A Brief History of Isheri Olofin and Àwórì People

A Brief History of Isheri Olofin and Àwórì People

Isheri Olofin was founded by Olofin Ogunfunminire, progenitor of the Awori tribe.

After the death of his father, Ogunfunminire left Ile-Ife. Consulting Ifa, he was given three clay pots containing medicinal propitiations to place on a river, with instructions to follow them and settle where they sank. Thus, his descendants were named “Awori” (Awo – ri; “Pot has sunk”).

Ogunfunminire followed the pots to a place where one sank, which he named Isheri (i.e., Isha Erin, meaning “a place where an elephant was cut into pieces”) after killing an elephant there. Ogunfunminire, hereinafter referred to as the “founder,” settled in Isheri and established it as his base for further hunting expeditions.

The founder became the first Oba of Isheri, taking his father’s name, Olofin, as his title, hence the Olofin of Isheri. From Isheri, the founder conducted hunting expeditions southwards to the lagoon, and northwards and westwards to the boundary of Egba Territory.

The founder established settlements in many places, including Iddo, where his wife Ajaiye gave birth to the Idejos – Oniru, Ojora, Elegushi, Onikoyi, Olumegbon, Oloto, Aromire, and Oluwa – and areas around present-day Lagos. Offshoot towns from Isheri and Iddo were also created, including Otta, Ijanikin, and Otto-Awori.

Isheri Olofin is the cradle of all Aworis, who are predominantly found in Lagos and Ogun States. The descendants of Ogunfunminire are called Aworis, literally meaning “Clay Pot Sank.”

Currently, Isheri Olofin is ruled by Oba Adekunle Sulaimon Bamgbade

Gbogbo ọmọ Àwórì, kí ti gbé o?