OFFA - The Traditional headquarters of Ibolo dialect of the Yoruba speaking people of Kwara and Osun States.
Offa is an ancient town and Headquarters of Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. It is the second largest town in the state, located in central Nigeria
Offa was founded by Olalomi Olofa-gangan; a crown prince from Oyo, and a direct descendant of king Oranmiyan in Ile-Ife, around 1395. He was a renowned hunter reputed for his dexterity as an archer. Offa is the traditional headquarters of Ibolo dialect of the Yoruba speaking people of Kwara and Osun States. Offa Local Government Area has 5 wards, namely; Essa, Ojomu, Balogun, Shawo and Igbo-Idun. Offa is the home of the legendary Moremi, who was believed to be responsible for the defeat of the frequent marauders who raided Ife, an ancient town and cradle of Yoruba race.
OFFA is a major town in South West of the Niger in Nigeria. It is located in the South Eastern part of the Kwara State. The town was founded by a hunter: Olalomi Olofagangan, sometimes in the 14th century. The people of OFFA are descendants of Oduduwa and speak Yoruba, one of the three major languages in Nigeria. History has it that Olofagangan left Oyo and settled in several places until he finally arrived at the present location of OFFA.
Olofagangan was a hunter and his first settlement was near a river called Maika. As a frontier town in the old Oyo Empire, OFFA featured in intra and inter-tribal wars and defended itself against the Nupes and the Fulanis. Olofagangan died at OFFA Eesun in the course of his migration. OFFA as a town was eventually derived from Olofagangan: a name formed from the weapons Olalomi Olofagangan utilized for his hunting activities. The weapon is a bow and arrow called OFA in Yoruba language. Olofa was regarded as the head of the people of Ibolo dialect (accent) of the Yoruba language. Ibolo dialect speakers comprises of people of the surrounding towns and villages within the state of Kwara, and the neighboring Osun State.
The people of OFFA celebrate a host of annual festivals including Onimoka and Egungun, Onimoka, the most famous of these festivals is celebrated by OFFA people, gathered at the town square, to witness a blindfolded man slice a yam tuber into two equal parts, with miraculous precision. A high point during the festival is a ceremonial wrestling contest between the Olofa and Eesa – one of the chiefs. Another important aspect of the Onimoka festival is the celebration of Moremi deity. Legend has it that Moremi was married to the Ooni of Ife from conquest. Olofa offer prayers for peace and prosperity, perform rituals, and make offerings to the spirit of Moremi.
Egungun (Masquerades) festival is celebrated with youths in colorful masks and robes entertaining the people by making rounds at various locations in the town. They are rewarded with cash gift for the performance. The Egunguns also offer prayers and blessing to their benefactors and the town in general
The present king is the Olofa of Offa, Oba Alhaji Mufutau Mohammed Gbadamosi Okikiola Esuwoye II. The prominent knighted chiefs of Offa include Esa, Ojomu, Sawo and Balogun. The praise name of Offa is “Ijakadi Loro Offa”, a Yoruba phrase meaning “wrestling is our game”. The city’s mascot is the peacock bird which is one of the most prominent exotic avian species in the region.
The provincial figure for the population of Offa Local Government Area by the National population Commission (FRN official Gazette no24 of May, 2007 Government Notice) is 89,674 comprising of 46,266 males and 43,428 females. Offa has the reputation of being the home of sweet potatoes.
Offa town has always provided a safe heaven for all, irrespective of the tribe, place of origin or religion. The liberal, peace loving and hospitable nature of the indigenes accounts for the tremendous growth in the population of the immigrants in the town over time. Offa people are highly enterprising and the people engage in farming and commerce.
Education is the main industry of Offa people. Tertiary institutions in the town include the Federal Polytechnic, Kwara State College of Health Technology and Nigeria Navy School of Health Science, School of Basic Studies, and National teachers Institute. There are also two upcoming Private Universities.
Source:
Oduna Org
Kwara Reporters
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