PILLARS OF YORUBA
By Osuolale Oluwatomilayo
Adedunmoye has always loved the lore of Yoruba heritage. He would sit in the living room of his father's house, listening keenly to his grandmother talk about the wonders of Oduduwa and the lineage of Oonis in Ile-Ife. Anything to feel that warmth of being a child of power. His parents and siblings couldn't understand the obsession that came with history, but he never cared about that. He thought it was self-induced ignorance, as they would rather work on their father's farm, which he found a boring routine.
With time, he came to understand that his father wasn't just uninterested in his heritage but was still haunted by the loss he suffered. His father, Adeyanju, a man of valor and grace, was the rightful heir to the throne of Ile-Ife but was denied by his own people, who believed his place was on the battlefield. Who dares confront the words of the oracle? Adedunmoye, in awe of his father's victories and contributions, saw him in a different light.
As the Yoruba say, "Ọlá àbàtà ni í mú odò ó ṣàn, ọlá baba ọmọ ni í mú ọmọ ọ́ yan" ("As the bank spurs the flow of a river, so the honor of a father inspires his child"). Despite his family's disapproval, Adedunmoye listened and sought out elders who had witnessed the wonders of Sango, the beauty of Osun, and the wrath of Esu. No one understood the fascination, but beneath it lay the heart of a boy who hoped to one day be king. On that rainy night after a fruitless day at the farm, his father called him into his chambers. He sat waiting for another stern warning. To his surprise, Adeyanju began "Ní ilè Yorùbá..."
YORUBA KINGDOM
The Yoruba people are one of Nigeria's largest ethnic groups, predominantly residing in the southwestern region. Smaller communities can also be found in Benin and northern Togo. With a population exceeding 20 million at the turn of the 21st century, the Yoruba speak a language belonging to the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family.
The history of Yorubaland is an agglomeration filled with stories of mighty kings, coronations, and legendary feats. For those of us who cherish the past, the tales of our ancestors' triumphs and struggles are a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration.
At the heart of Yoruba history lies the city of Ile-Ife, a place of reverence and awe. It's here that our stories begin, with the legendary figure of Oduduwa, who journeyed from Mecca to Ile-Ife alongside his father, Lamurudu. According to myth, Oduduwa's descendants went on to found various kingdoms, charting the course of Yoruba history.
Oduduwa
Oduduwa's family tree is a fascinating one. His seven sons - Oranmiyan, Okanbi, Onisabe of Sabe, Onipopo of Popo, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Alara of Ara, and Orangun of Ila - each played a significant role in building the destiny of our people and establishing villages in their names. And then there's his daughter, Alaketu, whose descendants include the Egbas in Abeokuta. These individuals weren't just figures of myth; they were real people who lived, loved, and struggled. Their stories have been passed down through generations, although constantly diluted with exaggerations and folklore, it still remains the history that makes the Yoruba people one.
The stories behind our cultures and traditions run far deeper than the roots of an ancient Iroko tree. What commands respect for the Yoruba people lies in the untold tales of our brave warriors – the unsung heroes who made kings out of men and protected our tribes with unwavering courage and compassion.
It is in this admiration of such mighty warriors that we respect the men that fought wars and still led their villages in fairness and equality.
Ile-Ife has been led with absolute care but with a strong fist over the years by kings like Oduduwa, Obalufon Alayemore, Obalufon Ogbogbodirin, Obatala, Oranmiyan, over generations and now to the current Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II who is the 51st Ooni.
THE OYO EMPIRE
The legendary origins of the Oyo Empire begin with the tale of Oranyan, a prince of the Yoruba Kingdom of Ile-Ife, driven by honor and ambition. Oranyan's quest for justice was sparked by a grave insult to his father, Oduduwa, the revered founder of Ife. Alongside his brother, Oranyan set out to avenge their family's honor, but their differing opinions led to a bitter quarrel, and their army split.
Oranyan's journey took an unexpected turn as he wandered along the southern shore, seeking guidance and redemption. In Bussa, a mysterious chief offered him a magical snake with a charm around its throat, instructing him to follow it until it vanished into the ground after seven days. Oranyan's fate was sealed when the snake stopped at a site that would become the foundation of the Oyo Empire, forever remembered as Ajaka.
With newfound determination, Oranyan established Oyo as his kingdom, assuming the title of Alaafin of Oyo, "owner of the palace." As the first oba, Oranyan faced formidable challenges, including a war with the Bariba of Borgu, who sought to subjugate Oyo. But with the timely intervention of his brother, Orangun Ajagunla of Ila, the tide turned in their favor.
As Oranyan's kingdom flourished, his family grew. He had sons named Ajuwon Ajaka and Arabambi, and it was during this period that the legendary name "Sango" emerged, shrouded in mystery and power. The royal family's devotion to the Spirits of Thunder, Jakuta, and War, Ogun, would determine the destiny of the Oyo Empire.
ORANMIYAN’S STAFF
Opa Oranmiyan
The Oranmiyan Staff (Opa Oranmiyan) has long been a topic of fascination, with claims that it dates back over a thousand years. Some even point to radiocarbon evidence to support this assertion. According to the priest at the shrine, the staff's history is deeply intertwined with the legend of Oranmiyan, a prince of Ile-Ife.
After founding the Oyo Empire, Oranmiyan returned to Ile-Ife to reclaim his father's throne, becoming the King of Ile-Ife. However, his adventurous spirit soon led him to embark on another journey, this time, alone. His people were concerned for his safety and the potential consequences of his departure.
Before leaving, Oranmiyan assured them that if they were ever invaded, they should perform specific incantations, and he would return to their aid. True to his word, when a neighboring city attacked Ile-Ife, Oranmiyan's wife performed the incantations, and legend has it that he appeared from the sky on horseback, like a burning chariot.
Tragically, Oranmiyan's return was marked by chaos and destruction, as he inadvertently killed his own people, including his best friend. Realizing his mistake, he struck the ground with his staff, which subsequently transformed into a rock-like object.
The Oranmiyan Staff remains a powerful symbol of Yoruba heritage, embodying the complex legacy of Oranmiyan, a king, warrior, and adventurer. Its significance extends beyond its historical value, representing the enduring power of myth and legend in the identity of the Yoruba people.
MONARCHY IN OYO EMPIRE
The Oyo Empire's monarchical system was unique, deviating from traditional hereditary and absolute monarchies. The Alaafin, or king, was selected by the Oyo Mesi, a council of chiefs, rather than inheriting the throne directly. While the Alaafin didn't necessarily have to be the direct descendant of the previous ruler, they had to be a descendant of Oranyan, a son of Oduduwa, and hail from the Ona Isokun ward.
Initially, the throne was passed down from father to eldest son, but this system was plagued by problems. The Aremo, or first-born prince, would often hasten their father's demise to ascend to the throne. Regardless of succession, the Aremo held significant power, often leaving the palace, whereas the Alaafin was largely confined to it, except during important festivals.
The Oyo Mesi and another council played crucial roles in balancing the Alaafin's power, often selecting a weaker ruler after a strong one to prevent the throne from becoming too powerful.
As Babatunde Odufuwa said “A king’s greatness is measured not by his might but by the happiness of his subjects.”
As Adeyanju's story came to a close, Adedunmoye's face lit up with joy, and he threw himself on the ground, prostrating and grasping his father's feet in deep gratitude. The gesture may have seemed dramatic, but Adeyanju understood the depth of emotion behind it. After all “Òmí òtó bá bí ọmọ, ó máa mọ ẹgbẹ́ rẹ̀” (The old river knows the path of its tributary.)
Admittedly, while the heritage remains ours and the stories remain heavily hung in the air with pride, the era of mighty kingdoms and legendary feats may be behind us. Yet, their legacy lives on in our hearts and minds. We still sit around like Adedunmoye listening to what made us and makes us. We still remain fascinated by Oduduwa, the divine ruler and deity, Oranmiyan, Obatala, Osun, Sango and the many leaders in history who we have made gods.
And perhaps, like Adedunmoye, we are all kings at heart.
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