Yoruba people

The Yoruba people are a large group of people from West Africa who mainly live in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. Their home area is called Yorubaland. Today, there are more than 50 million Yoruba people in Africa, with many more living around the world as part of the African diaspora. In Nigeria, the Yoruba make up about 20.7% of the country's population, making them one of the biggest ethnic groups in Africa.

Most Yoruba people speak the Yoruba language, which is one of the most widely spoken Niger–Congo language with many native speakers. The Yoruba have a rich culture with important traditions, festivals, and stories that have been passed down for generations.

Etymology

The oldest known written mention of the name Yoruba comes from an essay called Mi'rāj al-Ṣu'ūd written in 1614 by a Berber jurist named Ahmed Baba. This essay is kept in the Ahmed Baba Institute and the Mamma Haidara Library in Timbuktu, with a digital copy at the World Digital Library. In this essay, the Yoruba people are listed among nine other groups in West Africa.

Some people have tried to guess where the name Yoruba comes from, but many of these ideas do not match the traditions of the Yoruba people themselves. One guess says the name comes from Ori Obba, meaning "The Head King."

Names

The name Yoruba is the most well-known name for this group of people, who share a common origin from Ife. Other names they have been called include Nago/Anago, Lucumi/Olukumi, and Aku/Oku.

In West Africa, the Yoruba are also known by other names such as Alata in southern Ghana, Eyagi in Nupe, and Iyaji in Igala. The Yoruba call themselves “Ọmọ Káàárọ̀-oòjíire,” meaning “The People who ask ‘Good morning, did you wake up well?’” This refers to their friendly way of greeting each other. Another name they use is “Ọmọ Oòduà,” meaning “The Children of Oduduwa,” honoring a famous Yoruba leader.

History

The Yoruba people have a rich history that began thousands of years ago. They emerged from earlier groups around the 1st millennium BCE. By the 8th century, a powerful city-state existed in Ile-Ife, which became the heart of the Ife Empire. This empire flourished between 1200 and 1420 CE and had influence across parts of modern-day Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.

The Yoruba were known for their large, well-organized cities with strong defenses. Some of these cities had tall walls and big gates. The city of Oyo-Ile, for example, had over 100,000 people at its peak. In the 15th century, the Oyo Empire became the main power in Yoruba land. Later, Lagos grew to become the largest Yoruba city today.

Geography

Main article: Yorubaland

The Yoruba people live in a place called Yorubaland, which includes parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo in Africa. They share borders with many different groups, such as the Itsekiri, Bariba, Nupe, Ebira, Edo, Ẹsan, Afemai, Igala, Mahi, Gun, Fon, Ewe, Akebu, Kposo, Anii, Kabiye, Yom-Lokpa, and Tem.

Outside of Africa, many Yoruba people are part of the Yoruba diaspora. Some were taken to places like the Caribbean and Brazil during the time between the 16th and 19th centuries. More recently, many have moved to countries like the United Kingdom and the United States, especially after big changes in Africa during the 1960s and later.

Language

Main article: Yoruba language

The Yoruba people have a rich tradition of storytelling, and most of them speak the Yoruba language as their first language. About 30 million people spoke Yoruba as of 2010. The Yoruba language is part of a group of languages called the Edekiri languages, and it is closely related to the Igala language. Researchers have noted that these two languages are so similar that some considered Igala to be a version of Yoruba.

The Yoruboid languages likely grew from a common group of languages called Volta-Niger many years ago. There are three main areas where these languages are spoken: Northwest, Central, and Southeast. The Northwest area, linked to the old Oyo Empire, shows more changes in its language. The Southeast area was influenced by the Benin Empire starting around 1450. The Central area mixes features from both the Northwest and Southeast.

Literary Yoruba, the form taught in schools and used in news, is based mainly on the Northwest dialects from the Oyos and Egbas. It developed from the work of Yoruba Christian missionaries and a grammar created by Bishop Crowther in the 1850s. This form of Yoruba combines elements from different dialects, reflecting both the Abẹokuta and Ọyọ-Ibadan areas.

Group identity

The Yoruba people share a strong sense of identity based on common culture, beliefs, and traditions. A key part of this identity is the belief that all Yoruba trace their roots back to Ile-Ife, an ancient city in the center of Yorubaland. This city is seen as the spiritual heart of the Yoruba people, and many believe it was founded by a historic king named Oduduwa, who is considered the "father" of the Yoruba.

The Yoruba also share spiritual beliefs and practices centered around various divine forces called Orisha. These include well-known figures such as Obatala, Ogun, Orunmila, Osun, Eshu, Olokun, Yemoja, Osanyin, and Shango. These spiritual beings connect the Yoruba to nature and to a greater god called Olodumare. These beliefs have spread to the New World, where they continue to help people keep their Yoruba heritage alive through practices like Santeria, Candomble, Umbanda, Kélé, and Trinidad Orisha.

The Yoruba speak related dialects that help unite them, stretching from Togo and Ghana to the Niger Delta. Over time, different European powers divided these lands, but the Yoruba developed a shared identity, especially under the influence of the Oyo Empire, which became a powerful force in the region. Today, many cultural traditions, such as greetings, marriage customs, and respect for elders, bring the Yoruba together across different areas.

Pre-colonial government of Yoruba society

Monarchies were a common way to govern in Yorubaland, but they were not the only way. Some places, like the Ijebu kingdom and the Egba people, chose their leaders differently. Instead of one king having all the power, they had a group of important elders called the Ogboni who made most of the decisions.

During wars in the 1800s, many people from different communities moved to a strong city called Abeokuta. There, they formed their own groups to govern themselves, with leaders chosen from each area. These groups worked together to make decisions for the whole city.

In many Yoruba towns, kings were chosen by a group of leaders from royal families. This was decided through a special process using Ifá, a traditional way of seeking guidance. Kings often married into other royal families to create strong ties between different places.

Some cities, like Ibadan, did not have kings at all. Instead, they chose leaders based on their skills and respect from others. This made these places more like republics, where people worked together to govern.

Groups and clubs played important roles in everyday life. There were groups for traders, hunters, and others, helping with business, teaching skills, and keeping order. These groups sometimes also helped protect their communities during difficult times.

Society and culture

Main article: Yoruba culture

Cities where the Yoruba people live include Ibadan, Lagos, Abeokuta, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Osogbo, Ile Ife, Okitipupa, Ijebu Ode, Akure, Offa, and others. Their way of life has had a big influence in West Africa and beyond.

Today, most Yoruba people are Muslims or Christians. However, many still follow the beliefs of their ancestors in some way.

Traditional Yoruba religion

Main article: Yoruba religion

Further information: Ifá and Yoruba medicine

The Yoruba religion includes the traditional beliefs and practices of the Yoruba people. It comes from Southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo, known as Yorubaland. The religion has many traditions and no single founder. Yoruba beliefs are part of itan, which includes songs, stories, and other cultural ideas.

One important part of Yoruba religion is the worship of ancestors and Orisa, which are gods and spirits. Some well-known Orisa include Ogun (god of metal and war), Shango (god of thunder and justice), Esu Elegbara (a messenger of the gods), and Orunmila (god of divination). Olorun, Olodumare, and Olofin are different forms of the supreme god. Other gods like Oshumare (the rainbow) and Obatala (god of clarity) are also important. These beliefs are practiced in Nigeria and also in parts of Europe and Asia.

List of Orisha and Ajogun

Mythology

Main article: Oduduwa

The oral history of the Yoruba tells of Odùduwà, the ancestor of the Yoruba people and their kings. After Oduduwa’s death, his children spread out from Ife to create new kingdoms. Later, people called marauders became a threat to Ife. A woman named Moremi Ajasoro helped stop them, but she made a big sacrifice to do so.

Philosophy

Yoruba culture includes philosophy, religion, and stories. These are linked to Ifá divination, which is like a book of wisdom. Yoruba culture values respect, peace, loyalty, and freedom of speech. Secret societies help protect these values. Today, more people are studying Yoruba culture and writing about it.

Christianity and Islam

The Yoruba are very religious and practice many faiths. Many are Christians, especially in groups like Anglicanism, while others are Muslims, mainly following Sunni Islam. Some still practice their traditional religion. Festivals like Eyo and Osun-Osogbo are popular and are seen as cultural celebrations by many.

Christianity

The Yoruba were among the first in West Africa to learn about Christianity on a large scale. It arrived in the 19th century through Europeans. Different groups like the Portuguese, British, French, Dutch, and Germans brought Christianity. The British and French were most successful. Missionaries like the Church Mission Society, Methodists, and Baptists started churches in places like Abeokuta and Ibadan.

Islam

The Yoruba learned about Islam around the 14th century through traders from Mali. A mosque existed in Oyo-Ile as early as 1550. Later, in the 19th century, the Fula jihad tried to spread Islam into Yorubaland, but Yoruba forces stopped them.

Traditional art and architecture

Main articles: Yoruba art and Yoruba architecture

Old Yoruba towns had big mud walls. Their buildings had verandas and were made from mud and palm oil. One famous structure is Sungbo’s Eredo, a huge wall built in honor of a leader. It is the largest pre-colonial monument in Africa.

Yoruba art uses materials like bronze, leather, terracotta, ivory, textiles, copper, stone, wood, brass, ceramics, and glass. Their art is known for its realistic human sculptures. Art was important in palaces and courts, with carvings on veranda posts, gates, and doors. Shrines for gods also had carvings and altar figures. Masquerades, like Egúngún, are part of their traditions. The Gelede masquerade started from stories about Yemoja, the mother of the Orisa.

Festivals

The Yoruba celebrate many colorful festivals. These include weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals, housewarmings, and harvest festivals. Spiritual festivals honor Orisa like Ogun and Osun. The Osun-Osogbo Festival, held in August, celebrates the river goddess Osun and attracts many visitors. The Eyo Olokun festival in Lagos honors the sea god Olokun and includes a big procession of people in white clothes.

Music

See also: Yoruba music and Batá drum

Yoruba music is famous for its advanced drumming, especially the dundun hourglass drums. Musical instruments from Ile-Ife show that drumming has a long history. Yoruba music influenced Afro-Latin and Caribbean styles, especially in Trinidad, Brazil, and Cuba.

Yoruba drums come in families like Dùndún, Sakara, Gbedu, and Bàtá. Each family has different sizes and roles. Drummers are called Àyán, and they believe Àyángalú was the first drummer. Yoruba music often uses polyrhythms, where different rhythms fit together like puzzle pieces.

Twins in Yoruba society

Main article: Ibeji

The Yoruba have the highest rate of twins in the world. Twins are very important and are given special names. The first twin is called Taiwo or Taiye, meaning "the first to taste the world," and the second is Kehinde, meaning "the child that comes behind." Twins are seen as having special spiritual powers.

Calendar

Main article: Yoruba calendar

The Yoruba measure time in seconds (ọgán), minutes (ìṣẹ́jú), hours (wákàtí), days (ọjọ́), weeks (ọ̀sẹ̀), months (oṣù), and years (ọdún). A week has four days: Ojó Ògún (dedicated to Ògún), Ojó Jákúta (dedicated to Sàngó), Ojó Òsè (dedicated to Òrìshà ńlá), and Ojó Awo (in honor of Òrúnmìlà). The Yoruba calendar year starts around June 3 and connects to the Gregorian calendar.

Cuisine

Main article: Yoruba cuisine

Yoruba food includes many dishes made from crops like cassava, yams, cocoyam, plantain, and corn. Common foods are iyan (pounded yam), amala, eba, semo, fufu, moin moin (bean cake), and akara. Soups like egusi, ewedu, and efo are popular. Other dishes include jollof rice, fried rice, ekuru, and various stews. Yoruba cuisine also includes vegetables, meat, fish, and eggs.

• Yoruba cultural dishes

  Amala is a Yoruba food.

[Akara](/wiki/Akara) is a Yoruba bean fritter.

[Ofada rice](/wiki/Ofada_rice) is a Yoruba dish.

[Ofada rice](/wiki/Ofada_rice) is traditionally in a leaf.

[Moin moin](/wiki/Moin_moin) is a Yoruba steamed bean pudding.

A collection of foods eaten by Yorubas in general

Dress and body ornamentation

Further information: Yoruba women's clothing

Further information: Yoruba tribal marks

The Yoruba people are known for their beautiful clothing and accessories. They have many special ways to dress up, showing their personality and status. Traditional clothes are often made from cotton fabric woven by hand. Men may wear outfits like Bùbá and Agbádá, with a hat called Fìlà to complete their look. Women often wear Ìró and Bùbá, with a matching headwrap called Gèlè.

Both men and women wear beads, necklaces, and other decorations. These pieces add beauty and sometimes show importance, like for leaders or special people. Women also take great care with their hair, using styles like braiding and weaving. In the past, some people had marks on their faces called tribal marks, which showed where they came from, but this practice is rare today. The way Yoruba people dress helps show who they are and for special events, they choose their outfits carefully.

The most basic traditional fabric is Aṣo-Oke, which comes in many colors and patterns. It has three main types:

• Alaari – a rich red Aṣọ-Oke,
• Sanyan – a brown and light brown Aṣọ-Oke, and
• Ẹtu – a dark blue Aṣọ-Oke.

Other materials include:

• Ofi – pure white yarned cloths, used as cover cloth, it can be sewn and worn.
• Aran – a velvet clothing material of silky texture sewn into Danṣiki and Kẹmbẹ, worn by the rich.
• Adirẹ – cloth with various patterns and designs, dyed in indigo ink (Ẹlu or Aro).

Men’s underwear includes Bùbá, Esiki and Sapara, while overwear includes Dandogo, Agbádá, Gbariye, Sulia and Oyala. Some men add a wraparound called Ìbora to their Agbádá outfit. They also wear different types of native trousers like Kèmbè (Three-Quarter baggy pants), Gbáanu, Sóóró (Long slim / streamlined pants), Káamu and Sòkòtò Elemu. A man’s dress is not complete without a cap (Fìlà). Some caps include Gobi (Cylindrical), Tinko, Abetí-ajá (Crest-like shape), Alagbaa, Oribi, Bentigoo, Onide, and Labankada (a bigger version of the Abetí-ajá).

Women’s common dresses are Ìró (wrapper) and Bùbá (blouse-like loose top). They also wear matching Gèlè (headgear) with these outfits. Women’s dressing is not complete without Gèlè, which can be made of plain or fancy cloth. They also wear ìborùn (Shawl) and Ìpèlé (long pieces of fabric that hang on the left shoulder and stretch from the back to the front). Women have two types of underwear (Èwù Àwòtélè): Tòbi (like a modern apron with strings) and Sinmí (like a sleeveless T-shirt worn under other clothes).

There are many types of beads (Ìlèkè), hand laces, necklaces (Egba orùn), anklets (Egba esè) and bangles (Egba owó) used for adornment by both men and women. Chiefs, priests, kings, and people of royal descent often wear special beads to show their rank. An accessory popular among royalty and titled Babalawos / Babalorishas is the Ìrùkèrè, an artistically processed animal tail, a type of Fly-whisk. It is a symbol of authority and stateliness, often used in shrines or by chief priests and priestesses as a sign of their power or Ashe.

Women often take great care of their hair, considering it the 'Glory of the woman.' They use methods like plaiting and weaving, with many different styles to choose from, such as kòlésè, Ìpàkó-elédè, Sùkú, Kojúsóko, Alágogo, Konkoso, etc.

Traditionally, the Yoruba believed that tribal marks added beauty to a person’s face and showed where they came from, as different areas had different marks. These marks were made with local blades or knives on the cheeks during infancy. Examples include Pélé, Abàjà-Ègbá, Abàjà-Òwu, Abàjà-mérin, Kéké, Gòmbò, Ture, Pélé Ifè, Kéké Òwu, Pélé Ìjèbú. Not everyone had tribal marks; sometimes only firstborns or people for special reasons had them. This practice is nearly extinct today.

The Yoruba believe that just as a nation needs development, so does a person. Clothing is very important in showing a person’s personality, and different events call for different outfits, as shown in Yoruba proverbs.

Demographics

The Yoruba people are a large group from West Africa. Most live in Nigeria, but significant numbers also live in Benin, Togo, Ghana, and other parts of West Africa. In Nigeria, they are the main group in several states such as Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, and parts of Kogi State.

In Benin, the Yoruba make up a big part of the population in certain areas. Key cities include Porto-Novo, Savé, and Tchaourou. In Togo, estimates suggest there are between 500,000 to 600,000 Yoruba people, both from Nigeria and long-standing local communities. In Ghana, Yoruba communities have existed for over three centuries, with people arriving as traders, workers, and later as freed individuals. They have become important parts of Ghanaian society and business.

Yoruba people and their descendants are also found worldwide, especially in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Brazil, and the Caribbean. In the United States, the Yoruba language is one of the most spoken African languages. Their culture and traditions have spread globally through history, including the Atlantic slave trade and voluntary migration.

Genetics

Genetic studies show that the Yoruba people are most closely related to other West African groups, especially those who speak Niger-Congo languages.

The Yoruba mainly belong to a specific genetic group called E1b1a1 subclade of the E-M2 haplogroup, which they share with groups like the Ewe, Ga, and Bamileke peoples. Scientists have also found tiny amounts of genetic material from ancient humans called Neanderthals in Yoruba people, but this is very small. This likely happened thousands of years ago when people from North Africa mixed with West African groups.

E1b1a1-M2 is the most common genetic group for men in West Africa. The movement of early Yoruba ancestors may have been linked to farming in Africa long ago, after the desiccation of the Sahara in c. 3500 BCE.

Foreign representation

The Yoruba people have taken part in cultural exchange programs with members of the African diaspora to keep their shared culture and identity strong. One example is the Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, founded in 1970.

The King of Ife also visited Salvador in Brazil, a city with many Yoruba descendants, to celebrate it as a cultural center for the Yoruba people in the Western Hemisphere. Oyotunji Efuntola Oseijeman Adelabu

Notable people of Yoruba origin

Main article: List of Yoruba people

The Yoruba people have many famous individuals from their culture. These people come from places like Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, and have made important contributions in many areas of life. You can learn more about them in the list provided.

Yoruba organizations

The Yoruba people have groups that help protect and support their communities. Some of these groups include Afenifere, Amotekun, and the Oodua Peoples Congress. These organizations work to promote the interests and well-being of the Yoruba people.

Issues

The Yoruba people, like others in Nigeria, have faced worries about safety and stability in their country. In January 2020, leaders from six western states in Nigeria started a special safety group called Amotekun. This group works with each state’s leader to help keep everyone safe, following all of Nigeria’s rules.

Prominent chiefs

See also: Royal titles of Yoruba monarchs

Some important leaders among the Yoruba people have special titles. These include:

• Aare Baasofin
• Aare Ona Kakanfo
• Akoni Oodua
• Alaafin
• Alake
• Alaketu
• Awujale
• Eleko
• Olubadan
• Ooni