Ede is a town in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. It lies along the Osun River at a point on the railroad from Lagos, 112 miles (180 km) southwest, and at the intersection of roads from Oshogbo, Ogbomosho, and Ife. Ede is one of the older towns of the Yoruba people. It is traditionally said to have been founded about 1500 by Timi Agbale, a hunter and warlord sent by Alaafin (King) Kori of Old Oyo (Katunga), capital of the Oyo empire, to establish a settlement to protect the Oyo caravan route to Benin (127 miles [204 km] to the southeast), a purpose similar to that of other Nigerian towns. Nearby towns include Awo, Iragberi and Oshogbo.
Its traditional ruler is known as the Timi Agbale, popularly referred to as Timi Agbale Olofa-Ina. According to myth, he is the man whose arrows bring out fire.
The present Ede was established by Timi Kubolaje Agbonran around 1817 along with his siblings: Oyefi, Ajenju, Arohanran and Oduniyi, all being the descendants of Lalemo. The former Ede is known as Ede-Ile.
Ede is predominantly Muslim town with about 90% of the population. This can be traced back to 19th century during the reign of Timi Abibu Lagunju as the King of Ede, who is most likely the first Muslim Oba in Yorubaland given the fact that he was already on the throne for a few years when in November 1857, the Baptist Missionary, W.H. Clarke visited Ede. Clarke record thus: This young follower of the Prophet (Prophet Muhammad), a short time since became the ruler of this town in the place of his father (Oduniyi), the deceased, and brings with him into office, the influence of his new religion (Islam).
Historically, Ede was an important town in Yorubaland. Egungun festival is still widely celebrated, like many other traditional festivals, but Ileya (Eid-il-kabir) and Christmas are the main festivals. Throughout Nigeria, Ed-il Kabir is celebrated most in Ede. Many people celebrate Christmas and New Year's Day as well.
The most prominent Timi in recent history is Oba John Adetoyese Laoye. The late monarch is reputed for making the "talking drum" popular. This has made Ede a reference point in the art of drumming, specifically the talking drum. With his group of skilled drummers and poets, the late monarch entertained the Queen of England when she first visited Nigeria and thereafter in her palace in England. He died in 1975.
Ede is well known as a hospitable land. Locally made food includes "Eko and Ila". Also sons and daughters of Ede can be found all over the world and works of lives. There are several compounds in Ede towns including Ile Agate, Agboja, Imole, Ile Idigba, Ile Obadina, Ile Alusekere, Ile Yemope, Ile Mogaji, Ile Oluyinka, Ile babanla Pegba, etc.
The name of the present King is Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal (Laminisa 1).
Notable People
- Saka Layonu is the first man from Ede to become Minister of Nigeria.
- Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke: The first Executive Governor of Osun State
- Rafiu Adejare Bello : Eight(8) years Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly
- Rilwan Lanre Babalola: Minister for Power during Umaru Yar Adua regime
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