Ipetumodu

The city is under the leadership of traditional ruler with the title of Apetumodu, which means "one who killed an antelope for sacrificial purposes for Odu".

A Mohammedan at Iwo called Mohomi invited the Fulanis of Ilorin to extend their conquest to the towns of Eastern districts of Yorubaland.

So tough was the invasion that the reigning Apetumodu, Oba Folasade Ajiga, with many chiefs and families, fled to Ile-Ife for safety.

It was Lafiani popular known as “Arakatampo pa Hukuhuku” (He who used crossbows to kill Hukuhuku) who led the remnants of the Ipetumodu warriors to dislodge the Fulani marauders from Ipetumodu.After the Fulani marauders were dislodged from Ipetumodu, Oba Olakanmi Okoro Giesi succeeded Oba Folashade Ajiga as the Apetumodu and he was responsible for the reconstruction of the war-ravaged town.

[9][11][12] The 1886 peace treaty initiated by the British to put an end to the Yoruba civil strife also had some traumatic effects on Ipetumodu.

[13] The British authorities however, failed to implement the treaty to the letter early enough and on 27 March 1909, some Modakeke refugees settled in Owu Ipole, Gbongan, Edunabon, Ede, Lasole, and Akanle while many others led by the reigning Ogunsua settled in Ode Omu (which was Originally part of the farmland of Ipetumodu people).

On Sunday, 18 July 1909, the Modakekes suddenly and surreptitiously displaced the Ipetumodu farmers who had gone to celebrate the annual "Egungun festival" from their farms.

This high humidity and long rainy season support the cultivation of perennial cash crops such as cocoa and kolanut tree.

It shares a boundary with Ile-Ife which is the spiritual headquarters of the Yoruba people,[18][19][20] Yakooyo, Asipa, Akinlalu, Gbongan and Ode-Omu.

[25] On the last day of the festival, all of the masquerades gather in Ipetumodu Market Square (in front of the Apetumodu palace) to entertain the crowd.

[27] Moremi was a brave patriot who risked her life to preserve the people of Ile-Ife (the birthplace of the Edi festival) from the constant raids of an outside group known as the "Igbos".

[37] This major highway connects Ipetumodu to other parts of the country, including notable cities such as Ife, Ibadan, Ilesha, and Akure.

Within the town, numerous Trunk C local roads aid circulation, ensuring easy movement of people and goods.

Minibuses offer affordable and efficient travel, while commercial motorcycles (okada) provide faster, flexible trips for shorter distances.

[44] For regional and national travel, Ipetumodu's designated motor parks operate bus services, connecting the town to major cities and states.

These motor parks facilitate seamless movement of people and goods, fostering economic and social growth.

Akalako Statue at Ipetumodu market square
Aerial view of Ipetumodu's market square and town hall
Christ Anglican Church, Waasinmi, Ipetumodu
Ipetumodu Central Mosque at Ipetumodu Market Square