Biography of HRM Oba Ibrahim Ademiniyi

Alhaji Ibrahim Ade Momoh was born to the home of late Momoh Masaiyetemi and Madam Rotiye Masaiyetemi Ilaro family in Aye quarters of Iyamoye in 1939. His uncle, Oba Faniyan, Gbingbe, eka selo, late Obaro of Iyamoje 1937 to 1946 was said to be the native doctor who guided the delivery of baby Ibrahim and gave him the name “Ademiluyi” (Meaning my crown is honoured). Ibrahim’s mother also hailed from Aofin, an equal royal clan of Aofin quarters of Iyamoye. These are evidences of the full royal background of Ibrahim Ade Momoh.

EDUCATION
He attended Ansarudeen Primary School Iyamoye from 1947 to 1952 and had to transfer to St. Andrews Primary School Kabba to complete that level and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate from 1953 to 1954. He went further to the Muslim Modern School at Odo-Ikare in Ondo State from 1956 to 1959.
After the Modern School Education, he got appointment as Clerical Officer in the Civil Service of Northern Nigeriaat Kaduna in 1959. His job trainings as a civil servant includes:

1. Store Keeper’s Certificate course in Kaduna – 1960
2. Executive Officers course in Kano – 1979-1980

His working experience as a Civil Servant include;

1. Clerical Officer, (Kaduna) Northern Nigeria Government – 1959 – 1967
2. Executive Officer in Kano State – 1967
3. Chief Executive Officer, Kano State – 1992 – 1993

He retired from the Kano State Civil Service as Chief Executive Officer in 1993.

COMMUNITY SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

While in Kaduna in the 60’s, Young Alhaji Ibrahim was the right hand Assistant to the late Saludeen Obatoyinbo, a community leader then who was highly respected for his humility and honoured to host the regular rallying of Iyamoye Citizens around the regional capital city then.

While in Kano, Alhaji Ademiluyi, as a result of his patriotic attitudes and charismatic leadership nature, became the chairman Kano branch of the Iyamoye Development Union in 1986 to 1993. During his tenure there, Kano was among the leading branches of the IDU in Nigeria.
On his retirement, Alhaji Ibrahim was selected, Unopposed as councilor to represent Iyamoye ward in Ijumu LGA council from 1996 to 1997. He then served as Supervisory Councilor for works.

TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP

At the 50th year ceremony of Iyamoye’s Movement to the present site in 1983, Alhaji Ibrahim was one of the first Iyamoye indigenes to attract the Honour of a Chieftaincy title from the Late Oba Saludeen Obatoyinbo (of blessed memory) for his service to the people. He then bagged the title, “The Otun Balogun of Iyamoye”.

Who would ever think that Alhaji Ibrahim Momoh was to be the next Oba, after the reign of Oba Saludeen?

He started in the Traditional Chieftaincy with the title of the Ologe of Iyamoye at Igemo level in year 2000.

In early year 2002, the great Iyamoye umbrella, Oba Salaudeen Obatoyinbo, Odundun Ahodedero joined his ancestors. Shortly after his burial, the regent and elders started the search for a new Oba. Like the time he was chosen as a councilor, the Aye quarters (his primary constituency) did not raise any opponent against Alhaji Ibrahim as candidate for Obaro elect.
Peacefully, he continued his accelerated Traditional Journey up the ladder as follows; he took,
The title of Chief Elebu of Iyamoye at Oriawo level in February 2005
The title of Obahun of Iyamoye at Orota level in March 2005

And in May 2005, he was finally selected and ratified by the Obaro in council and then installed as the Obaro and Paramount ruler of Iyamoye Kingdom. “KABIYESO O”, Eti omo Akinjobi, Amuwajoye 1, Obaro of Iyamoye Land.

OBA IBRAHIM MOMOH AS A MEMBER OF IJUMU TRADITIONAL COUNCIL

Obaro Ibrahim Momoh was graded 3rd class among some other Obas in Ijumu Kingdom in 2006. He was appointed Regent of the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom from November 2014 to December 2017. During his regency, Ijumu Kingdom was not only peaceful but also united. He was able to guide the concentration and installation of the new substantial Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom without rancor in the land. Oba Ibrahim Momoh with the other Obas has been an active participant in the Ijumu Aarin District meeting of Obas and Chiefs as well as the District General Association. Before He Died on November 9, 2025 he became a First Class Oba Bestowed on Him By former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello that demonstrates the honesty, perseverance, humility and forthrightness of the late Obaro Ibrahim Ademiluyi Momoh.

OBA IBRAHIM ADE MOMOH’S OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS IN IYAMOYE

Being a cool headed, patient, accommodating and self-disciplined traditional leader, his subjects have enjoyed peaceful co-existence and harmony during his reign. Religious tolerance has prevailed in the community.

In physical development and expansion, there has been an unprecedented line up of personal buildings in the community, activities by the youths.

By facilitating the activities of the IDU and encouraging patriotic individuals, social amenities have developed fast. For Instance, Scarcity of water which has been one of the bane of the town has become a thing of the past as spirited individuals have provided motorized bore holes at almost every corner of the community.

During the present Obaro’s reign, the rate of scholarship awards to our children in Higher Institutions by our illustrious Sons and Daughters has sky rocketed. Financial assistance too to boost education of our children at primary, secondary and tertiary levels has also been very unprecedented.

Our major and minor streets have been dotted with solar street lights that were supplied by our courageous and patriotic personalities.

At the onset of the restrictions brought about COVID-19 in 2020, the fairly wealthy Iyamoye citizens in diaspora and at home were the first in Okun land to provide palliatives, worth millions of naira to cushion the hardship of the people at home. The prompt action by our selfless donors was a demonstration of the love they have for Oba Ibrahim Momoh who approached them for the assistance.
The community has continued to support more strongly the government projects like the General Hospital Schools in town.

Iyamoye people have more than ever before maintained harmonious relationship with our neighbouring communities.

In reaction to the incessant disturbances of Kidnappers and criminals, our local hunters have been well coordinated and made battle ready by His Royal Highness to join the law enforcement agents as well as the Local Governments battles against the insecurity. The community has equally provided a functional vehicle to the police in Iyamoye and renovated both the Barracks and the Charge Office to enhance their performances.

As chief custodian of Iyamoye culture and customs, the Oba has guided his traditional council to uphold our high moral values and tradition of fairness to every group in the community.

During his tenure, Iyamoye has accommodated many farming strangers from some troubled parts of Northern Nigeria as a measure of being our brothers’ keepers. This has resulted to an increase in population of the community.

The late Obaro of Iyamoye has always ensured unalloyed loyalty of himself and his subjects to the three tiers of Government i.e. The Federal, The State, The Local Government as well as the Traditional Council of Ijumu Kingdom. This is evidenced by his regularity in the attendances at all statutory meetings of the authorities.
Oba Ibrahim Ademiluyi Momoh is happily married and blessed with children.

ORIKI OBA IBRAHIM ADEMILUYI MOMOH, AMOWAJOYE 1

Eti omo akinjobi
Omo ti baba
Omo oga meta lilaro
Omo ajoko hile a ahon jagbala hode
Omoti baba anemu kagbo kirikiri
Okete somi sabusabu
Ope mu gbogbo ara sewo
Omo alaofin ateinwoin
Omoti baba ojere ragbon
Wo ranwu we jeun epo
Omo olikoko kurubu leti koro
Odudu mowe mahe
Omo igun jeran, akala hafon
Igun re abarun so lokuta gi
Omo ahale eye mu, aopoduru aye soro
Wo hale erun apa eta
Kabiyesi o,
Omo Arode Dirin Pomo
Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese, irukere a dofinni.
aase! aase!! aase!!!

 

 

Our tradition says that, many millenniums ago, a band of eight immigrants (all of the same mother) who were contemporaries from the founder of Yoruba Kingdom moved from Ile-Ife through Ekiti Land in the present Ekiti State, toward Ijumu area. One of the immigrants was said to have settled down around the present AramokoEkiti, one at Ikole and one at Omuo Ekiti. The remaining five led by Oyeniyi, the most senior among them, had a convenient abode at Oke Aro, hence the name of the statement made by their leader (Oke e ni ma ro si) meaning, “will reside on that hill.” Oyeniyi and his four junior brothers remained at Oke Aro for several years until each of the brothers in turn founded their own settlements through regular hunting expeditions. After the departure of the brothers, they still regularly converged at the parting point at Iyamoye to pay homage to their eldest brother, Oyeniyi. They then named the parting point again as “ipinya omo oye,” shortened to “Iyamoye” a name after the leading founder of the settlement

The immediate younger brother to Oyeniyi was said to have settled at “Ibiti” which formed the nucleus of Gbede towns and villages in Ijumu land; the next brother settled at Iffe-Ijumu while the third founded Ogidi in Ijumu and Ojo in Ondo State. Tradition has it that the fourth brother founded Illai, the oldest settlement in Yagba land of Kogi State.

When the four brothers of Oyeniyi had settled at their various far points and they still had to be meeting regularly to discuss their problems and take order from Oyeniyi, they located a convenient point between the present Ekirin-Adde and Gbede to reduce the long trip of each of them. It is said at that point Oyeniyi put his son (who was born at Iyamoye); Oye’s brother at Gbede equally added his daughter to build up a couple, and this gave birth to Adde settlement. Thus from the age-long history, Iyamoye is not only the oldest settlement in Ijumu land and beyond but also the point of dispersal from which other Ijumu towns and villages were founded either directly or indirectly. It is not surprising that Iyamoye has abiding traditions of intimate and ancient relationship with her neighbours. For instance, up till a little over a hundred years ago, an Olu Adde elect used to be brought to Iyamoye (at Abodu Shrine) to be installed as “Oluya” of Adde and remained for some months for leadership training before returning to the Adde to rule. This confirms the founding relationship between Iyamoye and Adde. The trend changed with the rebellion and “coup de ta” that occurred between two Adde royal brothers. While chief Eniolorunda was undergoing installation process at Iyamoye, Chief Fayomi his younger brother declared himself the Olu Adde at home. To allow peace to reign in Adde land, Chief Eniolorunda accepted this usurpation after his mother’s intervention and withdrew to a new settlement within Adde and settled there. This historical fact can still be confirmed in song of the Addes during their traditional “toga” festival “modele Oluya omo rook emu.” The “Oluya” was later turned to “Olu Adde.”

Iyamoye grew into a thriving kingdom embracing seventeen different settlements with larger population spread over a vast land but under the same Oba. The villages were: Oke-aro, Orowo, Eejo, Tegba, Ewusu, Ehigba, Ilaagbon, Igbawu, Ihalu, Aye, Oriaka, Iroyi-Egunre, Ojaja and Ehi. But late in the 19th century, Iyamoye settlements were devastated even to the point by the raiding Nupe warriors and the occasional incursions of the Ibadan’s or their agents. The whole villages moved together at the present site of Iyamoye in 1933.

Hierarchy of Chieftaincy Titles in Iyamoye

1. The 4th title holders (Highest level) otherwise known as the Ihekun or Oriopo
1. Obaro of Iyamoye (Rotational, Supreme Head)
2. Obadofin
3. Obajemu
4. Obagbeti
5. Obade
6. Obaakin (Ologun)
7. Obahaku (Ologun)

2. The 3rd title holders otherwise known as the Orota
1. Alayan
2. Obanurin
3. Obaba
4. Obajana
5. Agidimo
6. Obahun
7. Obanuwa
8. Olusawe
9. Alayi
10. Elega
11. Obajere
12. Eleta
13. Obagunwale
14. Ugah (Ologun)

3. The 2nd title holders otherwise known as the Oriawo
1. Obamila
2. Obaalo
3. Oloda
4. Elebu
5. Alla
6. Obayori
7. Onoo
8. Olukare
9. Olukoyl
10. Olukoko
11. Eleseku
12. Eletti
13. Olufakun
14. Obalae
15. Obayelu
16. Obanla
17. Obanewa
18. Awere (Ologun)
19. Oporo (Ologun)

4. The 1st title holders known as the Igemo
The titles at this level are so many since bearers are probation title holders. The leader of this group is Chief Obalo. But he loses his seniority to any other Igemo who performs the feasting rites before him. Some other Igemo title holders include: Obademi, Obahunrin, Ologe, Obalemo, Obagunlu, Oloka, etc.

List of Past Obaro of Iyamoye from 1887- To Date

1. Obaro Akikuloga Aringgbaju Oyinbo — 1887-1900
2. Regent Obadofin Alaye Arulabesoupa — 1900-1909
3. Regent -Obaba – Ipindamitan Iyanmowogorikako — 1909-1920
4. Obajemu Obalemo Anemukagbo Kirikiri — 1921-1923
5. Regent Obadofin Lememonu Awadejobare — 1923-1935
6. Obaro Faniyan Gbenge eka selo — 1937-1946
7. Obaro Ihinmikula Ero Olasosobole — 1947-1954
8. Obaro Ahmodu Ayinmode Odundun Atayero Bioku — 1954-1966
9. ObaroAdeyemi UmoruAlayi — 1965-1966
10. Obaro Afolabi Obamila — 1966-1968
11. Regent Obajemu Yusuf Awoniyi — 1968-1976
12. Oba Salawudeen Obatoyinbo III Odundun Ahodedero — 1976-2002
13. Regent Obade AbiojoKashimu — 2002-2005
14. Obaro Ibrahim Ademiluyi Momoh Amuwajoye 1 — 2005-2025

From the Archives

1. 1910 – St. Paul’s Anglican Church Established (1st Church in Iyamoye)
2. 1914 – Islam introduced by Chief Ally Medupin
3. 1933 – Iyamoye moved to present location
4. 1933 – Chief (Mrs) Bekunlu Adeyanju was born as the first baby at the present location
5. 1933 – St. Paul’s Primary School established (1st Primary School in Iyamoye)
6. 1941 – Second Primary School, AUD established
7. 1944 – First Motor Vehicle (Lorry) bought by Chief Buhari O. I. Agidimo
8. 1967 – Iyamoye Postal Agency Established
9. 1967 – Iyamoye Development Union formed
10. 1974 – Iyamoye Eriti Road constructed through communal effort
11. 1975 – Iyamoye–Igbagun Road constructed through communal effort
12. 1975 – Government Secondary School, Iyamoye established
13. 1975 – Comprehensive Health Centre opened
14. 1976 – HRH, Oba Salaudeen A. Obatoyinbo ascended Obaro throne
15. 1977 – Model Market Commissioned
16. 1977 – Rural Electrification Project Commissioned
17. 1982 – Community High School established
18. 1983 – Iyamoye connected to NEPA National grid
19. 1984 – First Sawmill (Oluwaseyi) established
20. 1986 – HRH Olubuse Oba Okunade Sijuade Ooni of Ife visited Iyamoye for 3 days
21. 1987 – Mark Textile Mills Established
22. 1987 – Mark Petrol Station established
23. 1988 – Iyamoye Communal Water Supply Project Commissioned
24. 1990 – First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Iyamoye Branch opened
25. 1992 – Iyamoye Post Office (NIPOST) opened
26. 1993 – HRH, Obaro of Iyamoye grade 3rd Class Oba
27. 1993 – HRH, Obaro of Iyamoye appointed Alaga of Ijumu Arin (Council)
28. 1994 – Iyamoye Community Bank (now Iyamoye Microfinance Bank) Established
29. 2000 – Relocation of Aginmi Market back to its original site
30. 2006 – Establishment of Moye Suites and Resorts
31. 2013 – Establishment of Iyamoye Information Technology Centre
32. 2014 – Establishment of Tegba Continental Hotels Iyamoye
33. 2014 – HRH Obaro of Iyamoye appointed as the Regent of Ijumu Kingdom
34. 2016 – Establishment of Bamidele Motel Iyamoye
35. 2020 – New Obaliaku of Iyamoye coronated; High Chief Yinusa Oyekanmi
36. November 9,2025 Obaro Ibrahim Ademiluy Momoh The First Oba in the History of Iyamoye Died at the Age of 86 Years