MYTHEOLOGICAL FACT WORTH KNOWING ABOUT IPELE.

I am from Ipele; Ipele (Yoruba: Ìpélè. Dialect: Ùpélè) is a town in Owo Local Government in Ondo State, South-Western Nigeria.

Myth has it that the name Ipele evolved from the original Yoruba name "Apo Ole" meaning "the borough or track of a thief". There have been many stories of how a settlement (now Ipele) used to be a haven for kidnappers, hence the description. "Apo Ole" later became "Upele" or "Ipele".

The modern Ipele community is a conglomeration of eight ancient ethnic groups, all of Benin extraction, namely: Oko, Okeriwo, Igemoh, Ilana, Ujan, Usolo, Isire and Ofi. The first Quarter to be founded on the present site being occupied by the modern Ipele town was Oko which came into existence around 1640 A.D. However, Ofi Quarter which is the oldest of the eight ancient settlements but the last to join the modern Ipele town emerged in 1635 A.D.

Geographically, Ipele is located in the tropical rainforest. Ipele is directly 93 km east of Ondo town, 90 km north of Benin City and 65 km west of Auchi. By road, Ipele is about 15 km from Owo and 60 km from the Ondo State capital, Akure. Elevations in the town ranges from about 285 m to 305 m above sea level.

The main occupation of the Ipele people is farming. Cash crops such as cocoa, orange and kolanut are cultivated by a large number of farmers. The Ipele community also cultivates crops such as yam, cassava, cocoyam, tomatoes, pepper and corn in abundance.

Ipele currently has no post-secondary schools.

The following schools are located in Ipele:

Primary Schools

    * Saint John's Anglican Primary School
    * Saint Stephens Primary School
    * Saint Pauls Catholic Nursery and Primary School
    * Ansarudeen Primary School
    * New church Primary School

Secondary Schools

    * Community High School
    * Diocesan Secondary School

Majority of Ipele people are Christians. There are quite a few Muslims as well.

Before the advent of Christianity in Ipele, the indigenes worshiped several gods one of which was Obalufon, a deified Oni of Ife. Obalufon was regarded as a higher god just below Oghodua (Olodumare) the Almighty.

In 1894, Chritianity was introduced to Ipele by Ghanaian rubber tappers who worked as migrant workers in the extensive rubber plantations around the town. They worked along side with indigenous workers and were able to introduce this christianity to their indigenous colleauges. One of such colleauges was late Chief Israel Aiyejimiwo the first Baba-Egbe of the Church in Ipele and the architect of Ipele evangelism.

In December 1906, the Iyeyeriye episode occurred, arising out of the Christmas sermon preached by one John Ige who came from Lagos to strengthen new christian converts in Ipele. During the sermon, he sang a song on the birth of Christ with the chorus Iyeyeriye Omolorun wa de o (Quite fittingly the Son of God arrives). This refrain later became very popular with all the converts in Owo District and so marked the beginning of a new era for Christians in the district. In June 1907, the first batch of twelve Ipele Christians were baptized by Bishop Johnson from Lagos.

The Ero Festival

Ipele and the people of Ipele are rich in colourful various festivals but the most important one being the seven yearly ERO festival which is mainly aimed at celebrating old age and thanks giving for living a worthy and pious life (Sexagenarians and septuagenarians are believed to be in this group).
Ero Festival is one of the most colourful festival in Ondo state celebrated every seven years, the next Ero festival to be held July this year! You are all invited to Ipele and celebrate with us.

 The 1st Clarion Pool in Africa is found in St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Ipele, Ondo State, Nigeria by Ven. Charles O. Fakiyesi , the Vicar and Archdeacon of Ipele Archdeaconry in Owo Anglican Diocese.

*The Clarion Pool is a pool of water which has a bell tower built in it. The bell signifies the call while the pool is used for baptism.

Some Notable Ipele's

Dr. Adewunmi Abitoye - Former Federal Minister of State for Education
Chief Oladapo Abitoye - Founder/CEO, Lordgate Travels & Tours
Mr. Dapo Aderinola - Former Editor, Daily Times of Nigeria
Oba Abel Alade - Olupele of Ipele
Hon. Johnson Olukayode Dairo - Financial Consultant for the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Founder of the Hon Kay Foundation for the Deprived Children of Ipele Community in Owo Local Government of Ondo State.
Mr. Oluwasuyi Dairo - Property Developer based in London
Chief Meschack Feyide (late) - The first Nigerian OPEC Secretary General
Mr. Akinola Lasekan (late) - Foremost Nigerian Artist
Chief Olatosin Olabode Oladapo - CEO Bodbest Nigeria Limited
Dr. Tosin Olomolehin - Former Director of Public Health, Lagos State
Chief Titus Olupitan - Former Nigerian Senator
Professor Dele Orisawayi - Professor of English & Literary Studies

Chief Encyclopaedia Opeyemi Moses Tanimola- Mr. Tangible Ironica diegamemania.