A brief history of Ile ife

Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yorubas, the city of survivors, spiritual seat of the Yorubas, where the dawn of the day was first experienced, the source, the head of the whole universe, the land of the most ancient day, the home of divinities is to the people of Ife “ILURUN” i.e Gateway to heaven. Ile-Ife is located in the South Western part of Nigeria, West Africa.

The history of Ile-Ife, the ancient city of Yorubaland is mythical, like the biblical account of the creation of the world, but it is so far unwritten. Since their great foreparents are impossible to come by. Traditional is therefore handed over from one generation to another orally.

The history of Ife can also be chronologically divided into three periods: The first Ife was known as Ife Oodaye, Ile owuro, ibiti oju ti mo, that is, the land of most ancient days where the dawn of the day was first experienced. The inhabitants of Ife Oodaye were believed to be powerful giants with mystic abilities. Tradition claims that the life of this community came to an end as a result of flood which flushed the whole area occupied by the community. Those who survived the deluge formed the nucleus of the community that formed the second era of the history of Ife.

The second Ife was called Ife Ooyelagbo, that is, the city of the survivors. Tradition maintains that the second Ife lasted until the arrival of some strangers who entered the city of Ile-Ife from the “East”. An attempt made by the strangers to seize power from the aborigines on the land led to a bloody struggle between the strangers led by the Oduduwa on one hand and the aborigines led by Obatala, eventually Oduduwa and his groups won the war.

The third Ife is called Ile-Ife founded with the arrival of Oduduwa and his groups. It is believed that Oduduwa, the founder of the Yoruba raced emerged after the deluge, he (Oduduwa) and his followers descended on to dry land by means of chain ropes from their life boat (hence the saying Oduduwa afi won ron). And later anchored on Oke-Ora (Oranfe Hill) between Ile-Ife and Itagunmodi on the Ife-Ilesa road, from where they came to Moore quarter in Ile-Ife.

Nowadays, written documents claim that Oduduwa migrated from Mecca to Egypt. From Egypt to the Sudan, he was said to have traveled down to Ile-Ife, Nigeria through Nupe Land in about 900 A.D. or 1000 A.D. The exact time is not yet known and that he was the acceptable leader with a personality which dominated the scene. He conquered the people he met there and established a Yoruba dynasty. Prominent among those people he met at Ile-Ife were Oreluere, a very powerful wiseman and Orunmila, Ifa Priest also known as “Agbonmiregun”. For instance, Agbonmiregun later became Oduduwa consultant.

Although some of the stories have been modified and universally accepted. The most universally accepted is that Oduduwa is the father of the Yoruba. He is the ancestorial father of any Ooni or Oni in Ile-Ife (i.e. he who owns the land of Ife) that ever reigned or will reign in Ile-Ife. The present day Royal compounds in Ile ife, (Geesi, Ogboru, Lafogido and Ogboru) are present day descendatns of Oranmiyan. Oba Sijuwade is from the Ogboru ruling clan.

In a nutshell, tradition holds it generally that Ile-Ife is the cradle of the Yoruba and the capital of Yoruba kingdom before the emergence of Oyo Empire.

Ile-Ife has earned many enviable appellations, viz:
Ile-Ife, ile Owuro Ile-Ife, the land of the most ancient days
Ile-Ife, Oodaye Ile-Ife, where the word of creation took place
Ile-Ife, Ibi ti ojumo ti mowa Ile-Ife, where the dawn of the day was first experienced
Ile-Ife, Ori aye gbogbo Ile-Ife, head of the whole universe
Ile-Ife, Ooye Lagbo Ile-Ife the city of the Survivors.


Ife East Local Government is the seat of Ife Traditional Council under the leadership of His
Majesty, the Ooni of Ife. The Council consists of all the traditional rulers of Ife North, Ife South, Ife Central and Ife East Local Governments.


There are traditional chiefs who perform different functions in the day to day running of the affairs of Ile-Ife.
1. Obalufe - In charge of Iremo quarters
2 Obajio - In charge of Ilare quarters
3 Obaloran - In charge of Ilode quarters
4 Waasin - In charge of Ilare quarters
5 Obalaaye - In charge of Iraye quarters
6 Akogun - In charge of Okerewe quarters
7 Jagunosin - Appointed purely on merit
8 Owajesi - Appointed purely on merit at community level



There are many renowned festivals but the Edi and Olojo are the most popular. They both come up once a year.

OLOJO FESTIVAL: It is the biggest annual festival of the Ifes. On this occasion, Ooni appears after about seven days of seclusion, completed, not communicating with anyone except the ‘spirits’. He wears the special beaded Oduduwas original crown called “Aare” only once a year during this Olojo festival as he leads the crowd to Okemogun shrine.

The LOKOLOKOs are his body guards during the Olojo Festival. Time for the festival is indicated by the sun’s movement in about the month of October from the West to the East. Only the Olojo chief priest identifies the particular day to celebrate the festival.

EDI FESTIVAL:- This festival comes up once a year and for a period of seven days. Drumming is prohibited at Ile-Ife during this period. It is a period to discipline thieves. In the olden days during this period, youths song and rush to the houses of known thieves such thieves are exposed and their houses demolished. Finally, a man called ‘Tele’ carries the rubbish with prayers being offered by the populace with hope for a good future.

Although it may be an exaggeration, but it is believed that out of the 365 days that makes a year, it is only one day that the Ifes have no festival to perform. Thus, the popular saying of “Irun Imole, Igba Imole” (i.e about 600 gods to worship during the year. Among other festivals are the Orungbe, Itapa, Orisa Oko among others.

http://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane..ca/2014/09/ife-people-ancient-artistic-highly_14.html

http://culturemovies-culturebits..ca/2009/06/olojo-festival-in-ile-ife-south-west.html

A for...

The story is not correct. Just propaganda by osibanjo father in-law during the crisis

pus97:
The story is not correct. Just propaganda by osibanjo father in-law during the crisis

Useless Igbo!

The Ooni of Ife's arrival into London 5 years ago to attend the Kingdom of Ife exhibition at the British Museum.

Omo Yoruba

Proudly yoruba

The previous King, Oba Aderemi with The PM of Britain, Sir Winston Churchill.
At his palace during his early days as the Ooni.
With the Olowo of Owo, Olateru Olagbegi and HRH Nkeze Nwoko of Idumoje Ugboko at a conference in London, 1953.
South American Nationals of Yoruba decent at the Araba Awo's place in Ile ife.

Nice pictures of Oba Aderemi. He was such a fearful king.

saxywale:
The previous King, Oba Aderemi with The PM of Britain, Sir Winston Churchill.
At his palace during his early days as the Ooni.
With the Olowo of Owo, Olateru Olagbegi and HRH Nkeze Nwoko of Idumoje Ugboko at a conference in London, 1953.
South American Nationals of Yoruba decent at the Araba Awo's place in Ile ife.

This Church hill got no respect, smoking while shaking a king

Fake story! The Oonis aren't the true son of Oduduwa! He is a son of a slave that forced himself on the throne when Oramiyan travelled beyond the Niger and parts of south! Oramiyan finally settled in Oyomesi, which now forms the Oyo kingdom, which is headed by the Alaafin. Oduduwa had one son called Okanbi, who in turn had seven children, non belonging to the Ife royal families:
1. Alake of Egbaland
2. Oniketu of Ketu land
3. Orangun of Ila Orangun (Town of Bisi Akande)
4. The king of Ijesha (Town of Aregbesola)
5. Olowu of Owu (the town of ObJ)
6. Onisabe of Sabe
7. Onipopo
Omonoba of Benin was his grand child. Oramiyan left Ile-Ife, on coming back his slave had taken over his seat, he had to sacrifice it to avoid blood shed and headed towards the west. He was with the royal crown. His diviner had told him to settle down where his white slip (Ibi ti esin ti yo) and that is where he settled down. That is the source of the name Oyo. Oyo town of today was not was its ancient location. The were driven from Oyomesi due to war that engulfed them. Another important grandsons of Oduduwa and sons of Oramiyan are Sango and Ajasa! Ajasa married a Nupe woman and began a dynasty! Can you see why SW cannot fight Northerners! Sango relocated to the west but Ajasa preferred to stay back. For all who care to listen the present day Obas in Ile-Ife doesn't have blood affiliation with
Oduduwa! They were those on ground before the entry of Oduduwa. The are several rooms for several gods in the palace of Ooni, but one of those rooms can only be entered by the progeny of Oduduwa and not the Oonis.
DON'T REWRITE OUR HISTORY

olawalepopoola:
Fake story! The Oonis aren't the true son of Oduduwa! He is a son of a slave that forced himself on the throne when Oramiyan travelled beyond the Niger and parts of south! Oramiyan finally settled in Oyomesi, which now forms the Oyo kingdom, which is headed by the Alaafin. Oduduwa had one son called Okanbi, who in turn had seven children, non belonging to the Ife royal families:
1. Alake of Egbaland
2. Oniketu of Ketu land
3. Orangun of Ila Orangun (Town of Bisi Akande)
4. The king of Ijesha (Town of Aregbesola)
5. Olowu of Owu (the town of ObJ)
6. Onisabe of Sabe
7. Onipopo
Omonoba of Benin was his grand child. Oramiyan left Ile-Ife, on coming back his slave had taken over his seat, he had to sacrifice it to avoid blood shed and headed towards the west. He was with the royal crown. His diviner had told him to settle down where his white slip (Ibi ti esin ti yo) and that is where he settled down. That is the source of the name Oyo. Oyo town of today was not was its ancient location. The were driven from Oyomesi due to war that engulfed them. Another important grandsons of Oduduwa and sons of Oramiyan are Sango and Ajasa! Ajasa married a Nupe woman and began a dynasty! Can you see why SW cannot fight Northerners! Sango relocated to the west but Ajasa preferred to stay back. For all who care to listen the present day Obas in Ile-Ife doesn't have blood affiliation with
Oduduwa! They were those on ground before the entry of Oduduwa. The are several rooms for several gods in the palace of Ooni, but one of those rooms can only be entered by the progeny of Oduduwa and not the Oonis.
DON'T REWRITE OUR HISTORY

Actually it's your source - Samuel Johnson who tried to rewrite history
This is what happens when you let a reverend speak on yoruba history

Our history is deep and the perfect source should be the traditional institutions not so called scholars who aren't scholars at all


Bro. . IFE IS THE SPIRIT OF THE YORUBA, it's a sin to deform the throne of Oduduwa. ..

There's just so much falsehood in your post
1. The first person to be called Ooni was Adimu, and though his mother was a slave his father was Oduduwa. and he was the one taking care of all affairs of Ile-Ife that Oduduwa wasn't available to attend to
2. Adimu was the one who sent Oranmiyan to Bini. So he didn't become King when Oranmiyan went across the Niger. ..lemme ask you do you know why Oba of Benin covers his nose in public?
Here's my hypothesis. .Adimu means "one with congested nose" hence he must have covered his nose in public. . This is a simple act that was most likely taken to be royal tradition that became a thing for the Royal house of Bini... but of course if there's a better reason why the Omon'Oba covers his nose I'll love to know.
3. Oranmiyan didn't settle in "Oyomesi" but "OYO-ILE" . Oyomesi is the State council...its shocking that you don't know this
4. Oduduwa had so many sons nobody can categorically state a number, However I believe the one called Okanbi is same as Ogun. ..its also possible Okanbi was a totally different person all together.
Ogun was the first son of Oduduwa. .. Obanta, Orangun, Ajibogun Owabokun, Akinsale Elekole, Alaketu, Owa Ooye of Okemesi are just few of the other sons
5. Alake of Egbaland isn't directly from Ife but from Ketu. Olowu of Owu is not son of any Okanbi but son of Oduduwa's first daughter...his paternity is however still unclear(at least to the public)
6. Oranmiyan never met any slave on the Ife throne.. he met Obalufon Alayemore and challenged him to the throne. It was actually Alayemore who left because he didn't want bloodshed
7. It's Ajaka not Ajasa...
8. Lmao haven't you heard of the Nupe-Oyo, Nupe-Okun wars. .Yoruba have engaged the Nupe and other northerns notably fulani in Battle
9. The present day Ooni of Ile - Ife are descended from Olajamisan, son of Oramiyan when he was Ooni.

macof:


Actually it's your source - Samuel Johnson who tried to rewrite history
This is what happens when you let a reverend speak on yoruba history

Our history is deep and the perfect source should be the traditional institutions not so called scholars who aren't scholars at all


Bro. . IFE IS THE SPIRIT OF THE YORUBA, it's a sin to deform the throne of Oduduwa. ..

There's just so much falsehood in your post
1. The first person to be called Ooni was Adimu, and though his mother was a slave his father was Oduduwa. and he was the one taking care of all affairs of Ile-Ife that Oduduwa wasn't available to attend to
2. Adimu was the one who sent Oranmiyan to Bini. So he didn't become King when Oranmiyan went across the Niger. ..lemme ask you do you know why Oba of Benin covers his nose in public?
Here's my hypothesis. .Adimu means "one with congested nose" hence he must have covered his nose in public. . This is a simple act that was most likely taken to be royal tradition that became a thing for the Royal house of Bini... but of course if there's a better reason why the Omon'Oba covers his nose I'll love to know.
3. Oranmiyan didn't settle in "Oyomesi" but "OYO-ILE" . Oyomesi is the State council...its shocking that you don't know this
4. Oduduwa had so many sons nobody can categorically state a number, However I believe the one called Okanbi is same as Ogun. ..its also possible Okanbi was a totally different person all together.
Ogun was the first son of Oduduwa. .. Obanta, Orangun, Ajibogun Owabokun, Akinsale Elekole, Alaketu, Owa Ooye of Okemesi are just few of the other sons
5. Alake of Egbaland isn't directly from Ife but from Ketu. Olowu of Owu is not son of any Okanbi but son of Oduduwa's first daughter...his paternity is however still unclear(at least to the public)
6. Oranmiyan never met any slave on the Ife throne.. he met Obalufon Alayemore and challenged him to the throne. It was actually Alayemore who left because he didn't want bloodshed
7. It's Ajaka not Ajasa...
8. Lmao haven't you heard of the Nupe-Oyo, Nupe-Okun wars. .Yoruba have engaged the Nupe and other northerns notably fulani in Battle
9. The present day Ooni of Ile - Ife are descended from Olajamisan, son of Oramiyan when he was Ooni.

1 & 2. Adimu (-la) was a name for Oduduwa who engaged in wrestle with Obatala & succeeded in winning not only the wrestle battle but power & wealth. Oduduwa ti ibi adimu la - hence, adimula.

There was no slave or slave woman in Ife history of Oduduwa period, this is Oyo's version to discredit the throne. The closest tale to that of slave woman & slave child was Orunto who had 4 children who now make up the Obalufe compound. The Obalufe apart from acting as king of Ife also performs spiritual functions for the Ooni.

The Adimu who sent Odede to Bini was Oduduwa who was still on the throne but passed before Odede could return.

4. There was never an Okanbi, Oduduwa had too many wives & too many children. His first child (not daughter) was Olowu's mother (Obatala's good will wife). Owa ilesa & Oranmiyan were blood siblings from one Mother - this shows there was never an Okanbi.

5. Alayemore left after a brutal war that forever quelled or killed Obatala's people attempt at the throne ever again.

OP, you failed to note that the Aborigines of Ife were Igbos. Kindly make required input.

Am completely impressed by @Macof. I strongly believe the ancient Ife is to the East of today's Yoruba country. The Oyo version of Yoruba history is the most recent but @Macof, is there a link between Ooni of Ife and Ooni belonging to the Igala?

The aborigines of Ife were not Igbo people of today's Nigeria but Ugbo people which would stand for some in the present East of Yorubaland. It will be of interest to explore the historical versions of Yoruba in diaspora especially Brazil, Cuba and Trinidad together with the cultural versions to get semblance of what may look like true stories. Macof over to you.

9jacrip:



1 & 2. Adimu (-la) was a name for Oduduwa who engaged in wrestle with Obatala & succeeded in winning not only the wrestle battle but power & wealth. Oduduwa ti ibi adimu la - hence, adimula.

There was no slave or slave woman in Ife history of Oduduwa period, this is Oyo's version to discredit the throne. The closest tale to that of slave woman & slave child was Orunto who had 4 children who now make up the Obalufe compound. The Obalufe apart from acting as king of Ife also performs spiritual functions for the Ooni.

The Adimu who sent Odede to Bini was Oduduwa who was still on the throne but passed before Odede could return.

4. There was never an Okanbi, Oduduwa had too many wives & too many children. His first child (not daughter) was Olowu's mother (Obatala's good will wife). Owa ilesa & Oranmiyan were blood siblings from one Mother - this shows there was never an Okanbi.

5. Alayemore left after a brutal war that forever quelled or killed Obatala's people attempt at the throne ever again.

ah! we are learning everyday. .. this is why it's good to discuss history

what would you say is the etymology of "Adimu"? with what you've stated above i believe you are trying to say Adimu has to do with wrestling and hold on power

remember I once made mention of Obatala being Olowu's father?

mandarin:
Am completely impressed by @Macof. I strongly believe the ancient Ife is to the East of today's Yoruba country. The Oyo version of Yoruba history is the most recent but @Macof, is there a link between Ooni of Ife and Ooni belonging to the Igala?

The aborigines of Ife were not Igbo people of today's Nigeria but Ugbo people which would stand for some in the present East of Yorubaland. It will be of interest to explore the historical versions of Yoruba in diaspora especially Brazil, Cuba and Trinidad together with the cultural versions to get semblance of what may look like true stories. Macof over to you.

I agree with you on that ancient Yorubas were from the east... I like to think of igalaland or Akokoland as a starting point of our journey to Ife. something disastrous must have made the Yoruba ancestors flee to later be known as ife ooyelagbo
just that nothing concrete to back this assertion

I'm not familiar with Ooni belonging to the igala. .. I know igalas have an ife...there's another ife in okunland but Ooni in Igala


I don't think yoruba descendants in Brazil, Cuba or anywhere outside the geographical "Yorubaland" have much to offer regarding yoruba history.... we should advocate for yoruba sons and daughters to embrace traditionalism and initiation into our traditional institutions. ..much knowledge lays there. in Brazil and the rest, there's too much syncretism, we can only take their versions with much skepticism

macof:



ah! we are learning everyday. .. this is why it's good to discuss history

what would you say is the etymology of "Adimu"? with what you've stated above i believe you are trying to say Adimu has to do with wrestling and hold on power

remember I once made mention of Obatala being Olowu's father?

Yes, adimula came from the wrestle battle.

Yes, I think you did. I've also mentioned it a number of times sha.

igbodefender:
OP, you failed to note that the Aborigines of Ife were Igbos. Kindly make required input.

Ugbo not Igbo.

Sounds do-do not the Ugbo sound in Ugbo-Uwku.

It has just been recently corrupted to Igbo.

Part of the Ugbo (sounds do-do) are the present day Ilaje/Mahin in Ondo State.

Please disabuse your mind from holding any thoughts of Ibo having anything to do with Ife.

mandarin:
Am completely impressed by @Macof. I strongly believe the ancient Ife is to the East of today's Yoruba country. The Oyo version of Yoruba history is the most recent but @Macof, is there a link between Ooni of Ife and Ooni belonging to the Igala?

The aborigines of Ife were not Igbo people of today's Nigeria but Ugbo people which would stand for some in the present East of Yorubaland. It will be of interest to explore the historical versions of Yoruba in diaspora especially Brazil, Cuba and Trinidad together with the cultural versions to get semblance of what may look like true stories. Macof over to you.

Sorry to dabble into your exchange with Macof but the emboldened compelled me to make an input.

If you're saying the aborigenes (Ugbo) in the East are there today because Ife was originally in that area then I'd like to bring your attention to the fact that the Ugbo people of Ilaje & Mahinmigrated from Ife to east of Yorubaland in protest & are in no wY autochthonous peoples in eastern Yoruba flank.

igbodefender:
OP, you failed to note that the Aborigines of Ife were Igbos. Kindly make required input.

I can see you still hang on to your ridiculous assertions. I don't see you in the culture section these days. How far?

macof:


I agree with you on that ancient Yorubas were from the east... I like to think of igalaland or Akokoland as a starting point of our journey to Ife. something disastrous must have made the Yoruba ancestors flee to later be known as ife ooyelagbo
just that nothing concrete to back this assertion

I'm not familiar with Ooni belonging to the igala. .. I know igalas have an ife...there's another ife in okunland but Ooni in Igala


I don't think yoruba descendants in Brazil, Cuba or anywhere outside the geographical "Yorubaland" have much to offer regarding yoruba history.... we should advocate for yoruba sons and daughters to embrace traditionalism and initiation into our traditional institutions. ..much knowledge lays there. in Brazil and the rest, there's too much syncretism, we can only take their versions with much skepticism

The supposed Ife in Okunland is spelt and pronounced "Ìffè" which is very different from "Ilé Ifè".

9jacrip:



1 & 2. Adimu (-la) was a name for Oduduwa who engaged in wrestle with Obatala & succeeded in winning not only the wrestle battle but power & wealth. Oduduwa ti ibi adimu la - hence, adimula.

There was no slave or slave woman in Ife history of Oduduwa period, this is Oyo's version to discredit the throne. The closest tale to that of slave woman & slave child was Orunto who had 4 children who now make up the Obalufe compound. The Obalufe apart from acting as king of Ife also performs spiritual functions for the Ooni.

The Adimu who sent Odede to Bini was Oduduwa who was still on the throne but passed before Odede could return.

4. There was never an Okanbi, Oduduwa had too many wives & too many children. His first child (not daughter) was Olowu's mother (Obatala's good will wife). Owa ilesa & Oranmiyan were blood siblings from one Mother - this shows there was never an Okanbi.

5. Alayemore left after a brutal war that forever quelled or killed Obatala's people attempt at the throne ever again.

I read in a book titled "Ile-Ife: the Source of Yoruba Civilisation" by Adelegan Adegbola that the same Obalufon Alayemore who founded Efon Alaye Kingdom was also the 3rd and 5th Ooni of Ife; that after Oranmiyan's demise, he returned to Ife to ascend the Ooni throne. Care to confirm if this is true or not?

Ghost01:
I read in a book titled "Ile-Ife: the Source of Yoruba Civilisation" by Adelegan Adegbola that the same Obalufon Alayemore who founded Efon Alaye Kingdom was also the 3rd and 5th Ooni of Ife; that after Oranmiyan's demise, he returned to Ife to ascend the Ooni throne. Care to confirm if this is true or not?

Yes, he is very correct.

Wulfruna:


I can see you still hang on to your ridiculous assertions. I don't see you in the culture section these days. How far?

Lol. They are not ridiculous. Some people just tune out when they hear the word 'Igbo', but history is history.

igbodefender:


Lol. They are not ridiculous. Some people just tune out when they hear the word 'Igbo', but history is history.

Indeed, I agree. History is history. And fabrications are fabrications. And substance-less theories are substance-less theories.

9jacrip:

Yes, he is very correct.

Many thanks.

Ghost01:
Many thanks.

You're welcome sir.

Some people claim Obalufon 1 & 2 were Oduduwa's sons which means Obamakin, Ogun were Obatala's people. I don't know if this is in that book.

Obalufons ogbogbodinrin (Obalufon alayemore's father) factually is part of Obatala's group. Obalufon shrine is around Igbo Itapa. Infact, in my compound we used to have Ilesun, Ilale & Balea (Balea is the line of Obalufon descendants). Their house is called Ile Balea.

But I wonder why some people tag him & his son with Oduduwa

Do you have this in the book? Besides I would love to get a copy of the book.

9jacrip:



You're welcome sir.

Some people claim Obalufon 1 & 2 were Oduduwa's sons which means Obamakin, Ogun were Obatala's people. I don't know if this is in that book.

Obalufons ogbogbodinrin (Obalufon alayemore's father) factually is part of Obatala's group. Obalufon shrine is around Igbo Itapa. Infact, in my compound we used to have Ilesun, Ilale & Balea (Balea is the line of Obalufon descendants). Their house is called Ile Balea.

But I wonder why some people tag him & his son with Oduduwa

Do you have this in the book? Besides I would love to get a copy of the book.

I'll check and get back to you.

Ghost01:
I'll check and get back to you.

Ok sir.

Please recommend a bookstore in Lagos/Osun/Oyo where I can get it.

Thank you.