AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PERCEIVED EXPECTED ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF OGBESE DAM TO THE IMMEDIATE COMMUNITY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of Ogbese Dam

This is the historical background of Ogbese dam in Ise – Orun, local government as detailed by Baale of the town (Chief Dele Bello).

Ogbese river which is now under construction as a dam takes its origin from a re-known warrior which was called (Baba Egbira) who immortalized himself by turning into a river.  Its structure describe today by people looks like a man who have long bear and who is putting on black cloth which overflown like a garment from his head to his toes. He has dog with gun on his shoulder.  However, the water was discover as far back as 100 years ago.  Today, people believe that it has it tributaries at elemini igede dam in Igede Ekiti and Ogbese in Ose local government area of Ondo State.  Ogbese is believe by the people to have protected them from war this is where it derives its name “O gbe ise” meaning it saves the people of Ise in Ise – Orun local government.

Ogbese now has beneficiary effects on the people since it is good for domestic purpose and agricultural purposes.

People also believe that stranger are not allow to swim in the river as they like because of its spiritual negative effect since the saying applies this “he who rides on tiger will eventually and up its stomach.  Meaning dies unlike the indigenes.

So also, a one – eyed groundnut “epa Olojukan” should not be thrown into the dam because it is a taboo.