User talk:Momodu Adio

AGBEDE (Ayuele)

ORIGIN OF OUR FATHERS AND THE RELIGION OF ALLAH IN EDO STATE IN NIGERIA KNOWING YOUR ROOT The rulers of Ayuale from inception Okhuai planted and ORIGIN OF OUR FATHERS AND THE RELIGION OF ALLAH IN EDO STATE IN NIGERIA KNOWING YOUR ROOT The rulers of ayuale from inception Okhuai planted and maintained the Benin traditions and culture in his settlement, which he named (Avibiele) AYUELE. As a result, the succession to leadership/monarchy in Ayuele has been based on the Benin tradition of primogeniture system of inheritance i.e. from father to eldest son. THE FOLLOWING OUTLINE, THEREFORE, IS A BRIEF COMMENT ON THE RULES OF AYUELE SINCE INCEPTION. Okhuai planted and maintained the Benin traditions and culture in his settlement, which he named (Avibiele) AYUELE. As a result, the succession to leadership/monarchy in Ayuele has been based on the Benin tradition of primogeniture systems of inheritance i.e. from father to eldest son. The following outline, therefore, is a brief history on the rulers of Ayuele since inception. This presentation aims at giving a brief, on the historical origin of the institution of the kingship/monarchy in AGBEDE and the order of succession in the kingdom. The names of the rulers are given as they are known in strict accordance with the AYUELE TRADITION of crowing their KINGS in the king’s personal name and not in the name of his father. AYUELE UNDER LEADERSHIP RULE Before the emergence of monarchy, Ayuele was ruled by “leaders” based on primogeniture succession. The following “leaders” therefore ruled Ayuele. OKHUAL (Okpea) He assumed the leadership of the settlement, which he founded, and was said to have had only a son he named. Avbiele (Ayuele) who took over the ruler ship of the settlement after his death. II. AVBIELE (Ayuele) Under him, the community expanded and gained more territory, he had two sons Uduzomi and Ogwa, upon his death, his first son, took over the leadership of the community. III. UDUZCMI Like his father, Uduzomi took a firm control of the community and its expanding territory. He had five sons viz: Idato, Afebu, Okhuazu, Inyoko, and Ezama while his brother Ogwa had: Ubiane, Odighie and Egho. Upon his death, his senior son, Idato, took over the leadership of the territory IV. IDATO Under his father, the Ayuele community had spread over the territory in search of hunting and farm lands. There were then up to ten settlements which included that of Afoba, the oba of Benin's relation, who accomparied Okhual from Benin and that of Ebhu-Oko, the lgalas who accompanied Okhual from Iddah. Consequently, Idato Inherited, and ably co-ordinate the territory of ten settlement now known as "Ayuele Igbi. Upon his death, his son Aghagha, a proficient blacksmith, took over the leadership of the territory. V AGHAGHA Aghagha had sought for freedom from his father Idato, and established his blacksmith at a spot called Osibor near Ehalen in Esan territory where he was popularly known as "Agbede hitch subsequently subsumed his name: Aghagha upon his father's death, Aghagha 1713 AD, Eresoyen, 1735AD, Akengbuda 1750 AD. He reigned for so long probably in consequence of his oracular name "Atevbeda. Atevbeda maintained a strong and fortified kingdom whose influence was felt even up to the Niger River. As a result of his fame, he named his ninth son AZENOKHA". Who, probably because he was the most senior at the time, inherited the throne after his father's death. ONOGE AZEMOKHA (OKHUAKHUA) 1751-1800 AD Azemokha was said to have reigned during the reign of Oba Akengbuda of Benin (1750-1804). His influence all over Kurukuru area was regarded with such awe that he was nicknamed "OKhuakhua meaning "Hammattan, a wind that blows all over. Subsequently Azemokha became more popularly known as "Okhuakhua" whose folklore is known even up to Benin. His second son Omoaka succeeded him, because "Ugbo'", his first son, was an invalid. B. THE NUPE ERA (V) ONOGIE OMOAKA (1800-1874AD) OMOAKA was said to have reign so long on the throne that his senior son EMOKPARE began ruling as a prince because of his father's senile age. OMOAKA'S reign spanned the reigns of Oba Nosa, 1804; Oba Osemwede, 1816; Oba Adolo, 1848 of Benin. He was a strong ally of the Benin kingdom during her wars with the recalcitrant tribes within and outside the Benin Empire The Nupes invaded Agbede during his reign and Omoaka fought the first Nupe war with Agbede in about 1855. Upon his death, his first son, Emokpare ascended the throne. (VII ONOGIE EMOKPARE (FIRST OBA OF AGBEDE) 1874-1890 AD Emokpare, on ascending the throne, fought the second Agbede war with the Nupes. Then after, the Nupes came to regard and in fact invited Emokpare (Agbede) as an ally to Bida, thus accentuating Emokpare's power and escapades for slaves in the Kunukuru area and environ. So powerful had Emokpare become so powerful that he declare himself the Oba of his kingdom and its suzerainty, goaded by the friendly, full glare of the Nupes. Agbede henceforth became a strong kingdom second only to Benin, in the Benin Empire, which in turn recognized Agbede as the Headquarters of the Kurukuru Area. Upon his death in 1890 A.D his first son, Akhigbe, ašcened the throne. (Agbede) decided to rule the "Ayuele igbi Gbe" from Osiba, which is also became known as AGBEDE. Upon the demise of Aghagha, his first son, Uloko, tock over the ruler ship and control of the Ayuele community and territory . THE KINGS OF AYUELE For comparative study, it is pertinent to note that the Ayuele monarchy had been established long before the NUPE invasion of the Kurukuru area conveniently, therefore, the Ayuele kings are treated below under the eras: PRE-NUPE, NUPE; and COLONIAL POST COLONIAL (A) The Pre- Nupe Era 0) ULOKO (FIRST "OGIE OF AYUELE) ULOKO, also known as UROKO" by some traditionalists, succeeded Aghagha. As the central authority over the vast territory, which was fast growing larger, and more intricate to rule, the elders of the territory decided to recognize ULOKO as their "OGIE" (King), a more powerful symbol of authority, and there forth addressed him as "ONOGIE" ULOKO bequeathed the kingdom to his senior son. AKHINEME. (I) ONOGIE AKHINEME AKHINEME reigned smoothly and peacefully having retained the governing council of his father's he bequeathed the throne to his senior son, ORIVBEKO (I) ONOGIE ORIVBEKO He pursued a peaceful co-existence within and outside the territory, thus maintaining relative stability and progress. He bequeathed the throne to his senior son OFUEDE (IV) ONOGIE OFUEDE He was popular and respected. A strong bond of affinity reigned within the Family groups and between the settlements. OFUEDE was so comfortable on the throne that he named his son "ATEVBEDE" which possibly was corrupted to "ATEVBEDA" both of which however, connote that "patience must come before pleasure". ATEVBEDA v ONOGIE ATEVBEDA (Abcut 1690-1751 AD) His reign is suggested to be in the 18 century, spanning through the reigns of Obas Ewuape, 1700AD, Akenzua 1,

C. (ix) THE COLONIAL/POST COLONIAL ERA Oba. Akhigbe (Oba Momodu ( 1890-1910 The Agbede Kingdom was on its ascendancy and the young Oba's revolutionary reign further accentuated the fame and impact of the kingdom. As a result of his earlier romance with the Nupes, Akhigbe had converted to ISLAM and on ascending the throne, was invited to Bida to acquire the knowledge, pomp and paraphernalia of the Bida emirate system of ruling. He changed his name to the Muslim name Muhammad (Momodu] and on return from Bida in 1891, declared ISLAM as the official religion of his Kingdom. He thus successfully routed out Paganism from his kingdom and infact spread ISLAM to the neighboring towns and villages in Kukuruku and Esan area. OBA MOMODU cordially welcomed the British Colonialists to Agbede in 1897 and promptly complied with their demand to end slavery and slave trade. He thus fell into the great favour and strong regard of the Colonial Government, which further recognized him as the Paramount Ruler of the Area, North of the Old Benin Empire. As a result, Western Education and Civilization first came to the area through Agbede. In this pursuit, the first Native Authority Court for the area was established in Agbede in 1903 in the same year (1903), the first Government School was established in Agbede, following those of Benin in 1902 and of Lagos in 1901 OBA MOMODU I is therefore credited as the Oba who successfully brought both the Muslim (ISLAMIC) and Western Civilization to the area. Upon his death in 1910, his senior son, Amedu, ascended the throne OBAS OF AGBEDE AFTER OBA MOMODU I It is pertinent to note, however, that the reign of Oba Momodu I saw the climax of the impact of Agbede Kingdom over the Kukuruku area. The Colonial Government had introduced far-reaching re-organization into the Native Administration and Agbede (Ayuele) became one clan as well as others in the area. This re-organization notwithstanding, Ägbede's traditional leadership position over the area was not compromised. The following are the subsequent Obas (x)		OBA AMEDU 1910-1919 (X) 		OBA YESUFU 1920-1925 (xi)	 	OBA ABDULAI 1925-1944 (XII)	 OBA MOMODUII 1947-1958 (XIV) 	OBA MOMOH SANI 1959-TO DATE Agbede in Ayuele Land received Islam in the year 1890 and in 1891. Ayuele land is a clan is Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State Nigeria. Ayuele land was founded between the year 1431- 1503 by a man known and address as Okhuai Okpea who hailed from Igun Street in Benin City in the old Edo Empire Okhuai Okpea was the son of the second Ogiso of Benin by name Igodo. The name of the father of Igodo was Owehn who migrated from lower Egypt to Benin through Sudarn during the Assyrian invasion: The Syrian dynasty established in lower Egypt, a sort of lordship over the native Dynasties. This was beginning of pharoahship in Egypt the Hyksos Pharoahs. The Syrian Dynasty fled to Ethiopia about 340BC. Owehn was the first Ogiso of Benin. He was pious and a very powerful man. Himself and his people worshipped the rising of the sun within songs of praises of the most high God, and the setting of the sun they worshipped with songs of sorrows and praises of the most high God. The pious Owehn lived for about 211 years before he died. He was already about 100 years of age at the time he migrated from lower Egypt to Benin. He had many male children and each child established a village for himself within Beni city. Owehn was always consulted by the villages and by his children on spiritual matters. lgodo was very closed to his father-Owehn. When Owehn died, lgodo became the eldest man to be consulted by all the villagers on spiritual matters on annual basis, Jealousy crept in and most of lgodo's spiritual revelations were not respected by some of his brothers who were heads of their respective villages within Benin City. Consequently calamity befell the disloyal villages. And the affected village heads started having problems with their subjects. This situation culminated into the general acceptance of lgodo as the only spiritual head whose spiritual views- must be respected in Benin by all the villages -and their inhabitants. This was how central administration started many centuries ago. The failure of igodo to bring his brothers to trial for their failure to observe spiritual guidance resulting in calamity in innocent people angered his son Okhuai Okpea and he migrated from Benin to Edo North or North of Edo State Okhuai Okpea first settled on top of what was called kukuruku hill for 30 years on his return journey from igala land. Then came down from the hill top after three (3) years war with the people of Ishan and to settle first where Auchi is now located. After a few years, he then moved and settle between what is now Auchi town and south Ibie, before he finally moved to settle down in Ugiole (the way to river orle). It is-on record that the Ishan people got naturally worried that since Okhuai Okpaea came down kukuruku hill, he has been moving towards their direction. To prove to Okhuai that they were tough people and not like the kukuruku people who feared him, they started to harass Okhuai's family and the families of his children whenever they went on hunting expeditions or to farm. Okhuai not only became naturally worried about those frequent harassments, but was also very disturbed about his relationship with his father ((lgodo) who could have been of great assistance to him in this of trouble. Okhuai sent to his father (Igodo) in Benin for forgiveness and spiritual guidance. Igodo blessed him and informed him that he had a dream previously. And that according to the dream, he (Okhuai) should lead a siege on Ishan tribes men in the valley now called Agbede. Igodo sent a garment made of Tiger's skin to Okhuai with the instruction that Okhuai should wear it when going to war with the Ishan tribes men in the valley. The war which was fierce and bitter lasted (3) three years and Okhuai emerged victories After the three (3) years war, Igodo visited his son - Okhuai in the valley and blessed him. Igodo enjoined Okhuai to the worshipping the rising and the setting of the sun Immediately lgodo left, Oskhuai decided to establish his own shrine that was Called Ekpezhia, which has some connotation with the Tiger's skin he was asked to wear to war by his father during the (3) three years war with Ishan tribes men Founder Okhuai Okpea migrated from Benin during the reign of Oba Ozolua of Benin between 1481 1503 Aviele or Ayuele was the only son of Okhuai and he succeeded his father when he died Uduzomi succeeded his father Aviele and he had five children Idato Afebu, Okhuazu Inyoko and Ezama and his first son Idato succeeded him. Idato controlled ten settlements now known as "Ayuele lgbi-lgbe Aghagha, a proficient blacksmith was the first son of Idato: Aghagha was ruling Ayuele from Osiba where his business blacksmith was booming, Uloko took over the leadership from his father Aghagha when he died, Akhineme was the son of Uloko who ascended the throne of Ayuele when his father died, Ofuede was the son of Akhineme and he ascended the throne of Ayuele when his father died, Atevbeda 1690 1751 Atevbeda was the son of Ofuede who ascended the throne of Ayuele when the father died in the years 1690 AD, Azemokha was the son of Atevbeda who ascended the throne of Ayuele when he died in the year 1751, Omoaka was the second son of Azemokha who ascended throne of Ayuele in the year 1751 because the first son of Azemokha was Ugbo and he was invalid Emokpare was the son of Omoaka who ascended the throne of Ayuele in the year 1874 – 1890, Aghigbe (Momodul) was the first son of Emokpare who ascended the throne of Ayeule in the year 1890-1910, Amedu was the first son of Oba Momodu I, although he was invalid but he ascended the throne of Agbede in the year 191②﹁ 1919 as against the will of his father Oba Momodu I, who gave instruction to his palace chiefs i.e. Yesufu was (Daudu) Abdullahi was (Dania - later Yama) of Agbede that when he died his second son Momodu should be installed as the new Oba of Agbede, this instruction which was not carry out and result to calamity in Ayeule.

MUSLIMS AS OBAS OF AGBEDE 1. Oba Akhigbe Oba Momodu I became the Oba of Agbede 2. Oba Amedu became the Oba of Agbede 3. Oba Yesuf Omonegho was the son of Omoaka who became the Oba of Agbede he ruled for 20 years Oba Abdullahi Akhanode the junior brother to Oba Momodu I, became the Oba of Agbede in the year 1925 and he ruled for 21 years i.e. from 1925 1944, he died on 24th October, 1944. He wrote a will that Momodu the second son of Oba Momodu l, of Agbede should be installed as the new Oba of Agbede after his death (Oba Abdullahi) Kadiri Omokpare and his family members organize a crisis for 3 years disallowing the installation of the new Oba, so this was the reason why the throne remain vacancy for 3 years without a ruler in Agbede between 1944 1947. Oba Momodu II Igbadume became the Oba of Agbede in the year 1947 when he was already 51 years old and he ruled for 11.years from 1947 to 1958 when he was removed by Action Group Political Party belonging to Chief Obafemi Awolowo for his failure to support Awolowo and his group, he also demanded for the creation of Mid-west from the western region which Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a primer. He received his monthly salary for a period of 8 years (1958-1966) He died on 6t October 1966 at the year of 70 years 5. Oba Momoh Sani Momodu ascended the throne of Agbede in the year 1959 as a grand child of Oba Amedu, As at 1959, Oba Momoh Sani Momodu (Agunu) was just 18 years old. Oba Akhigbe Oba Momodu ,. of Agbede was said to have ascended to the throne of Agbede when his father Emokpare died at his youthful age, and most probably at the age of 30 years by 1890. And if that is the true finding, it means he was born in the year 1860 into the Royal family in Agbede by a great and bless daughter Queen Agbovonfo of Idua in Ishan land married by Oba Emoki and great wonders of Allah Queen Agboronfo Lere was princess by birth. Oba Momodu I, of Agbede was born into pagan Royal family in Ayuele land with a mission from Almighty Allah to carryout islamization of Auele kingdom within a specific period which he fulfilled. He was born in the year 1860 into family of Oba Emokpare the last Pagan ruler in Ayuele land in the year 1890, (oba Akhigbe oba Momodu, of Ayuele kingdom started his assignment or mission or jihad, although there was no war or battle among Ayuele prople but with patience, tolerance, good public relation he succeeded in carryout a total islamization of his kingdom in the year 1891 when he finally declared Islam as the official religion of his people without a hitch or any headache. There was peace, progress. In fact, there was a rapid development in the whole of Ayuele land He brought both Islamic and western education to the entire Ayuele kingdom Oba Momodu I, of Agbede from his early childhood he was marked as an intelligent person and was known for his piety. The Oba was offered the important post of Obaship of Benin Kingdom by the colonial masters (Government) in the year 1897 when oba Ovonmmwan of Benin kingdom was dethrone and sent to exile in calabar but Oba Momodu I, refused the offer saying that a good king will never wish his fellow king buried in a dug hill. And as a result he was directed again by the same colonial master/administration to rule Benin from Agbede instead. ORIGIN OF ISLAM IN THE THEN MID-WESTERN STATE AND BY EXTENSION OLD EASTERN STATE (SOUTH – SOUTH/ SOUTH EAST) ISLAM in Edo state did not originated by force as some biased historians would like us believe. During the seond half of the 19th Century, the son of Oba Emokpare, by name native Akhigbe), Momodu I (Muslim name) became the Oba of Agbede. The Elders at the time observed certain features in the early life of Akhigbe (Momodul which distinguished him clearly from all other children of his age. In his infant days, he would put his head on the ground at certain specific times of the day. People accused him of hitting the ground with his head because no one knew that is "Sujud" a Muslim would place his or her forehead on the ground. This is what he was doing until the first Muslim from Bida arrived Agbede. Oba Emokpare befriended these "Bida/Hausa slave traders" who were of course Muslims. Oba Momodu 1 then as prince, found in these Bida/Hausa-Fulani traders a system of worship which he was already doing in crude way. The accusation by his fellow indigence’s that he was hitting the ground with his forehead was his elementary albeit in innocent way of saying Muslims five time daily prayers. Another quality of Oba Momodu 1 was the fact that though he did not go to school to learn English or Arabic, he could understand what the white men said in English, though he could not speak it. On his own, he read the Holy Qur'an Bida/Hausa language fluently without the aid of any teacher. He read and spoke these two language fluently Other qualities of Oba Momodu I which he was gifted was that of good public relations He never grew annoyed and could control situations when temper rose. His persuasive ability made him win all his brothers to Islam without tears. This gift was best utilized when he was called upon by British to take over the throne of Benin at the dethronement and deportation of Oba Ovoranmen of Benin to Calabar in "A good king would never wish his fellow king buried in a dung-hill." Agbede, the cradle of ISLAMIC civilization in Edo State, like other towns was an idol community. Oba Momodu 1's royal family did not at first take kindly to the Oba forsaking the traditional idol worship. To avoid trouble, Oba Momodu I invited his brother’s one by one through persuasion to join ISLAM. The first of the brothers to accept ISLAM was Anakhaode (later to be Oba Abdulai of Agbede.) Oba Momodu's other brothers namely: Esuivue and Omokhume vehemently oppose ISLAM. They felt that the world would come to an end if the Eda-Orle and Ossah shrines were abandoned. Omokh ume, as a shrine leaders, could not see why he should leave the god he could see and talk to for the one he could not see. Oba Momodu I with his brother Anakhaode now on his side was able to firmly establish ISLAM in Agbede. Esivue could no longer withstand the strength of ISLAM and so ran away to Warrake. The members of the Royal family were now all Muslims and united behind Oba Momodu I. The war leaders, like Ogbeide, and others also ran away from Agbede. Agbede royal family now sent their children to learn the Holy Qur'an from the Bida or "Hausa Mallams" as they were called. In fact, the royal family made the Arabic Schools a property of theirs. This is why there were hundreds of Qur'anic scholars from the royal family, only one Alhaji Dirisu Agaga of Agaga Street, Agbede, was the non-royal family member to complete the reading of Holy Qur'an at the time. This is also why the greatest number of Mallams are today from the royal family in Agbede. Another good reason why Oba Momodu I got his family Qur'anic education was to enable him get able hands to send to the surrounding villages and towns as missionaries to teach Arabic and Islamic Studies to the surrounding populace. Agbede in fact was not only the Al-Azhar of Edo North, but the entire old Bendel State From the crop of scholars from Agbede Arabic School or "Mokarata" as it were called, Oba Momodu I sent Alhaji Braimah Emokpare, popularly called Alhaji Nikere in Agbede to Ubiane, Mallam Mumudu Emokpare (the youngest male child of Oba Emokpare) was sent to Ugholi, Mallam Momodu emokpare to Odigie; Mallam Sule Emokpare to Egho; Mallam Garuba Emokpare to Warrake; and Mallam Momoh-Feli Emokpare to Uzairue. Alhaji Brahima (Ibrahim) Nikere who was assigned to Ubiane was in addition to oversee South Ibie. For the purpose of history, Oba Momodu I was contemporary of Oba Ovoramwen of Benin, the great ruler of the ancient city historically referred to as "The City of Blood" Benin city is the present capital of Edo State. The famous Emir of Bida, Emir Moğaji Momoh, was ruling Bida at the time of Oba Momodu l of Agbede. Emir Mogaji Momoh was a very holy man in ISLAM. He resisted the British rule and replacement of shariah Laws with British Laws. 1t is reported that his horse killed a British soldier who wanted to arrest Mogaji Momoh and Mogaji Momoh himself killed another Briton who attempted to phone for extra soldiers to come and attack the palace of the Emir. The Emir cut the telephone line. It was as a result of Emir Mogaji Momoh's cutting the telephone that made the British to raise the height to the present telephone poles and lines. The British could not subdue him before he escaped to Meccan, Emir Mogaji Momoh married an Agbede Woman who had been taken to Bida as slave. It is also reported that the children of this slave woman become the rulin

Some events that happened during the reign of Oba Momodu II (Ugbadume)
For consumption of Ayeule People in Edo State and it's neighbors

Do you know that:

Separation of Jagbe from Agbede was in 1938

Jagbe Clan Council Founded 1940

Oba Amedu’s son Agunu (Father of the current Oba of Agbede, HRH Momoh Sani Momodu) died on Wednesday 6.00 am 8th April  1942

Oba Momodu I send 200 carriers to the High Provincial Commissioner Mr. W.F.W. for use in the Ibibio war of 1901

The Aviele Royal Palace was built before 1880 by joint effort of some towns and this include Auchi

District and Heads were formed only in 1920 and the then ruler of Aviele was Oba Yesufu and he was always the President of the Council, having the second Chief of Agbede, Chief Abdulai as a member with other six (6) District Heads as under. The Ataru of Auchi, the Ugbedaga of Alegbete, the Afegbue of Ukpilla, the Olokpe of Okpe, the Onimere of Emeri and Chief Ajai of Igala

Chief Momodu of Irrua died on 18th October 1941 Chief MOMODU of Irrua married a from Agbede (Abiaja) by she's daughter of Oba Momodu I of Agbede. It was as a result of this that he reverted to Islam and this took place inside Agbede. Upon being asked what Islamic name will he prefer given, he chose his father's In-laws name,  which is  Momodu. This is how Irrua accepted Islam and this is how Irrua is having MOMODU. When Abiaja was leaving Agbede to Irrua she went with 7 slaves, this was the tradition in those days. This tradition is still in practice in Kastina and some parts of northern Nigeria up still date.

When Chief Momodu of Irrua had his first child he brought the child to Oba Momodu  I of Agbede,  his  father In-law for naming,  again he was asked what Islamic name should be given to the child (Son)  he said he want the child to be name Ahmed after the first son of Oba Momodu I  of Agbede. When Oba Momodu I of Agbede  died he was succeeded by his first son Ahmed. Also when Chief Momodu of Orris died he was also succeeded by his first son called Ahmed. This is how the history of Momodu and Ahmedu came into existence in Orris.

His son Amedu assended to the throne on 9th November 1941

Oba Momodu’s servant Akanemoya died 6.00 pm 9th Thursday April            1942