HISTORY OF DAGBUREWE

The throne of Dagburewe of Idowa is one of the most prestigious and long-standing royal titles in southern Nigeria, having endured for over 300 years. It represents a significant part of the Ijebu Native Administration, which was historically divided into six districts, each under a district head. Among these district heads, four were crowned kings: the Akarigbo of Sagamu, the Dagburewe of Idowa, the Olowu of Owu, and the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife. The Bale of Ijebu Igbo and the Olisa, the chief next to the Awujale in Ijebu Ode, were the other district heads. At the helm of this administration was the Awujale, the Native Authority, invested with statutory executive and legislative powers, and supported by a Judicial Council comprising the district heads.

The Dagburewe throne, associated with the prominent village of Idowa in Ijebu province, Ogun State, holds immense historical and cultural significance. The Adebonojo family, hailing from the Dagburewe Royal family of Ijebu Idowa, are descendants of Oba Dagburewe Adebonojo. Unlike other similar names in Nigeria, there is only one Adebonojo family, firmly rooted in the lineage of Oba Dagburewe Adebonojo.

Oba Dagburewe of Ijebu Idowa was a sanitary inspector in the early 1920s and a highly educated man who resided in Ijebu Ode. Known then as Bonojo, he lived on the famous Bonojo Street of Ijebu Ode. His mother was from Ijebu Idowa, and his father was from Ijebu Ode. Upon the death of the previous Dagburewe, the people of Ijebu Idowa sought an educated individual familiar with the colonial governors to ascend to the throne, recognizing the influence of Ijebu Idowa as one of the most significant Ijebu communities.

The present Dagburewe, HRH Oba Barr. Kayode Sikiru Adefuwape Okuribido, was chosen following the demise of Oba Yinusa Oladele Adekoya on March 12, 2023, at the age of 87. Born into the Anowoneyo ruling house of Idowa in the 1960s, Oba Okuribido brings extensive education and experience to his role. His legal expertise, evidenced by his LLB and BL degrees from the Council of Legal Education, is complemented by his fellowship with the Chartered Insurance Institute, UK (FCII), and his associate membership with the Nigeria Institute of Marketing. Additionally, he holds an MBA specializing in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, positioning him as a well-rounded and capable leader for the Idowa community.

Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Oba Okuribido is renowned for his philanthropic endeavors, earning him respect within and outside the community. His commitment to social responsibility has positively impacted many lives, solidifying his place as a respected personality. Happily married and widely traveled, Barrister Prince Sikiru Okuribido embodies the qualities expected of a leader on the prestigious Dagburewe stool. The office of Dagburewe is a prestigious one, associated with dignitaries across Nigeria and symbolizing a legacy of leadership and cultural heritage.