Founding Ancestors — Ashipa and the Birth of the Onibon Lineage
Within Kosoko’s migration party was a man of deep spiritual conviction — Ashipa. Distinguished for his knowledge of the Qur’an, piety, and calm leadership, Ashipa became a respected figure among Kosoko’s followers in Epe. His presence helped anchor the transplanted community in faith and continuity during an otherwise disorienting period.
At this time, Epe was evolving from a scattered settlement into a cultural crossroads. The influx of Muslim families from Lagos — including Ashipa’s — accelerated the spread of Islam in the region and contributed to its transformation from a fishing and trading outpost into a thriving community with rich religious and social life.
Ashipa had four children — three daughters and one son. His daughters cemented the family’s alliances through marriage into established Epe lineages.
