4 Captivating Things About the Ijebus

4 Captivating Things About the Ijebus

Nigeria’s multi-ethnic status makes her a dynamic nation. A country inhabited by people from various tribal lineages with certain peculiarities that makes her an interesting place to seek economic prosperity and have a thrilling hiatus from work.

From the north to the south, east and west, interesting tales are told about the Ijebus’, an extraction of the Yoruba ethnic group. Their stories, which grab the attention of Nigerians and foreigners alike are filled with anecdotes of unusual social practices.

The Ijebus’ are domiciled in Ogun state, South-west Nigeria. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 hotel booking portal looks at 4 enthralling things about this tribe that will prompt Nigerians to love and associate with them.

Sociable a.k.a party maniacs

These crop of people are sociable and they love to party. Barely any weekend passes by without seeing a woman in her colourful iro, buba and gele attending a jamboree with her husband adorned in a resplendent agbada and a cap to match. Across the western part of the country and beyond, Ijebus’ are the most emotional people you will find with various fascinating occasions and ceremonies.

The Ikenne Ereke day is an annual program that comes up every first Fridays of November each year. The day offers indigenes of the town an opportunity to come together, celebrate their culture and common heritage and also launch or unveil developmental projects. The day is also being organized to attract tourists to the town.
Ikenne is blessed with a number of tourist sites which include the Chief Obafemi Awolowo mausoleum, the May Flower School made famous by the late social crusader, Tai Solarin.
The late Chief Kolawole Oranti, a renowned industrialist, was the founder of the Ikenne Day celebration in 1977.  The people of Ikenne have a particular slogan “Ibi owo gben so” that is where money grows like fruit.

Ijebu Garri (Cassava grain)

Crispy and crunchy, the Ijebu garri is one of Nigeria’s popular staple foods. There is a general consensus among Nigerians that it is the best enjoyed if well prepared with cold water and peanuts. These people are not ashamed to enjoy this meal at any hour of the day, which is why they are dexterous in the production of garri.   

Thrifty

When a lady informs her friends that her husband is from Ijebu, their first question will likely be ‘does he spend money’?  The perception about Ijebus is that they are economical and frugal. This is a good thing until it transitions to stinginess. Many people do not understand how people who love partying be described as misers but this is a normal behaviour with Ijebus’ who are shrewd and fun loving people.

Ojude-Oba festival

Since Ijebus love to party, it is only natural that they find a way to celebrate with as many festivals as they can. And the Ojude Oba festival is a wonderful opportunity for gyration. It is an avenue for sons and daughters from Ijebu-ode to meet and rejoice.  Even though it is held in a particular district in Ijebu, people from other suburbs also make their presence felt at the festival.