By SIM News Desk | Ede, Osun State | Yoruba Heritage Series
In the landscape of West African royalty, one ancient throne stands out for its rare tradition and military symbolism — the Timi of Ede, revered as the only monarch in all of West Africa to wear a leather crown, known in Yorùbá as Adé Awọ Ẹkùn — “The Crown of Leopard Skin.

”Unlike other Yoruba Obas adorned with coral, gold, or glass-beaded crowns, the Timi’s leopard-skin crown reflects Ede’s military origins and symbolizes courage, strength, and ancestral valor — a heritage rooted in the mighty Oyo Empire.
A Warrior Kingdom Born from the Oyo Empire
Ede was founded around 1500 AD by Timi Agbale Olofa Ina, a renowned warrior under Alaafin Kori of Oyo. The town began as a military outpost established to secure trade routes connecting the Oyo capital to the coastal regions of the south and the Benin territories in the east.
In Yorùbá belief, the leopard (Ẹkùn) is an emblem of bravery, leadership, and royal power — qualities embodied by the Timi lineage for over five centuries.
From Battlefield to Throne
The original Ede settlement, once a warrior camp, was later moved across the Osun River by Timi Kubolaje Agbonran and his siblings — Oyefi, Ajenju, Arohanran, and Oduniyi — descendants of Lalemo. This relocation transformed Ede into a thriving kingdom, blending its military discipline with the spiritual authority of Yoruba monarchy.
Through successive reigns, Ede has upheld the ethos of honor, defense, and resilience, distinguishing the Timi throne as one born not from conquest alone, but from guardianship and loyalty.
The Crown of Leopard Skin — Symbol of CourageThe Adé Awọ Ẹkùn (Leopard Crown) remains the most distinctive royal regalia among Yoruba monarchs. More than a crown, it is a statement of identity — a declaration that the Timi’s authority is anchored in valor and the protection of his people.
Palace historians note that the crown’s use connects the Timi to Ògún, the god of iron and war, reflecting both spiritual strength and martial courage.
“The Timi’s leather crown is not an ornament; it is a sacred emblem,” said Chief Adewunmi Adebayo, a custodian of Ede’s oral traditions.“It tells the story of warriors who fought for the safety of Yoruba land, and whose descendants still wear the spirit of the leopard with pride.”
Echoes of History in Modern Ede
According to Dr. Kehinde Alao, historian at Obafemi Awolowo University, the Timi’s crown represents more than tradition — it is a living connection between history and modern identity.
“The leopard crown is a cultural signature. It reminds us that Ede’s origin is rooted in military excellence, discipline, and devotion to the Oyo Empire,” Alao explained.
“No other king in West Africa carries this exact symbol — it’s a heritage exclusive to the Timi throne.”
Legacy of the Leopard
Today, the Timi of Ede’s leather crown stands as a living link to the Oyo Empire’s golden era — a testament to Yoruba valor, unity, and continuity. As Ede continues to grow as both a historical and cultural center in Osun State, the Adé Awọ Ẹkùn remains a roaring emblem of strength, reminding all of the town’s sacred duty as the guardian of Yoruba heritage.