In the Yoruba traditional setting Oriki is praise poetry which is often used to arouse people and connect them to their roots.  Oriki can take the form of a local chant consisting of praise songs that identify a family or individual.

Sulaiman Ayilara popularly known as Ajobiewe was born on October 8th, 1955. Praise singing (ESA ORIKI) started for him at the age of 7.  His act is known as Esa Oriki Orile Yoruba a form of Yoruba panegyric which he said is an inheritance.

Growing up at Ila Orangun young Sulaiman was always in the company of his brother one Brother Olu Olaiya who formed a small theatre group that had Ajobiewe as the youngest member of the group together with three other members. They played for prominent people then in their hometown who got so fond of Ajobiewes performances and his prowess in the Oriki panegyric.

Ajobiewe became very famous during the popular Yoruba Tv series feyikogbon which ran for several years on NTA in the late ’70s. He has also featured in other popular programs like Fokomoyo, Ajaka Oko, Oduduwa, etc. 

He has done praise-singing for Oba’s, prominent socialites, politicians, etc in Nigeria.  He recalls that one of his most memorable experiences was when he sang for the former head of state of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo who cried and hugged me when he witnessed the experience of eulogy of his roots. His late wife Stella was at this particular event. He has also done the praises of popular politicians like  Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  Governor Aregbesola and prominent Kings like Kabiyesi Oba Rilwan Akinolu, Ooni Sijuade, Oba Ogunwusi the present Oba of Ife, Oba Wahab, even in Kwara where many believe the Yoruba poetry won’t be appreciated Oba Zulu Gambari( Oni wa tutu), Oba Aseyin from the days of Osu Olale, Oba Olofa, Oba Olomu, etc and other prominent dignitaries like Chief  Subomi Balogun, Chief Mike Adenuga, etc.

ESA Oriki Orile is a craft that relies greatly on the power of the Dundun and Bata Drums. Many people have been able to trace their ancestral roots with the Oriki panegyric. From the chants, one can witness the historical background of one’s lineage, warriors, food, customs, etc. Oriki is one of the prides of the Yoruba society as it is the belief that one without oriki can easily be likened to one without a root.

Ajobiewe has transversed many western States and he has different albums to his credit. Ie Oriki Orile, Asa Igbeyawo, Pasan Oro, Binti Laiye, Etc