The Founding Of Makun, Sagamu (1865) By Ewusi Soleghe Olukokun I (7th Ewusi Makun of Sagamu)

The origin of Makun Sagamu is a saga carved out of migration, endurance, warfare, and spiritual strength. It is a heritage passed down from the forebears of Makun, whose restless journeys from the ancient Yoruba cradle of Ile Ife culminated in the thriving community now known as Sagamu. More than a mere story of movement across lands, this history embodies battles fought, alliances forged, traditions preserved, and the spiritual pillars that continue to shape Makun’s collective identity.

THE EARLY JOURNEYS

The Makun people trace their beginnings to Ile Ife—the sacred seat of Yoruba civilisation. Oral traditions recall that two brothers, Arapetu and Liworu, descended from the royal line though not direct heirs of the Ooni, left Ile Ife with their mother, a matriarch named Ewusi. In their possession were sacred objects of kingship: the crown, the Oro, and other spiritual emblems of Yoruba sovereignty.

Their departure was not aimless but guided by destiny. Their wanderings first took them to Ijebu Ode, where the reigning Awujale received them into the royal household, signifying acceptance and fraternity with the Ijebu kingdom. Eventually, their search carried them further, settling briefly at Makun Omi, a riverside domain. But the spirit of Makun was never static; their desire for independence and self-determination drove them to push beyond Ijebu territories toward new frontiers.

STRUGGLES WITH NEIGHBOURS: CONFLICT AND RESISTANCE

The path to settlement was turbulent. The Makun community constantly clashed with the Egba, their territorial rivals, who were relentless in their quest for land, captives, and dominance. Skirmishes between both peoples turned deadly, and Makun settlements were frequently raided and scattered.

One such attack came in 1851 at Badore, where Egba aggression devastated Makun’s base. Survivors, under the command of Balogun Jayesinmi, retreated to Ikorodu for safety. Yet the Makun spirit refused defeat. In 1852, with new leadership from Balogun Olumeru, the warriors regrouped and returned to Badore. In a decisive battle, they crushed the Egba-Dahomey forces, reclaiming their pride and restoring their warrior reputation. That victory echoed throughout the region: Makun was not a people to be erased.

FOUNDING MAKUN IN SAGAMU: A NEW ERA (1865)

Although triumphant, Makun did not return permanently to Badore. Instead, seeking stability, fertile ground, and lasting peace, they migrated to the land beside the Orisagamu River in 1865. Here, under the leadership of Ewusi Soleghe Olukokun I, they established a new settlement—Sagamu. Sacred rites were performed to sanctify the ground, invoking blessings for posterity and protection.

This settlement became the nucleus of a grand confederation. Between 1866 and 1872, other Remo towns—Epe, Ijoku, Ilara, Sotubo, Soyindo, Batoro, Simawa, Agura, Offin, Ijagba, Oko, Iwelepe, and Ado—moved in. The final arrival was Offin in 1872, led by the Akarigbo of Offin, Oba Igimisoje, who brought his people to land owned by a man called Bammowu. Thus, Sagamu became the collective home of Remo towns, united in one confederation.

THE FOUR ANCESTRAL PILLARS

Makun’s spiritual identity rests on four founding patriarchs: Arapetu, Liworu, Obaruwa, and Osoribiya. Their descendants remain custodians of sacred traditions and rituals such as Agbala, Agemo, Olire, Ojutun, and Agbowa. Through them, Makun’s continuity as a cultural and spiritual force has been preserved across centuries.

The royal line of Makun branches into four principal ruling houses:

1. Osoribiya/Abara
2. Inanuwa
3. Muleoruwa/Orungba
4. Eerikokunsa/Olukokun/Agunloye

Each dynasty has contributed rulers who defined eras of Makun history, ensuring balance between tradition and progress.

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THE EWUSI DYNASTY: LEADERS THROUGH THE AGES

1. Osoribiya Atobatele I – The Trailblazer

He was the pioneer Ewusi who guided Makun’s first departures, laying the foundations of their survival during Egba hostilities. His vision transformed refugees into a budding kingdom.

2. Agunloye I – The Builder

He consolidated Makun’s settlement near the Oworu River, ensuring security and stability against further invasions.

3. Eerikokunsa I – The Peacemaker

During his reign, Makun absorbed smaller settlements, requiring diplomacy and harmony. He maintained order while expanding the kingdom’s reach.

4. Orungba I – Guardian of Traditions

He safeguarded customs and rituals at a time when external influences threatened Makun’s cultural integrity.

5. Inanuwa I – The Unifier

He integrated scattered Remo towns, weaving together a cooperative Remo identity under Makun’s leadership.

6. Ajayi Afolu I – Defender of Stability

His rule fortified Makun internally, strengthening agriculture, commerce, and social order.

7. Soleghe Olukokun I – Visionary Founder of Sagamu (1865)

He relocated Makun to Sagamu’s present site, sanctified the Orisagamu River, and invited other Remo towns into the confederation. His foresight created modern Sagamu.

8. Soyombo Agunloye II – The Reformer

He modernised governance, expanded trade, and founded Obun Makun, the first Remo market.

9. Sotinwa Atobatele II – Guardian of Legacy

A descendant of Osoribiya, he safeguarded Makun traditions during the onset of British colonial influence.

10. Theo. Oremade Olukokun II – The Rebuilder

He healed divisions and restructured the kingdom, ensuring recovery after turbulent times.

11. Michael Ashaye Eerikokunsa II – The Reconciler

His reign emphasised unity, reconciliation, and cultural harmony.

12. Henry Adetunji Ayeola Afolu II – The Innovator

He championed education, commerce, and infrastructure, blending tradition with modern governance.

13. Olutayo Efuwape Ogunsowo Inanuwa II – The Moderniser

He ushered in urbanisation, technology, and infrastructural expansion.

14. Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya Orungba II – The Bridge to the Future

The current Ewusi, he balances the weight of history with the demands of the modern era, ensuring Makun’s traditions remain relevant while preparing the people for future challenges.

MAKUN IN THE PRESENT DAY

Today, Makun Sagamu represents resilience and collective strength. It has grown into a key hub in Ogun State, serving as the seat of the Akarigbo, paramount ruler of Remoland. Its marketplaces, industries, and cultural events anchor it as a major Yoruba centre.

Despite rapid modernisation, Makun retains its cultural identity. Festivals such as the Obaruwa Festival continue to honour ancestral spirits, while sacred rites preserve continuity with the past.

Sagamu stands as the embodiment of unity: a city born of wanderers, tested by wars, and strengthened by leadership. It is a living testimony to how heritage, resilience, and visionary rulers can shape a thriving modern community.

CONCLUSION

From Ile Ife’s sacred soils to the founding of Sagamu in 1865, Makun’s journey is one of courage and survival. Guided by successive Ewusis, the people transformed from migrants to custodians of a powerful cultural heritage. Today, under Ewusi Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya Orungba II, Makun continues to thrive—honouring its past while striding confidently into the future.

By: Dr. Babalola Adesanya-Shine