Ilu Osugbo is associated with the Osugbo(the cult of the elders in Ijebuland); it is a strong political wing which acts as checks and balances within the traditional Ijebu political system.
The drum is part of the instrument with which the Osugbo wields its traditional political influence in some ancient Yoruba towns. Its variants goes by different names are used across Yoruba land. \
The socio-religious uses of the drum manifest during ritual and other occasions of spiritual significance in Yoruba communities whose origin is traced to Oduduwa.