History of West African Oduduwa the Father of Yoruba

Download or read book History of West African Oduduwa the Father of Yoruba written by Abdulakeem Damilare Somad and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-07-18 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: INTRODUCTION TO YORUBA IN WEST AFRICAN Yoruba is a major ethnic group in Nigeria, with a population of over 40 million people. The Yoruba language is spoken by the Yoruba people and is one of the four official languages of Nigeria. Yoruba culture is rich in art, music, dance, and storytelling. The Yoruba people have a deep respect for their ancestors and believe in the power of the spirits. Yoruba religion is a blend of traditional beliefs and Islam or Christianity. Yoruba people are known for their colorful festivals, such as the Osun-Osogbo Festival, Egungun Festival, and Ojude Oba Festival. Yoruba cuisine is diverse and includes dishes such as pounded yam, jollof rice, efo riro, and akara. Yoruba society is hierarchical and places a high value on respect for elders and authority figures. Yoruba people have made significant contributions to literature, music, and other areas of cultural expression. Yoruba people are found not only in Nigeria but also in Benin, Togo, and other countries in West Africa. Oduduwa is regarded as the legendary founder of the Yoruba people. According to Yoruba mythology, Oduduwa descended from the heavens on a chain with a rooster and a hen. Oduduwa is believed to have founded the city of Ife, which is regarded as the spiritual home of the Yoruba people. Oduduwa is considered a divine being and is often referred to as "Olofin," which means "owner of the palace." The Yoruba people believe that all Yoruba kings are descendants of Oduduwa and therefore have divine ancestry. Oduduwa is credited with bringing civilization, culture, and religion to the Yoruba people. The Yoruba people celebrate Oduduwa with a festival called Odun-Olojo, which takes place in the ancient city of Ife. Oduduwa is also associated with the creation of the world and is believed to have played a role in the formation of the universe. There are different versions of the story of Oduduwa, and his exact origins and history remain a subject of debate among scholars. Oduduwa is an important figure in Yoruba culture and history, and his legacy continues to inspire Yoruba people around the world.