Imesi-ile
Imesi-ile is an ancient town in the northeastern part of the Obokun Local Government in Osun State, Nigeria. In the 19th century, this town was the epicenter of the Jalumi and the Kiriji wars among the Yoruba nations, and the foundation of peace among all warring Yoruba kingdoms, in Nigeria. The town is about one-hour drive from Ilesa; and less than an-hour drive from Osogbo, Osun state capital. It is located on an extremely high hill and almost entirely surrounded by mountains. Because of its unique location and its natural hills and caves within the mountains covering several miles; it was an easy choice for protections during wars in the historic past. Etymology Imesi-ile has undergone several name changes over the centuries. It was originally called Oke-mesin, which literarily translated to a hilly town where climber could easily come to ridicule because the town is situated on an elevated plateau. Thereafter, it was changed to Imesi-ipole which was conflicted with a sister kingdom in Ekiti state. Then it was named Oke-mesi, fashioned after one of her small hills, called Oke-iro, where Amosi, an elderly man baked, himself in the sun – Oke Amosi and later to Oke-mesi. Imesi-ile was the