The Historical background of Agbekoya

The Historical background of Agbekoya

Agbekoya: The Nigeria Union of Hunter and farmers was formed in 1938 by group of farmers and Hunter’s in Ibadan Land, the then capital of the defunct Western region) presently the capital of Oyo state, Nigeria.

 

The main objective of the union was cooperative system of the farming, popularly called” Aaro” in Yoruba nation, to cater for the interest and welfare of the farmers and Hunter’s in Yoruba land. They also taught themselves herbalism.



Some prominent amongst them were late chief Emmanuel Ayorinde, Pa Ogunjimi, Pa. Ajibolade, chief Awopeju Bogunmbe, High chief Agbomeji, chief Tafa Adeoye, Balogun Ayalu, Pa Jalaruru, chief Abidiege, Pa. Ajimuda, Pa ikudaisi, Pa chief Ejigbomekun, and others.

The Historical background of Agbekoya

Late Emmanuel Ayorinde was installed as their leader, First Baale Agbe. He ran the affair of Union till 1964, he volunteerly retired at the age of 115years and died in the year 1973.



Olubadan Oba Abbas Aleshinloye was the founding Patron and chief Pa Obafemi Awolowo, The former premier of the defunct Western region became the Patron of the union in 1957, late chief Tafa Adeoye was installed in 1964 and he became second Baale Agbe, after the retirement of chief Pa Emmanuel Ayorinde, some experienced amongst them continued practicing herbalism in order to advance traditional medicine in Yoruba nation.

 

Chief Tafa Adeoye later change the leadership title to AARE – President general.

 

During his tenured the then government decided to reduced price of cocoa and imposed tax on women folks between 1967- 1968, the union stood against the decisions and retreated, many life’s and properties were destroyed in both sides.

 

The then government under military administrator, General Adebayo, invited Chief Obafemi Awolowo to negotiate with the union, after normalcy the union was banned and renamed it, The Agbekoya society – the First human rights organization in Nigeria.



The union, a self determination group runs it affair from contribution’s from members and well wishers donor, after the incident that lead the leader of the group chief Pa Tafa Adeoye out of the system, chief Pa Awopeju Bogunmbe was installed as 3rd leader, he ran the affair of the group called Agbekoya society and he became Aare Agbekoya worldwide, he volunteerly retired and handed over to the present Aare Agbekoya worldwide,in person of Aare Kamorudeen Aremu Okikiola.

The Historical background of Agbekoya

Today, the reign of Aare Kamorudeen Aremu Okikiola – the group was registered with C. A.C Abuja and now undergone a transformation and rebranding process in order to embark on “Large scales machanized and commercial farming” in views of this Agbekoya Farmers Association (AFA) was registered an offshoot of Agbekoya society.



The association covers almost state’s in Nigeria with population of 3 millions plus members but still maintains the society group for freedom, human rights, herbalism, and security, the membership of Agbekoya society is limited to Yorubas.

The Historical background of Agbekoya

Adebayo Anthonia Adejoke

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