Ìwa Ọmọlúàbí marun ti mo mọ – (What It Means To Be Yoruba)

Introduction

Yoruba is a nation of more than 30 million people. The Yoruba occupy all parts of the world, mostly in the western part of Africa. The people who speak Yoruba span countries including Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Brazil, and even the Caribbean. They comprise 16 percent of Nigeria’s population in states like Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos. Hence, they form the largest ethnic group in the country.

The official language of the Yoruba is the Yoruba language. This language has the highest number of native speakers. There are a lot of sights to see when you visit the southwestern part of Nigeria (Check here for tourist attractions in Yorubaland). The Yoruba are also known for their unique customs and traditions. Yoruba culture expects an ideal Yoruba to have some attributes of value. So, what exactly does it mean to be Yoruba?

1. Morality (Ìwà)

Having morals is an important attribute you should have as a Yoruba. Many Yoruba proverbs and stories mention the importance of this attribute. The proverb “obìnrin sòwà nù, óní òhun òlórí ọkọ” indicates how having morals benefits a lady. This proverb emphasizes how a lady without morals will find it hard to find a good husband. The belief is that her character will repel potential husbands.

Another adage, “ìwà lẹwà” states that having morals means having beauty. The two proverbs explain how you attract success only by having morals. This attribute will give you an edge when engaging in certain activities. You stand out when searching for a job, at work, and when you relate to other people. Having morals also helps when you get married and raise children. A known fact is that morality affects every aspect of your life.

2. Unity And Cooperation (Ìfọwọ́sowọ́pọ̀)

Among the Yoruba, there is an emphasis placed on unity and cooperation. They believe that progress can only occur when people in society come together. Society is susceptible to danger when there is a lack of unity. The world does not exist for one set of people; it should meet everybody’s needs regardless of sex, race, or age. There are many Yoruba proverbs and stories that make mention of this attribute.

A common Yoruba proverb says, “ọwọ́ ọmọdé ò tó pẹpẹ, t’àgbàlagbà ò wọ kèǹgbè” (“As a child’s hand cannot reach the top shelf, an adult’s hand cannot also enter the gourd”). The proverb indicates that everyone has different strengths. Hence, combining these strengths can only make everyone stronger. It emphasizes the strength of unity. The same logic goes for wisdom in “ọmọdé gbọ́n, àgbà gbọ́n lafi dá ilé ifẹ̀”. The proverb explains the creation of Ile-Ife with the combined intelligence of the young and the old.

Another proverb that emphasizes the benefit of unity says, “bí ìtakùn bá lè pa ẹnu pọ̀, wọ́n á mú erin so”. It indicates how a group of spiders can trap an elephant if they cast a web together. Some other Yoruba proverbs about unity are “àgbájọ ọwọ́ lafíí sọ̀yà” (“there is confidence in unity”), and “enìkan kìí jẹ́ àwá dé” (“an individual does not make a community”).

3. Bravery (Akínkanjú)

Being brave is another attribute the Yoruba value. Bravery is ingrained in Yoruba history and is thus valued. Several stories mention the heroics performed by widely-known historical figures. These figures include Moremi and Lishabi, among others.

● There was a time when the Egba people were at the mercy of Oyo; they had to pay tribute to Oyo in exchange for protection. The presence of Oyo officials in Egba became unbearable, and the people needed saving. Lishabi then came to their rescue. He organized a group of farmers, Egbe Aro, to help each other with their work. The group later evolved into an army, Egbe Olorogun. When the time was right, Lishabi gave the green light, which led to the killing of Oyo officials in his town of Igein.

The uprising triggered the massacre of many Oyo officials all over Egba land. The Alaafin of Oyo responded by sending an army against the rebels. Yet, through Lishabi’s cunning art of war, the Lishabi-led army ambushed and defeated the Oyo army. Lishabi did not stop at Egba’s independence from Oyo. He taught the Egba people how to defend themselves against attacks. He also helped them expand trade. Today, there is a day dedicated to celebrating the bravery and heroics of this great man.

● There is also Moremi, a popular figure in Yoruba. She was a brave and beautiful woman. During her time in Ile-Ife, the Igbo army raided the city on many occasions. They took slaves and disrupted the day-to-day activities. To find a solution, Moremi consulted with the spirits and offered her son as a sacrifice. She then allowed herself to be captured as an Igbo slave to learn how to overcome the Igbo army. Due to her beauty, the king of Igbo fell in love with her and married her.

After spending a long time with the Igbo, she finally learned their weaknesses. The weakness was to use fire against the Igbo army. She then returned to Ile-Ife and divulged the secret to the Ife king. As a result, they overcame the Igbo army and avoided extinction. The Yoruba kingdom was also able to expand its territory. In her honour, Ile-Ife built her a tall statue. She also has several roads, academic halls, and other places named after her.

The stories about these two figures show how much the Yoruba value their heroes. They have high regard for bravery and heroics.

4. Respect For Elders (Ìbọ̀wọ̀ F’ágbà)

Respect for elders cannot be overemphasized, especially for Yoruba youth. Regardless of an elder’s state, you must still show them respect. The Yoruba believe you can only gain experience and develop wisdom as you grow older. Hence, the vast experience an elder brings to the table is paramount. Yoruba culture expects you to relieve elders of their loads and never talk back or shout at them. Also, you should pay attention when they speak, then follow the advice they give. Yoruba value the presence of elders. This value is reflected in several Yoruba stories and adages.

A proverb says “àgbà kìí wà lọ́ jà kíí orí ọmọ tuntun ó wọ́”. The proverb explains the benefits of the vast experience an elder brings. It also finds the experience enough to guide the youth and ensure the smooth running of things. Another proverb about the value of elder is “tí ọmọdé bá ní asọ bí àgbà, kò le ní àkísà bíí àgbà”. The proverb states that a child with as many clothes as the old cannot have as many rags as they do. The meaning reiterates how “experience is the best teacher”. There is also “enu àgbà ni obì tín gbó” (“it is in the mouth of the elderly that the kola ripens”).

5. Respect For The Yoruba Kings (Íbọ̀wọ̀ F’ọ́ba)

Yoruba kings, known as Oba, rule over Yoruba towns. With time, constitutionally elected governors now preside over each Yoruba state. Still, the Yoruba have found ways to uphold the political authority vested in the Oba. An Oba, supported by some chiefs, rules over each Yoruba town.

Popular among these kings are the Olubadan of Ibadan, the Ooni of Ife, and the Alaafin of Oyo. The Oba’s most important role is to ensure peace and harmony in the towns they rule. The Oba deliberates with the chiefs on ways the community could progress. They also supervise some local projects. The Oba is a sacred ritual leader who approves sacrifices made to the Yoruba gods.

Becoming a Yoruba king still gets the highest form of celebration in Yoruba land. Coronation, as we know it, gets publicized throughout the country. The event includes many remarkable processes, with several dignitaries gracing the occasion. Celebrating coronations goes to show how important being an Oba is in Yoruba land. As an ideal Yoruba, you should know most Yoruba kings, especially in your town of origin. Then, show them the required respect.

Conclusion

Yoruba is more than an ethnic group; it is a way of life. Customs and traditions penetrate your everyday life. It starts right from birth, through getting married, and even past your death. The expectation is for you to have some unique attributes. These include bravery, morality, respect for elders, and value for their experience.

The Yoruba deities (Òriṣà), the supreme God (Olódùmarè), and the Yoruba kings (Ọba) should be important to you. Celebrating important Yoruba festivals should also be paramount. This article details some attributes you should have to be Yoruba.

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References

Dennett, R.E. (1968). Nigerian Studies: The Religious and Political System of the Yoruba (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429024450

Great Leaders In Nigeria’s History Before Total Colonisation – Politics – Nigeria. (2011).Nairaland. https://www.nairaland.com/675773/great-leaders-nigerias-history-before

Oreofe, V. A. P. B. (2018, January 28). Moremi Ajasoro, Princess of the Yoruba. Yoruba Folk Tales. https://yorubafolktales.wordpress.com/2018/01/27/moremi-ajasoro-princess-of-the-yoruba/

Wikipedia contributors. (2021a, August 10). Oba (ruler). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oba_(ruler)#:%7E:text=Oba%20means%20ruler%20in%20the,as%20a%20 pre%2Dnominal%20honorific.

Wikipedia contributors. (2021b, August 31). Yoruba people. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_people#:%7E:text=The%20Yoruba%20people%20(Yoruba%3A%20 %E1%BB%8Cm%E1%BB%8D,35%20million%20people%20in%20Africa.

Yoruba | people. (2014). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yoruba