Imesi-Ile History Book launched In Osogbo, Author Says It Took 45 Years To Finish

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

A lecturer of the Osun State College of Technology, Esaoke, Prince James Oludare Arinloye, on Friday launched his book title “Imesi-Ile : The ancient capital of the Ekitiparapos (a journal of historical journey) Volume One” in Osogbo Osun State capital.

Arinloye who was highly elated for the success of the story said it took him 45 years to complete the work on the book.

He added that he decided to write a book on the history of Imesi-Ile town, as part of his own contribution as an Indigene of the ancient town, which he described as the capital of the Confederacy of towns and villages in Yorubaland otherwise known as the Ekitiparapos.

He pointed out that history writing must not be left exclusively to the historians alone, adding that the presentation of the book was historic.

He said: “I commenced work on the book exactly 45 years ago. The journey started in 1976 as a primary school pupil in Imesi-Ile” he said.

“Today is historic. It is a day of history because I am presenting to the world a book that journalizes the historical journey of a town (Imesi-Ile) that once served as the capital of a Confederacy of towns and villages in Yorubaland”, he explained. And this is my own quota as an indigene of the town.

“I have written more than 10 academic books, apart from journals, but none of them was of direct benefit to my community (Imesi-Ile). So, this publication is a token of my contribution to community development” he said.

Speaking, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Osun State, Elder Folorunso Oladapo Abiona expressed happiness and satisfaction over the publication and it’s presentation.

As the Chairman of the occasion, Elder Abiona described the author as a true son of Imesi-Ile and a historian per excellence in this current generation.

According to him, the book is very significant because of being historic in the existence of Imesi-Ile.

Elder Abiona who pointed out that the Holy Bible and Qur’an are read worldwide, lamented the inability of the black race to document and publish its own history.

According to him “our situation as a people has been in a mess because writers of history are no more. Why is the blackmen not writing down their history? Anytime I see Africans putting pen on paper, I feel happy”.

Elder Abiona also lauded the focus, doggedness and knowledgeable inspiration of the author, who painstakingly concretize important happenings about Imesi-Ile in the book.

Echoing a similar views, the Arojo of Irojo, Oba Moses Olusegun who represented the Owa-Obokun of ljesaland, Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, criticised the alarming rate at which Yoruba norms, values and cultural heritage are going into extinction.

Oba Adekunle berated the educated Yoruba people for being the enemies of Yoruba race.

He frowned at some Yoruba parents who speak borrowed languages to their children and whose cultural heritage has been jettisoned.

Oba Adekunle who expressed Oba Aromolaran’s happiness and interest in the book therefore urged all Yoruba indegenes to turn over a new leaf and uphold the cultural ethos of the Yoruba race at all times.

Important dignitaries whose presence graced the occasion include but not limited to Mr. Foluso Adedigba who agreed to review the book after it has been appraised to be a good read, not only to the people of Imesi-Ile but also for the entire Yoruba race in this generation and posterity yet unborn.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was represented.

Oba Enoch Ademola, Oyoyo II of Imesi-Ile who was represented by Elder Kayode Omole, Barrister Ojo Williams and a former Permanent Secretary in Osun State, Sir Olusola Oni were among those who saluted the persistence and courage of the author for the great achievement of the book.