Akure

Akure is a Yoruba kingdom in the eastern forest country, ruled by a king known as the Deji. Its traditions trace the royal line to Omoremilekun, a descendant of Oduduwa. The town also maintained close connections with Benin; some local lineages recall descent from Benin settlers. By the early nineteenth century these ties helped Akure withstand pressure from the neighbouring Ijesa kingdom, whose rulers were seeking influence over the Ekiti country.