Not many people know who the No 2 man to Awujale of Ijebu is. We can tell you that. He is the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Y. O. Adekoya. Both are so close and he is the one that represents the Awujale at most important functions Awujale can’t attend.
Those familiar with core Ijebu pedigree would tell you that the Dagburewe and Awujale are brothers. Their brotherhood dates back to the time of their forebears at some distant past. At a time in the history of the 2 towns, an Awujale, Oba Owa Orurubiosun who was the 13th Awujale of Ijebuland (1537) had to move to Idowa as the Dagburewe of Idowa (1540), while his younger brother, Oba Ajuwakale 14th Awujale (1540) took over from him. The two Obas were of the same parentage (Owa Otutubiosun and Ajuwakale). Over the years, Dagburewe Chieftaincy had enjoyed First Class position amongst the five Principal Obas in Ijebuland of which the Awujale of Ijebuland was not only supreme but Paramount Head. Currently, the Dagburewe Chieftaincy maintains the first-class position amongst Obas in Ijebuland and Ogun State. The Dagburewe is a prominent member of Ijebu Traditional Council and a Permanent Member of Ogun State Council of Obas.
In the years past, Dagburewe of Idowa was the head of the Western District of Ijebuland with Idowa as its headquarters up till 1937 when the system was dissolved. He was a ‘member of the five-member Judicial Council (Kotu Oba Marun) the Ijebu Kingdom before constitutional and administrative policies dissolved the Council. It is a common belief that the bond of brotherhood that had been established between Oba Owa Otutubiosun (13th Awujale of Ijebuland and the first Dagburewe of Idowa (1540) and his younger brother, Oba Ajuwakale, who took over from him as the Awujale of Ijebuland had endured over the years. This customary legacy thus inherited from his predecessors has formed part of the great attributes of HRH Oba Y. O. Adekoya, Agbonmagbe II, Dagburewe of Idowa since he came on the throne on 10th February 1993. Apart from the fact that the Oba is completely loyal to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) S.K. Adetona, Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, he has resisted any attempt from any quarters to undermine his Traditional Supremacy and Paramountcy over Ijebuland. This has to be so because of what had been on the ground since Idowa was founded by Oba Owatutubiosun.
It is, therefore, pertinent that all these attributes are rolled into one in Oba Y. O. Adekoya, the current Dagburewe of Idowa. He is a beacon of culture in his community, Well connected, a powerful promoter of the is the Ijebu Traditions.
Dagburewe is a monarch who is seen, but not heard. This does not mean that he is weak. He abhors noisemaking. He is well-loved by all and sundry. Since his enthronement about 23 years ago, his domain, Idowa, has recorded relative peace and tranquillity. He radiates a powerful aura that has equally attracted goodwill to Idowa. His domain has been completely transformed in the last 23 years to a clean town and a peaceful settlement for those who love nature which has been very attractive for farming and medium-scale enterprises. The beautiful Dagburewe Palace which has been under construction is now completed. It is a project which is very dear to his heart. Oba Y. O. Adekoya is a thoroughbred Civil Servant and seasoned bureaucrat. His career track record in the Federal Civil Service is intimidating. He served in various Ministries: Prime Minister’s Office. Cabinet Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs. Ministry of Lagos Affairs.
Ministry of Pensions, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Establishment, and Office of the Head of Service. Oba Adekoya travelled far and wide in Nigeria and abroad. He is patriotically committed to the cultural emancipation of his people. A close confidant of Awujale of Ijebuland.
He has brought his vast experience and knowledge to the administration of Ijebu Traditional Council of Obas. A man of action and outstanding promoter of good governance and management of both human and material resources.Â