Saturday 31 August 2019

UGBOROKO QUARTER (NO 2):

Ugboroko is the largest quarter both in land area and population with many sub-quarters and numerous streets, is situated in front of the Olowo's palace on the eastern side of the town. Members of the incumbent Olowo's household and their extended families were housed in Ugboroko-nla (big Ugboroko). This quarter was always teeming with people related to the throne among who are the Omolowo's, descendants of past Olowo's and free-born citizens and freed slaves who have become assimilated into the general population. Hence this quarter is often referred to as the Olowo's quarter.

The quarter was and is under the leadership/authority of Chief Ojumu. Chief Ojumu occupies the position of second in rank to the Olowo but lives in Eyin-Ogbe (Ehin-Ogbe) quarter. In any event Chief Ojumu,a stranger could only live in the strangers quarter at Eyin-Ogbe upon his initial admittance into Owo. Ugboroko is also the home of Chiefs Elerewe,Sashere,Ogwadogbon,Osuporu and many other important chiefs.

NOTE: During the reign of Olowo Asunsola (8th Olowo), Chief Oshodi was the second in rank to the Olowo and also presided over Ugboroko before its abrogation by Olowo Omasan (14th Olowo) who later made Chief Ojumu as the second in rank to the Olowo.

Notable streets: Oju-ugboroko,Ugboroko-nla,Otutu,Oludaiye,Oludasa,Okedogbon and many  others..

The meaning of Ugboroko is -Forest full of Iroko trees.

The Ugboroko quarter was founded in the 14th century by the Olowo Ogeja.