October 22, 2025

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Aresa-Adu: Ancient Custodian Of Esa And Pillar Of Yoruba History





The Aresa-Adu of Iresa-Adu Kingdom traces its royal and spiritual heritage back to Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization.

Historical accounts rooted in Ilode Quarters, Ile-Ife, reveal that Aresa descended from Orisa Ilase, also known as Orisa Olu Orogbo. Oral traditions recount that when Aresa left Ile-Ife with other descendants of Oduduwa, he was bestowed with sacred royal symbols, including the Salubata (royal sandals), Aburo (crown), palm nuts, and the Opa Ileke (royal staff).

As a renowned warrior, Aresa first settled at Ipasa, near the present-day boundary of Irepodun Local Government in Osun State. Guided by an ancestral instruction to settle in lands abundant with palm trees, his descendants became known as “Omo Epo” (children of the palm).

The first Aresa was Asebiyi, and seven successive rulers reigned in Ipasa, establishing Iresa’s prominence in Yorubaland. Historical reports identified Aresa, alongside the Onikoyi of Ikoyi, Olugbon of Igbon, and Timi of Ede, as among the most ancient and respected vassal kings of the Yoruba Empire.

Iresa was also the capital of the Epo Province, with the Aresa revered as “Baba Esa”—the custodian of Esa, keeper of Owo Eyo in the old Yoruba order.

A notable episode in Iresa’s history occurred during the reign of the 7th Aresa, who faced boundary disputes with the Olugbon of Igbon. To resolve the matter, both rulers agreed to advance from their towns on the same day, with the meeting point marking the new boundary.

However, while Olugbon set out early on horseback, Aresa departed at midnight, carrying a mystical flame called Ina Tufu. His speed astonished Olugbon, who exclaimed at their dawn meeting: “Aresa, how did you cover such a distance so quickly?” Aresa responded: “Wisdom is not the exclusive preserve of one person” (Ogbon ti Olugbon gbon, o se bi Aresa o gbon).

From then on, the boundary was set, and to secure the frontier, the Aresa relocated to the present Iresa-Adu area, extending his dominion down to the Ora River in Ogbomoso.

The history of Aresa-Adu underscores its deep ties to Ile-Ife, its warrior legacy, and its enduring place as one of the ancient custodians of Yoruba tradition.

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