In Ode-Aye Community of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, the eating of pythons, Hens and eggs is forbidden to the true indigenes (progenitors) of the town.
These beliefs are the fundamental principles on which some of these communities in Ondo South Senatorial District thrive, and form the essential basis of their existence.
For the people of Ode-Aye, the question of which comes first does not apply to them, as they regard the hen as a tin god, which had helped them in time of need and to pay back, they neither eat eggs, hen or any products made of eggs, these include chicken pie, egg roll among others.
It is believed that any indigene who violates the taboo risks his or her nose being perforated, or will rather vomit blood which may eventually lead to the person’s death.
However, there are antidotes which must be administered by a traditionalist who will force the victim to lick ashes. Still, the antidotes do not guarantee the survival of the victim by 100% (per cent), hence the eating of python, Fowl and its eggs are forbidden.
95 per cent of the good people of Ode Aye Community, one of the ancient towns in Ikale land are predominantly farmers who hold their beliefs in high esteem and value their customs and traditions until Christianity infiltrated the community and undermined the cultural beliefs and traditions of the people.
The Paramount Ruler of Aye Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Williams Akinmusayo Akinlade, the Halujagbo of Aye kingdom, said that the eating of hen and python is forbidden fruit to them in appreciation of the roles the duo played during a war that ensured their victory against the enemies.
According to him, the victory was like that of the biblical Israelites during their crossing of the Red Sea where God instructed Moses to stretch his rod towards the sea and it parted, thus paving way for the Israelites to cross over.
“That was exactly what our ancestors experienced during the war against our adversaries. When we got to the bank of the River Oluwa, a long python stretched across the river like a bridge for the people to get to the other end.
“Don’t forget that I told you that our adversaries used to trail us by our footprint. Immediately we crossed over, the enemies followed us but we were far ahead of them.
“We now followed a path that led to where we are today. When they (the enemies) crossed over, they could not trace us because a mysterious hen appeared and used its legs to erase our footprints, making it impossible for the enemies to locate us”, he said:
He stressed that after they had crossed the river, they hid inside a cave and watched the fowl as it embarked on the rescue mission, thereafter leaving their enemies confused.
The Monarch added that any native of Ode-Aye that defiles the tradition would bear the consequence. He said eating fowl and its eggs is forbidden even though the rearing of livestock is a profitable economic venture in some quarters of the ancient town.
Ode-Aye is the City and Capital of Aye Kingdom. Aye Kingdom includes suburbs, villages, and various farm settlements. Ode Aye is one of the prominent nine enclaves of the Ikale people, a town where tradition and cultural values are celebrated and highly respected.
It is situated on the outskirt of Okitipupa Local Government area of Ondo State and the gateway into the interior of Okitipupa, Igbotako, Ikoya and other communities in Ikale land.
Majorly, Ode Aye farmers are into cash crops such as Palm trees, Rubber and Cassava plantations. They are also cultivating Yam, Beans, Okro, Pepper, Melon, Tomatoes, and Vegetables. Staple food inclusive but not limited to Baked cassava popularly known as Pupuru, Yam, Rice, Yam Flour and Cassava Flakes(Garri) among others.
Ode Aye people are very accommodating and renowned for their social and economic lives. History recorded that the First Ikale Market Was Established In Ode Aye.
Read Also: How First Ikale Market Was Established In Ode Aye
Aye Kingdom is playing a significant role in the politics of Ondo state because of its large population that spread across villages and farm settlements with designated polling boots.
The original ancestor of the Aye people was named Daniken Lapoki and history relates that he migrated from Ife town to Benin in the time of Oba Ozoluwa, father of Oba Esigie of Benin.
Notable People
Vice Admiral Akintunde Aduwo – Former Chief of Naval Staff and former Governor of the Western region.
Major C.O Kuti Rtd.
Daramola Omoyele Claudius -Professor/Former minister of state, Ministry of Niger Delta.
Dr Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, Chairman of NAHCO.
Mabel Tinuade Onaneye, the Irawo Ooni of Yoruba and the Erelu Oodua of Aye Kingdom.
Pius Adewinle, Director Of Administration at Federal Ministry in Abuja.
Late Heroes
Late Oba Martins Olowu Akinsuroju, the Lapoki of Aye Kingdom.
Late High Chief Josiah Akinrinlola Nejo, the PETU of Aye kingdom, next in command in Aye Kingdom and the prime minister of the town according to the culture and tradition of the community. Late High Chief J. A Nejo was renowned in his lifetime for his bravery and Solomonic wisdom especially in adjudicating communal cases and land disputes. He was appointed the president of the then customary court in Ode Aye during the reign of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as premier of the western region. Oral History said that non of his judgment on any case or dispute has ever been upturned by any competent court in Nigeria even 10 years after his demise. The late Petu of Aye, High Chief Josiah Akinrinlola Nejo, was also renowned for leading some of the Ikale land-dispute cases in court between Ikale and other tribes in the state. Before he stepped aside from leading Ikale cases due to old age before his death, Oral History recorded that he never lose any court case he led on behalf of the Ikale-speaking nation during his lifetime. He died on April 12, 2010.
Late Afolabi Iyantan, Ex-Ondo Deputy Governor.
Late Chief Oyekan Alomaja.
Late Hon. Oye Alademehin, was a renowned politician in Ondo State before his demise.
Late Professor Ademuwagun, the first Professor in Ikale Land.
Late Hon. Kayode Iwakun, a politician of repute in Ondo State.
Late Mr Olajide Akinfosile Brewery.
Credit: (Ikale Ilaje Apoi Rant TV), (B.J.A. Mathews Report On Ikale District 1932), (Wikipedia).
Story Updated by: Starnews Nigeria.
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