About Idowa Kingdom

Idowa is a moderate-sized town with a population of about 10,000 inhabitants, situated 6 kilometers south of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria. The town was founded in 1540 by Oba Alalyeluwa Owa Otutubiosun, the 13th Awujale of Ijebuland, who later became the first Dagburewe of Idowa. This historical coincidence has given Idowa a prominent place in the history of Ijebu Province, despite its relatively small population.

Idowa's historical significance is reflected in the pride of its people, often referred to as "Omo Olowo Joye meji, Oje Awujale otunje Dagburewe" (children of rich parents with Chieftaincies, first he reigned as Awujale and later as Dagburewe). One notable historical event involves Oba Jadiara, the 9th Dagburewe (1630-1660), who was called back to Ijebu-Ode to become the 25th Awujale. According to oral history, Oba Jadiara tested the people's desire for his return by having his entourage form a queue from the palace in Idowa to the palace in Ijebu-Ode. The queue reached Ijebu-Ode, and Oba Jadiara reversed Oba Owa Otutubiosun's journey, becoming the 25th Awujale and reigning for another ten years before joining his ancestors.

For a long time, Idowa was the headquarters of the Idowa District, part of the West Central District of Ijebu Province, extending as far as the Ikorodu area in the south, Ejirin in the west, and Ago District farms in the north. It included Ijebu-Ode villages like Agora and Atiba, and reached the River Owa in the east. Idowa served as the seat of the Sub-Native Authority, with the Dagburewe of Idowa acting as the Head Oba in the District. The Dagburewe also sat on the bench at Court "OBAMARUN" in Ijebu-Ode.

Significant administrative changes occurred following the recommendations of the Intelligence Report of 1937, which granted administrative autonomy to many towns and units in the Idowa District, including Odogbolu, Okun Aiyepe, Ososa, Ibefun, and Omu. These towns ceased to be part of Idowa District.

The partitioning details of Idowa District were finalized during two visits to Idowa by Resident F.M.H. White and Oba Awujale D. Adesanya, Gbelegbuwa II, on June 19, 1939, and Resident G.G. Shute and Awujale Gbelegbuwa II on August 19, 1941. During these visits, they discussed and resolved the administrative changes with Oba Dagburewe, Samuel Adebonojo, Agbejoye II, ensuring that the new administrative structure was implemented smoothly.

Idowas' rich history and the influential role of its rulers have cemented its place in the annals of Ijebu Province, reflecting its enduring legacy and cultural heritage.