Ipetu-Ijesa was founded by Oba Olabidanre, a grand son of Olofin in 1178. After the republican regime of Benin, the need arose of sending message to Ile-Ife to demand a prince to come down to Benin. Oranmiyan was chosen for the task. Oranmiyan set out on this eventful journey to Benin in 1170 with a handsome entourage which include one of his grandson who was to be known as Oba Olabidanre Olugbiele. A powerful hunter “IJA” who traveled several times from Ile-Ife to Benin led the journey through thick forest (the forest that Ija knows) which stretches between Ile-Ife and Benin City and down to Ijebu Ode.