Here are the important facts about the historic palace of the Deji of Akure:
1. Ancient Origin (c. 1150 AD)
Built around 1150 AD by Oba Omoremilekun Asodeboyede Ajapada.
He was a grandson of Oduduwa and migrated from Ile-Ife.
The palace is over 850 years old and still standing.
2. Seat of 47 Dejis
The palace has housed no fewer than 47 kings (Dejis of Akure).
It remains the official residence of the Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom.
3. National Monument Status
Declared a National Historical Monument in 1990.
Preserves artefacts, shrines, royal relics, and historical monuments of Akure people.
4. Unique Traditional Architecture
Comprises about 18 courtyards, including:
Ua Lila – The largest assembly courtyard (capacity: over 1,000 people).
Ua Ogoga – Symbol of Akure–Ikere bond.
Ua Ibura – Sacred oath-taking courtyard.
Ua Oriole – Where chiefs swear allegiance.
Ua Ojukoto – For installation of new chiefs.
Ua Agbeto – Known mysteriously as the “room that never stinks.”
Built with advanced indigenous drainage and landscaping systems that have preserved it for centuries.
5. Center of Governance & Justice
Major decisions affecting Akure were traditionally taken at Ua Lila.
Offenders were punished at Ua Ameshe courtyard.
About 26 traditional festivals are observed within the palace annually.
6. Akure–Ikere Historical Connection
At Ua Ogoga, cows are presented by Ikere during installation of their king.
This symbolizes ancestral ties between Akure and Ikere people.
7. Gender-Specific Entrances
Separate entrances exist for men and women.
Tradition forbids women from using the male entrance (culturally believed to cause infertility).
Guards monitor compliance with this custom.
8. Sacred & Restricted Areas
A special room exists where the Deji enters only once in his lifetime.
Some palace areas remain closed to visitors due to sacred rites.
Final resting places of past Dejis are located within the palace.
9. The Royal Cart
A royal cart (inspired by the British royal carriage) stands at the entrance.
Constructed by Prince Adedeji Adesida and gifted to Oba Afunbiowo Adesida I.
10. Unique Palace Tradition
Historically, the Deji was regarded as the only “man” allowed to reside in the palace.
Princes were raised outside the palace and later installed as village heads.
It was taboo to smoke within palace grounds.
11. Cultural Significance
The palace remains a powerful symbol of Yoruba heritage, governance, spirituality, and architectural brilliance.
It stands as one of the most important cultural landmarks in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
what other history do you know about the historic palace of the Deji of Akure?
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