Ado Ekiti: History
Ado Ekiti is an ancient city, founded by Ewi Awamaro the son of Biritikolu. Awamaro (the restless one) left Ile-Ife with his father Ewi Apa Biritikolu and his uncle Oranmiyan to Ita Orogun and Benin respectively after staying briefly with Oloba in Oba-Ile in present-day Akure.
Both Oranmiyan (Oba of Benin) and Biritikolu first settled in Benin forests before disputes among their people led them to separate and Biritikolu sought a new home westward at Utamodi (Oke Papa). Ewi Biritikolu and one of his sons reigned there. It was Ewi Awamaro who migrated to Ulesun (Present day Ado-Ekiti) after staying briefly at Udoani (Ido Ani) and Agbado during the long migration. When Ewi Awamaro left Agbado, some elders remained behind to rest and gave the settlement the name Agba Ado (Elders' Camp) – Agbado-Ekiti as the town is known today.