Kobape Town, located in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria, is a notable settlement of the Yoruba people with a rich cultural and commercial history. The name “Kobape” is derived from the Yoruba phrase “Ki Oba ko pe,” meaning “May the King reign long.” This name reflects the community’s gratitude to the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oladapo Ademola II, whose wise intervention resolved a major dispute during the town’s early formation.
Origins of Kobape Market (1928)
List of the people that participated in Kobape Market creation.
The participant were:
Name and Origin/Village
Elder Soyebi Ijemo — Lugbesu Village
Elder Agunrege Ijemo — Lugbesu Village
Pa Okedairo Ijemo — Lugbesu Village
Elder Ewuoso Ijemo — Lugbesu Village
Elder Olaogun — Kerewu Village
Elder Kogbodoku — Kerewu Village
Elder Sonola Kerewu Village
Elder Suberu Popoola — Libegun Village
Elder D. K. Diyaolu — Libegun Village
Elder E. T. Diyaolu — Libegun Village
Elder Erinfolami - Ido Village
Elder Mogaji - Lemode Village
Elder Lasisi Sotunde - Lemode Village
Elder Aroleke Aro - Oba Village
Elder Ohahalegbe - Imo Village
Elder Agbeleyewo - Ayetoro Village
Elder Saliu - Sodepete Village
Elder Ajayi - Igbein Village
Elder Lagba - Igbein Village
Elder Buraimo - Maga Village
Elder Durowoju - Soke Village
The history of Kobape dates back to December 29, 1928, when the idea of establishing a market was conceived. The initiative began through discussions between two palm kernel merchants: Elder Daniel Kehinde Diyaolu of Libegun Village and Elder Ewuoso of Ijemo Lugbesun Village.
At the time, traders faced serious logistical challenges transporting goods to distant markets due to poor road access. To solve this problem, Elder Ewuoso suggested building storage sheds near a major road junction to ease transportation. Elder Diyaolu agreed, and both men erected sheds along the road linking Abeokuta, Oba, Kobape, and neighboring villages.
Their sheds soon became collection points for goods. Gradually, other traders—especially women selling fruits, vegetables, yam, and pepper—began gathering at the site, transforming it into a vibrant trading location.
Formation and Growth of the Market
Recognizing the potential of the new trading hub, the two pioneers consulted community leaders, including Pa Dairo. Elders from Libegun and Lugbesun villages met and unanimously agreed to establish a formal market, initially called simply Oja (market).
As commercial activities increased, artisans such as bicycle repairers joined, further boosting the market’s importance.
Conflict and Royal Intervention
The emergence of the new market led to conflict with leaders of existing markets, particularly Ido Market, as both operated on the same day and along the same route. The dispute escalated and required intervention from the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oladapo Ademola II.
After hearing both sides, the Alake delivered a fair judgment:
Each market would operate on different days to avoid conflict.
The new market would hold before Owode Market, while Ido Market would follow four days later.
Satisfied with the ruling, both parties expressed their gratitude by chanting “Ki Oba ko pe” (“Long live the King”). In honor of the monarch, the market was named Kobape, evolving from Oja Kobape to the present-day Kobape Market.
Founding Contributors
The establishment of Kobape Market was a collective effort involving elders from several villages, including Ijemo Lugbesun, Kerewu, Libegun, Ido, Lemode, Aro Oba, Imo, Ayetoro, Sodepete, Igbein, Maga, and Soke, among others. These elders, alongside their families, laid the foundation for what would become a thriving community.
Expansion into a Town
Following the market’s success, surrounding villages were allocated spaces within the market for storage facilities. This encouraged permanent settlement, leading to the gradual transformation of Kobape from a market center into a full-fledged town.
The market operated on a nine-day cycle, attracting traders from far and near and strengthening regional commerce.
Educational Development
Although nearby villages had primary schools, Kobape lacked a secondary institution. In 1979, under the leadership of Chief James Adegboyega Majekodunmi, the community initiated plans to establish a secondary school.
A committee comprising prominent community leaders worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Their efforts led to the establishment of Kobape Community High School in 1980, with Mr. Okeowo as the first principal.
Traditional Leadership
The first Baale (traditional head) of Kobape was Chief James Adegboyega Majekodunmi, who ruled until 1998. He was selected through traditional consultation and installed by leading elders.
Subsequent Baales included:
Chief E. O. Olaogun
Chief Fasanya
Chief Yinusa Adegboyega
Chief J. A. K. Folarin
In 2011, the leadership structure was elevated from Baale to kingship.
The First King
The first king of Kobape was King Olufemi Alani Tailor, who ruled from 2011 until his passing on December 24, 2021.
Conclusion
From a simple trading shed established to solve transportation challenges, Kobape has grown into a thriving town with strong cultural heritage and economic significance. Its history reflects unity, cooperation, and respect for traditional authority—values that continue to shape its identity today.
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