[1][2][3] The state is ruled by a monarch bearing the title of His Imperial Majesty, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

[9] The state of Ijeshaland was founded c.1300 by Ajibogun Ajaka Owa Obokun Onida Raharaha, a warlike youngest son of Yoruba Projenitor Oduduwa.

[11] Areas in Ilesa According to the historian Samuel Johnson: The Olofin-Oduduwa, Yoruba Progenitor Ile-Ife, had several children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; amongst them were the king of Ado or Benin, the king of Oyo, Owa Ajaka of Ilesa, the Osemawe of Ondo (from a daughter), the Alara of Ara, the Ajero of Ijero, the Alaye of Efon-Alaye, the Owore of Otun, the Orangun of Ila, the Aregbajo of Igbajo.

Odo - Ile {Logun Edu} was Oduduwa's Grandchild by Oduduwa's Eldest Daughter (Logun Edu's own son became the First Odole of Ijesaland - {Odole Nikunogbo} [Prime-Minister/Secretary of State of Ijesaland] When the Olofin became blind from old age, he was much depressed in mind from this cause; efforts were put forth to effect his cure, all of which proved fruitless, when a certain man came forward and prescribed for him a sure remedy which among other ingredients contained salt water.

He put the case before his children, but none made any effort to procure some for him save his youngest grandsons Ajibogun and his Elder brother Agigiri.

He volunteered to go and fetch some wherever procurable.Having been away for many years and not heard of, the aged sire and every one else despaired of his ever coming back; so the King divided his property amongst the remaining grown-up children.

After they had all gone and settled in their respective localities, all unexpectedly, the young adventurer turned up with water from the sea!The monarch made use of it as per prescription and regained his sight!

This has been contracted to the term Ooni.The Owa and his brothers used to pay the Alaafin annual visits, with presents of firewood, fine locally-made mats, kola nuts and bitter kolas; the Owore of Otun with sweet water from a cool spring at Otun — this water the Alaafin first spills on the ground as a libation before performing any ceremonies.

William Howard Clark in 1854 in the following manner: "For its cleanliness, regularity in breadth and width, and the straightness of its streets, the ancient village of Ilesa far surpasses any native town I have seen in black Africa.