13 Jun Sagamu Town

My name is Kehinde Williams. I hail from Sagamu or Ishagamu which is my home town. It is a city and the headquarters of the Local Government Area of the same name in south-western, Ogun State near the Ibu River. My town is the part of the Yoruba cultural region of south-western which was founded in the mid-19th century when several small towns united for purposes of defence during the wars brought about by the fall of the Oyo Empire. During that period I understand that Sagamu controlled the trade routes between the ports in the Niger Delta and the Yoruba mainland which is why you’d find out on your visit there that most of the residents there or the major job there is trading.

Just down the GRA of Sagamu, you’d find the big cement company ‘Elephant’ due to the fact that the region is blessed with major deposits of limestone which is used in the city’s major industry, the production of cement. My town is also blessed with agricultural products which are cocoa and kola nuts. Or haven’t you heard that Sagamu is the largest kola nut collecting center in the country?

Youths of the city like me love to shorten its name or nick it to Sagam from its original spelling of Sagamu to give it a fancy, stylish and modern sound. My town is also known to be the new seat of the Akarigbo of Remo (“King” or “Lord” of Remo), the traditional ruler of the Remo Kingdom. Our parents told us as they were also told that it is only four ruling families in Sagamu that are eligible to wear the beaded crown of the Akarigbo because it is believed that all of the four families descended from the first Oba, Akarigbo, who is a prince of the house of Oduduwa himself.

Notable areas within Sagamu are Sabo, Makun, Ajaka, Makun Station, Isale-oko, Isote, Epe, Soyindo, Surulere, Ijagba, Ewu-Oluwo, Ogijo, Simawa, GRA and Ijokun.

One major cultural event that takes place in Sagam on a yearly basis is ‘Sagamu Day’

The 2009 29th edition of Sagamu Day was an occasion the brewing giant, Guinness Nigeria, felicitated to associate with the people of my town. The cultural event of thanksgiving, which was fully sponsored by Guinness was held at the Methodist Grammar School complex, Sagamu Town. Several dignitaries from all walks of life were present in attendance, and was chaired by the Managing Director of Guinness. Link below gives a short clips of the festival.

credit: Williams Kehinde, emc3Nigeria.

Also see:  EMUNZE TOWN

wikipedia.