TOWN ADMINISTRATION

The Ooni is the ruler (Oba) and the supreme head of the city. He is seen as second to God (Olodumare), he is seen as representing God on earth and above all the owner of the land (ooni’le).

In the administration of the town, three hierarchies of chiefs assist him: the Ihare or Agba Ife (Ife Elders), the Modewa (palace chiefs) and the Isoro (ritual priests). The administrative structure of the city is such that it starts from the immediate family structure where the father of the house is the head of the family. Then comes the family (Ebi) where more than one nucleus family is joined together by there ascendancy. Here, the most elderly person of the Idile (family) becomes the head of the family (Agbole). In the Agbole, there is a common family hall called `Akodi’ where in most cases, the head of the family `Baale’ lives. This hall (akodi) is the unifying point for the whole family where they meet monthly to discuss the family problems and prospects. Here again the city’s problems are discussed as it concerned the family.

Each problem discussed as relates to the city, or any problem that could not be solved at the family level is taken to the Ajo (Quarter). In Ile Ife, there are originally six quarters, Iremo, Ilode, Iraye, Ilare, Okerewe and Moore, but the development in Yorubaland in the eighteenth century i.e. the 18th century Yoruba war changed the structure of the quarters to include a new one that almost replace the original one. For instance, one of the quarters is Iraye, which is now commonly refers to, as Modakeke where the Yoruba people that left old Oyo now settled.
The Ajo comprises representative of each family compound (agbo-Ile) and here the Baale and the Loogun usually represent them. The Ihare chiefs head the Ajo. For instance, Obalufe, who doubles as the second-in-command to the Ooni, heads Iremo Quarters. He is usually refers to as `Ooni Ode’ i.e. Ooni among the people. (Since he is accessible to the people than the Ooni).
The Ajo discusses the problems from each compound as presented by the Baales and also discusses the general problems of the Ajo. Unresolved problems here are taken to Enu-geru, where the high chiefs i.e. the Iharefa give judgment. One can liken the Enu-geru to Court of Appeal. Here again, problems from all the quarters are discussed and adjudged as deemed fit. Any unresolved problem or problems are then taken to the Ooni for final judgment. Here, the Ooni gives the final judgment, which could not be queried or appealed against.