In the history of the Yoruba kingdom, many mighty warriors have lived and are regarded as heroes. One of the most prominent that was lucky to be recorded in Yoruba history is Aro, the Yoruba warrior who founded the town, Ilu Aro, shortened to become “Ilaro”.
In the land of ancient Oyo, Aro was a mighty hunter, warrior, and ruler in the 18th century. He was famous for his leopard (“Amotekun” in the Yoruba language), always his hunting companion.
Until today, statues in memory of Aro for his bravery and role in saving the people he governed are still standing. Aro was a lover of his people, and his city’s safety was central to his reign.
When slave traders from the neighboring kingdom of Dahomey, present-day Benin Republic, intruded the land, Aro withstood their incursion to defend his people.
Aro, unhappy and enraged by this continuous occurrence in the land, migrated from Oyo town to the town called Igbo Aje with his leopard. There, he started launching calculated attacks on his enemies — the foreign slave traders — with the other warriors he took along for that purpose.
In the middle of Igbo Aje town was a hill where Aro and his warriors lurked to spot approaching enemies and attack them from far distances. This strategy depicted his bravery, and together with his army, they restored peace and security to the town.
After a while, Aro decided to migrate again to settle down in a town which would eventually be named Ilu-Aro (Aro’s town) after him. Ilu-aro was ultimately shortened to Ilaro, where he reigned supreme. The ancient Ilaro town was greatly endowed with farmers, hunters, and warriors.
When Aro became old, he disappeared into the ground with his leopard to flaunt his powers and show his people he was undefeated. But, before this event, he assembled his people. He instructed them to call upon him when they were in danger or at war by pulling the chains that connected him to the leopard.
The venue of his disappearance is now referred to as the “Orona Shrine”, where the coronation of every new king of Ilaro town takes place. The shrine has been repeatedly renovated to preserve its beauty.
Orona Shrine has become a center of attraction to people all over Nigeria and tourists from other countries. In addition, an annual Orona festival is held in Ilaro to celebrate the impact of Aro in the town and in honor of his legacy.
