- Source: Asipa
Asipa is a town in Ifẹ North Local Government area, Osun State, Nigeria.
Etymology
The present settlement known as Asipa was said to have derived its name from a corrupt pronunciation of the original meaning “Adipa”, as derived from “Adipa Ogun Olote”. This name was given to Fasina in recognition of his crucial role in helping the then Ooni to defeat the Nupe invaders.
History
The people of Asipa attribute the town's founding to Fasina , an existence which could be dated back to Ooni Abeweila Adegunle (1839-1849). He was said to have migrated from Abeweila compound in Ife. As a skilled hunter and warrior, he was said to have established a small camp in the present day Fasina, in Ile Ife where he and his cohorts do find rest, eat and refresh themselves after their hunting journey. In this account, Fasina, a brave warrior and hunter, was said to have helped in forestalling the successive invasion of Ife by Nupe raiders in which they refer to as the “Tapas”. History recorded that Ooni Abeweila requested Fasina to go fight them. After their victory, he was rewarded with a large portion of land, later known as the present day Asipa. ↵This tradition argues that as a result of the blood relationship Fasina shares with Abeweila compound in Ife, the Abeweila compound has a long-standing relationship with the people of Asipa even until recent times. ↵His renowned warrior status led to an invitation from the Aare of Ibadan (Akintoye) to join forces against his enemies, who waged war at Ibadan. Fasina successfully assisted Akintoye, and they overcame the enemies. On his journey home, Aare Akintoye bestowed him with several gifts, including slaves. He stopped for a rest overnight at a place known as Ikire, where the Akire of Ikire gave him a wife, his daughter, princess Oduola, famously known as “Oduola o’lobo iyun, afi gbogbo omo bi loba loba” – meaning “Oduola the woman with a beaded private part, whose sons all became kings”.↵One thing worthy of note is that this account recognizes Fasina as the founder and the first ruler of the town. ↵More so, this account confirms Fasina as Asipa's founder, first ruler, and initial settler in present day Fasina, now in Ife. Finally, this account also supports the narration that Ooni Adegunle Abeweila gave the present day Asipa to Fasina in reward for his bravery.
Government
The current ruler of Asipa Land is His Royal Majesty Oba Mufutau Babawale Oyehan Oyekanmi, Ilufemiloye Fasina VIII, Alasipa of Asipa who hails from the Fasina ruling house. He is the son of the late Chief Akintoye Shittu Oyekanmi and Princess Alice Oyeronke Oyekanmi. He became the Alasipa of Asipa on the 25th of November 2018.
References
1. Interview with His Royal Majesty Oba Mufutau Babawale Oyehan Oyekanmi, Ilufemiloye Fasina VIII, Alasipa of Asipa on 4 April 2019.
2. Akinrinade O T, ‘Analysis of the legends of Origbo towns’ Journal of the History Student Society University of Ife, Vol 9, 1982.
3. Interview with Chief (Mrs.) Alimotu Ogunremi Nee Akintoye, Ekaarun Balogun Obinrin, on 24 February 2018.