The name “Ijebu-Ode”, according to history, is a combination of the names of two persons namely, AJEBU and OLODE who were conspicuous as leaders of the original settlers and founders of the town. OLODE, was said to be a relative of OLU-IWA, the first Ruler of Ijebu. It is difficult to say for certain which of them {AJEBU and OLODE} preceded the other, but tradition has it that Ajebu, Olode and Ajana met on this land, which was uninhabited dense forest. They consulted Ifa Oracle to determine the actual spot on which each one should make his place of abode.. The Oracle directed that Ajebu should go and settle on a spot now known as IMEPE. OLODE and AJANA to remain together at a place known today as ITA AJANA. The grave of Ajebu is still marked by a tomb erected by his descendants at Imepe, near Oyingbo market on the Ejinrin Road. Olode’s grave is also marked at Olode Street at Ita Ajana Quarter, Ijebu-Ode. The two persons more conspicuous among the original settlers being AJEBU and OLODE. The town derived its name from their names, hence “IJEBU-ODE.”
Ijebu-Ode town was divided into two main wards namely, Iwade and Porogun. Iwade was divided into two — Iwade Oke (also called Ijasi) and Iwade Isale; that is, Upper and Lower Iwade (North and South). By this division, there are three wards in Ijebu-Ode town. That was why the town was spoken of as “Iwade - Porogun, ljasi, Keta” unto this day: Iwade oke, lwade Isale and Porogun. Each . Ward was divided into QUARTERS known as “Ituns.” Iwade Oke has four quarters (Ituns); Iwade Isale has thirteen Ouarters (Ituns) and Porogun has eight Quarters (Ituns), making a total of twenty-five (25) Quarters. Each Quarter had its own Quarter Head, who was known as ‘Oloritun” — the head man of the Quarter. All of them combined were spoken of, or referred to, as the ‘Oloritun Medogbon” (twenty-five Olorituns — Quarter Heads) and they constituted the ancient and traditional IJEBU-ODE TOWN COUNCIL.
Each Quarter Head represents and expresses the views of the people of his Quarter with whom he holds regular meetings to discuss matters affecting general public interest. The meetings also serve as tribunals in settling minor civil matters.
The traditional twenty-five Quarters of I Ijebu-ode are:
- Iwade Oke, four (4) -- ljasi, Ita Ntebo, Odo Egbo and Ita Afin
- Iwade Isale, thirteen (13) -- Idomowo, lyanro, Idele, Imepe, Ijada, Ipamuren, Ikanigbo, Isoku, Odo Esa, Agunsebi, Imupa and Ita Ajana.
- Porogun, eight (8) -- Idewon, Mobayegun, Mobegelu, ltalapo, ldogi, Isasa, Idomowo-Muja and Ojofa.