Ijebu tribe is one of the most prominent tribe in Nigeria. They are sub-yoruba ethnic group found majorly in Ogun state. They are also found in Lagos; Epe, Lekki and Ikorodu. They are bounded in the North by Ibadan, in the East by Ondo and Ilaje, and in the West by Egbaland. There are a number of towns in Ijebuland. They are as follow; Ijebu-Remo, Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-Ode (capital of the kingdom), Ijebu-Imota, Ijebu waterside, Iwopin, Ijebu-Ife, Ijebu-Mushin, Ago-Iwoye, Odogbolu, Apunren, Erunwon, Isoyin and Ososa.
The Ijebus just like other Yoruba tribes are descendants of Oduduwa in Ile-Ife. There is also a widely accepted account among the Ijebus that their descent is from Sudan. It was said that the most powerful people that the Negede Orit (Ancient Ethiopian Africa) met in East Africa were the Ijebus. There are also accounts of them been mentioned in the Holy bible as ‘Jebusites’ which are found in the East coast of Southern Sudan. They are also said to have from Owadaiye, now Waddai in the present Ethiopia. In regards to the Sudanese claims, Ijebus have similar tribal marks, language and musical instrument (flute, often used in their king’s coronation).
The people are industrious; they are quick to spot opportunities and equally seize such opportunities as an avenue to make money. The money made is then recycled to make more. When it comes to finances and money making, the tribes are synonymous to the Igbos of South East Nigeria. They live by the creed ‘’do not eat with your ten fingers’’ so as a result of this, the Ijebus are said to be stingy. This is just an assumption; they are just sagacious and thrifty. These people are socialites; they are known to enjoy life and party hard. The people are farmers, traders and craftsmen. The people are strong metaphysically and mentally. The people are led by a king whose title is called the ‘Awujale’.
Prominent among the sons and daughters of Ijebuland are; Mike Adenuga (business tycoon and one of Africa richest man), Africa’s richest woman; Folorunsho Alajika, Nigerian musiciab; Olamide and several others.