FROM COCOAFARMS TO A TOWNSTATUS: THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL TRANSFORMATION OF TONKERE-OLUWATEDO, 1934-2016

Abstract

Settlements and towns, as social and political complexities among Yoruba indigenous people have received attentions from scholars. They also explained the peopling of many Yoruba towns, though in different categories and traditions of migration. The present study which is a contribution to the history and culture of Yoruba people discusses the social and political transformation of Tonkere-Oluwatedo from thirty-seven (37) cocoa farmsteads to a town. Using oral history the study explains that Tonkere-Oluwatedo is a product of Modakeke and Ile-Ife’s social disturbances of the 19th and early part of the 20th century. Thus, the bulk of the population are from Ile-Ife but of Oyo stock that were looking for a place of refuge after their displacement by the Ife. They moved to their farmstead and through cooperation subdued social and economic challenge to emerge a fledgling town in 1934. The dynamism of their social and political system enhanced peaceful relations which has been responsible for social, economy and political development of the town including the people. The advent of Christianity and establishment of Churches in Tonkere was explained as a significant fillip to the transformation of Tonkere. The study therefore contributes to settlement culture among the Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria.