Legacy
The city’s name, Abeokuta, translates more precisely as “refuge beneath the rock”, referencing the protection offered by Olumo Rock. Sodeke was not only a military leader but also a visionary. He defended Abeokuta against Dahomey raiders and welcomed missionaries, traders, and returnee slaves from Sierra Leone, opening the town to education, commerce, and culture.
Sodeke died in 1845, before the first official Alake of Egbaland was crowned, but his legacy endures. Abeokuta remains a testament to his courage, leadership, and dedication to his people, reflecting both the resilience and unity of the Egba community.
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