The Yoruba people are a big West African ethnic group living mostly in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. We are proud descendants of Odùduwà, with deep roots in these regions. Even though most of us live in southwestern Nigeria, there are smaller communities in Benin and Togo that keep our traditions alive.

Yoruba mask, copper alloy, by Ali Amonikoyi, c. 1910; in the Brooklyn Museum, New York.

With over 50 million Yoruba people worldwide, we comprise about 20.7% of Nigeria’s population. Our language, Yoruba, is part of the Niger-Congo family, and it helps us stay connected and express who we are.

We have a rich and unique heritage because of trade, marriage, and cultural exchange. A beautiful example of our art is a kneeling female figure attributed to Areogun of Osi, Nigeria. This wood sculpture, created in the late 19th or early 20th century, is now in the Brooklyn Museum. It shows the skill and cultural depth of our people.

Yoruba kneeling female figure, wood sculpture attributed to Areogun of Osi, Nigeria

Most Yoruba men are farmers, growing things like yams, corn, and millet, as well as plantains, peanuts, beans, and peas. Cocoa is a major cash crop that has helped us become wealthy. Women play a big role in the market system. Their status is often based on their role in trade, not their husband’s. This shows how important women are in keeping commerce and society balanced.

Yoruba People Around the World

Yoruba people can be found all over the world, especially in the UK, Canada, the US, Brazil, Latin America, and the Caribbean, especially Cuba. There are also big communities in South America and Australia, carrying our traditions with them.

A group of Yoruba people at a public event

In the US, our Yoruba language is the most widely spoken African Niger-Congo language among native speakers. It’s especially strong in states like Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. In 2022, there were over 207,000 people who spoke Yoruba in these states. Yoruba is also the second-largest African language spoken in states like New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. Interestingly, in Texas, some driving schools even offer training in Yoruba, showing how deeply rooted our culture and language are, even in everyday life. This demonstrates how we are still connected to our roots, even far from home.

The Yoruba people spread all over the world because of the Atlantic slave trade and people choosing to move. Even though we don’t know exactly how many Yoruba descendants there are outside Africa, we can see the big cultural impact they’ve had. In the Americas, especially in Cuba and Brazil, our Yoruba culture has left a deep and lasting mark. In Bahia, Brazil, many Yoruba people from Oyo, Ijesha, Ijebu, and Egba settled. By the 19th century, almost 70% of enslaved people in Bahia were Yoruba, making our people a major part of the region’s cultural identity.

Our influence can also be seen in places like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. In Jamaica, Yoruba traditions like the Ettu ceremony and the worship of Shango have continued, keeping our heritage alive.

Names and Their Significance

Brass head of the Ooni of Ife

The term “Yoruba” carries deep meaning, coming from “Ori Obba,” which means “the Head King.” This shows how much leadership and respect matter in our culture. Over time, we’ve been known by different names, like Nago, Anago, Lucumi, Olukumi, and Aku, reflecting the influence we’ve had and the connections we’ve made throughout history. These names highlight the rich interactions and presence of our people across various regions.

The Origins of the Ife Empire

The origins of our Ife Empire are a bit of a mystery, but we know there were settlements in Ile-Ife as early as the 10th to 6th century BCE. Over time, the city grew into a big urban center by the 4th to 7th centuries CE. By the 8th century, it had become a powerful city-state, which led to the rise of the Ife Empire (around 1200-1420). Under leaders like Oduduwa, the first divine king of our people, Ile-Ife became a cultural and political force, influencing what is now southwestern Nigeria.

Between 1200 and 1400, which is often considered our “golden age,” Ile-Ife was a very successful place with amazing art, a strong economy, and good urban development. Our artists made remarkable sculptures from bronze, terracotta, and stone. These sculptures were known for their realism and skill. These pieces likely had religious meaning, showing our cosmology and spiritual beliefs.

Ife Head Sculpture

Ile-Ife was also a busy trading place, connecting us to trade networks across West Africa. We had a glass bead industry, which made sought-after dichroic beads with a shimmering glow. These beads were very valuable and traded far away, even to the Sahel region. This shows how much influence we had.

The wealth from trade helped our city grow. Archaeological discoveries show a well-planned city with good infrastructure, such as paved roads and drainage systems. A unique feature of the city was the use of potsherd pavements, made from broken pottery fragments. These pavements were both functional and beautiful. The sophisticated design of Ile-Ife shows our prosperity and the complex social organization needed to support such a large population.

Even though the Ife Empire began to decline in the 15th century, our legacy in art, culture, and trade continues to be important in the region.

The Oyo Empire

The Oyo Empire was one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa. It was started by Oranyan, who was believed to be a son of Oduduwa. It started as a small place but grew into a big regional power. By the 17th century, we were known for our good leaders, our location, and our strong army.

Wooden Figure, Oyo Empire

Oyo was in a great place between the southern forests and the northern Niger River. This meant it could control important trade routes. We traded things like kola nuts, leather, and horses. This made the empire rich and powerful all over West Africa. We also made strong friendships with other places nearby, which helped us become even more powerful and successful.

Our greatest strength was our army, especially our soldiers on horses. These soldiers helped us win battles and take over other kingdoms, like Dahomey. Our government was also very well-organized. The Alaafin of Oyo was the main ruler, but he worked with other officials and chiefs to make sure the empire ran smoothly. This good system of government helped us stay strong and stable for many years.

The Slave Trade and Its Impact on the Yoruba

Some believe that the Yoruba people never sold their people. Dr. Raphael James, a Yoruba historian, argues that while some powerful leaders and individuals were involved in the trade, many Yoruba communities resisted and did not willingly participate. He explains that much of the slave trade was driven by external forces and that many Yoruba were victims of raids, rather than willing participants. The idea that the Yoruba sold their own is a complex narrative, and not all communities or individuals were involved in this tragic chapter of our history.

The slave trade had a huge impact on the Yoruba people. The Oyo Empire played a big role in this, capturing and selling people to European traders. This changed the focus of leadership, as some leaders sought power through warfare and the sale of captives.

“Journey of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile” by John Hanning Speke, New York 1869

The slave trade tore apart families and made different Yoruba groups distrust each other, weakening our society. While some individuals became wealthy, the overall effect on our communities was harmful. Many Yoruba people were taken across the Atlantic to places like America, Brazil, and the Caribbean. The journey, known as the Middle Passage, was extremely harsh and dangerous. Many died from illness or poor conditions aboard the ships, and those who survived faced a life of enslavement in foreign lands.

Despite the horrors of slavery, we held onto our language, traditions, and beliefs, helping us stay connected to our roots even in the most difficult times.

The Yoruba Language

Our Yoruba culture is based on strong oral traditions. The Yoruba language is a big part of this. As of 2010, around 30 million people spoke Yoruba. This language is classified within the Edekiri languages and is part of the Yoruboid group, along with the closely related Igala. In the past, Yoruba and Igala were so similar that some thought Igala was just a dialect of Yoruba.

The Yoruboid languages are believed to have come from an ancient Volta-Niger group by the first millennium BCE. Today, Yoruba is divided into three main dialect areas: Northwest, Central, and Southeast. The Northwest dialects, connected to the historical Oyo Empire, show more changes in the language. In contrast, the Southeast dialects, associated with the Benin Empire’s expansion around 1450, are older. Central Yoruba blends features from both the Northwest and Southeast regions.

Literary Yoruba, which is the standard used in schools and media, is based on the Northwestern dialects of the Oyos and Egbas. It came from the efforts of Yoruba Christian missionaries in Abeokuta and a grammar compiled in the 1850s by Bishop Crowther, a Sierra Leonean of Oyo descent. While the spelling of Literary Yoruba mostly reflects the Abeokuta dialect, its grammar is rooted in the Ọyọ-Ibadan dialects.

Archbishop-Samuel-Ajayi-Crowther courtesy of the Church Mission Society

Political and Social Structure

In every Yoruba city, we had a king called the Oba and a group of chiefs known as the Oloyes. The Oba was the main ruler, making big decisions and looking after the people, while the Oloyes helped the Oba with things like trade, religion, and laws.

Even though all Yoruba cities had Obas, each one led in its own way. For example, in Oyo, the Alaafin was a very powerful leader because Oyo had a strong army. In Ijebu, the Awujale focused more on trade.

But being an Oba or Oloye wasn’t just about having power. Our leaders were expected to be wise, fair, and respectful of our traditions. A good leader kept the peace and made sure people were happy.

We also had a system that made sure no ruler was above the law. Even Obas had to follow the rules. If an Oba wasn’t doing a good job, we could make him step down. This helped prevent leaders from becoming too powerful or selfish.

Councils of elders and chiefs made sure that rulers acted in the best interest of the people. If an Oba or a chief acted unfairly, these councils stepped in to solve the problem and protect the community.

A symbol of justice in our culture was the calabash bowl. If an Oba wasn’t fit to rule, the chiefs would present him with an empty calabash. This was a respectful way of telling him that his time as ruler was over, and he would have to step down.

This system kept our rulers humble and reminded them that their job was to serve the people. It helped maintain peace, justice, and respect for our traditions, while also making sure that leaders were held accountable for their actions.

Our political and social structure created a balance between power and responsibility, which allowed us to live in harmony and respect our leaders.

Changes in Yorubaland

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, our people faced big changes. One major event was the Fulani jihad, which led to Ilorin becoming part of the Fulani empire. This was a tough time for the Oyo Empire. They had to move to a new place called Oyo Atiba to protect our land from further attacks.

At the same time, there were conflicts between different Yoruba cities, making things even more challenging. Eventually, European powers got involved. The British came in and slowly took control of Yorubaland. By 1960, we became part of the British colony of Nigeria.

Yoruba Religion

One of the most important aspects of the Yoruba religion is honoring ancestors and worshiping divine beings that serve the supreme creator force, Ase. Orisa are responsible for different aspects of life and nature. Some well-known Orisa include Ogun, the god of metal, war, and victory; Shango, the god of thunder, lightning, and justice; Esu Elegbara, the trickster and messenger who understands all languages and guards crossroads; and Orunmila, the god of wisdom and divination, who guides us through the Ifa oracle system.

Symbol of the Global Isese Community with labels/descriptions

Olorun, Olodumare, and Olofin are three key manifestations of the supreme God in our Yoruba pantheon. Olorun is the owner of the heavens and associated with the sun, while Olodumare is the supreme creator, and Olofin connects the heavens and the earth. Other significant deities include Oshumare, the god of rainbows, and Obatala, the god of clarity and creativity. These gods are not only revered in Yorubaland but also have a global following, with Yoruba religious traditions practiced in areas like the Americas and Europe. Scholars estimate there may be more than 100 million adherents worldwide.

Below is a quick look at some notable Orisa and their roles:

Agemo: Represents the chameleon and serves the gods.

Aganju: God of volcanoes, wilderness, and fire.

Ayangalu: Patron of drummers.

Egungun: Venerated ancestral spirits.

Eshu: Trickster god of mischief, the crossroads, and messenger to the gods.

Obatala: Creator deity, known for clarity and wisdom.

Ogun: God of war, metalwork, and craftsmanship.

Shango: God of thunder, lightning, fire, and dance.

Yemoja: Goddess of creation, water, and motherhood.

The Arrival of Christianity

Christianity came to Yorubaland in the mid-19th century, changing our culture a lot. European traders, who were mostly interested in trade, introduced both Christianity and Western ideas. The Portuguese were some of the first to arrive, but it was the British and French who eventually became the main colonizers. They divided Yorubaland between British Nigeria and French-controlled territories (now Benin and Togo).

Anna Hinderer church and mission house at Ibadan, 1850s

Roman Catholics were the first to establish missions. They became stronger with the return of former Yoruba slaves from Latin America, most of whom were Catholic. However, the Protestant missionaries, especially from the Church Mission Society (CMS) in England, had the biggest impact. They spread Christianity widely throughout the region.

Methodist missionaries established their mission in 1842, and CMS figures like Henry Townsend, C.C. Gollmer, and Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a famous Yoruba convert, played key roles in spreading the faith. The efforts of returning slaves from Sierra Leone, known as Saros, alongside local Yoruba missionaries, further solidified Christianity’s presence. Samuel Ajayi Crowther, in particular, made a lasting impact with his lingu..istic skills. He was very good at translating and spreading Christian teachings, leaving a lasting legacy in our culture.

The Arrival of Islam

Islam came to Yorubaland in the 14th century, introduced by Wangara merchants from the Mali Empire. The Yoruba call Islam “Esin Male” or “Imale,” which means “the religion of the Malians.” Muslims are known as “Musulumi,” which means “submitter” or “one who practices peace.”

Islam became established early in Yorubaland. Many Yoruba slaves taken to the Americas were already practicing Muslims. Mosques began to appear. The first one was built in Iwo in 1655, followed by others in Iseyin, Lagos, Shaki, and Osogbo. These mosques played a key role in the growth of Muslim communities.

By the 19th century, towns like Oyo, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Ikirun, and Ede had well-established Muslim communities. This shows how Islam had become an important part of our cultural and spiritual heritage, even before the Sokoto jihad.

Yoruba Art and Architecture

Yoruba art and architecture are very old and show how creative and important our people are. In medieval times, Yoruba settlements were often protected by huge mud walls, and the buildings were like Ashanti shrines, with verandas around central courtyards. These walls were made from mud mixed with palm oil, and the roofs were thatched or made from corrugated iron sheets.

Terracotta head representing oni or King of Ife, 12th to 16th century

One of the most famous examples of Yoruba architecture is Sungbo’s Eredo, a vast system of mud walls and valleys around Ijebu-Ode. Built between the 9th and 11th centuries to honor Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo, this monumental structure is the largest pre-colonial building in Africa. It is even bigger than the Great Pyramid or Great Zimbabwe.

Sungbo’s Eredo

Yoruba artists worked with a wide range of materials, including bronze, terracotta, ivory, textiles, and wood. What makes our art special is its striking realism—life-sized human sculptures that stand out in African art. We also shared ideas with our neighbors, especially the Benin Empire, whose brass casters learned their craft from an Ife master sent to Benin in the 1400s.

Much of Yoruba artwork, like staffs, royal attire, and beadwork for crowns, is linked to the palaces and royal courts. These courts also commissioned beautifully carved architectural elements, such as veranda posts and doors. Palaces, built with thick walls and significant spiritual meaning, were dedicated to the gods. Shrines were decorated with carvings and housed altar figures. Our masking traditions, especially the Egúngún masquerades, are an essential part of festivals and ancestor reverence.

One of the most notable Yoruba masquerades is the Gelede. According to our oral tradition, the Gelede celebration began with Yemoja, the mother of all orisa and living things. After consulting an Ifa oracle, Yemoja performed a ritual involving dance and wooden images, which enabled her to have children. Her first child, Efe, introduced humor and jest to the tradition, while her second child, Gelede, loved dancing, which inspired the masked dance rituals we still perform today.

Both the Gelede spectacle and the Ifa divination system are recognized by the United Nations as part of the world’s Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, highlighting the rich legacy of Yoruba culture.

Modern-Day Yoruba People

Today, Yoruba people live in many places around the world, including West Africa, the U.S., the U.K., Brazil, and the Caribbean. This global spread is due to migration caused by economic and political changes in Nigeria.

Even though we are spread across the globe, Yoruba culture continues to shine. Our music, art, and fashion have a significant global impact. You can see Yoruba influences in everything from the rhythms of music to vibrant fashion designs. Many Yoruba people maintain strong connections to our traditions, ensuring that our rich heritage remains influential wherever we are.

Yoruba Descendants That Are Popular in the Diaspora

Yoruba descendants have made their mark in many parts of the world, especially in the entertainment industry. These individuals continue to inspire others with their talents and proudly represent their Yoruba heritage. Here are some popular Yoruba descendants in the diaspora:

1. Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman

The late Black Panther star, Chadwick Boseman, was widely recognized for his powerful performances and deep connection to African culture. He left an unforgettable legacy, especially for his role as King T’Challa, which celebrated African heritage globally.

2. Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye

Adepero is a talented actress known for her roles in films like Pariah and 12 Years a Slave. Her Yoruba roots shine through in her dedication to her craft and her strong sense of identity.

3. Folake Olowofoyeku

Folake Olowofoyeku

Known for her role in the hit TV series Bob Hearts Abishola, Folake Olowofoyeku has become a trailblazer for Nigerian and Yoruba representation in mainstream American television.

4. Hakeem Kae-Kazim

Hakeem Kae-Kazim

Hakeem is a versatile actor known for his work in Hotel Rwanda and 24. He has proudly represented Yoruba culture on screen and is known for playing both African and international roles.

5. Hope Olaide Wilson

Hope Olaide Wilson

Hope is a Nigerian-British actress who has gained recognition for her role in the movie Solace and TV series The Fosters. Her performances reflect her deep cultural heritage and connection to the Yoruba people.

6. John Boyega

John Boyega

The Star Wars actor, John Boyega, is of Yoruba descent. He is vocal about his heritage and has used his platform to speak out on social justice issues, proudly representing Nigeria and the Yoruba people.

7. Oladayo Okeniyi

Oladayo Okeniyi

Oladayo, best known for his role in The Hunger Games, is another Yoruba talent making waves in Hollywood. He continues to carry the pride of his heritage through his impressive performances.

8. Olugbenga Enitan Akinnagbe

Olugbenga Enitan Akinnagbe

Known for his role in The Wire, Gbenga Akinnagbe has established himself as a skilled actor. His Yoruba heritage plays an important part in his identity as he continues to rise in the entertainment world.

9. David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo is a celebrated actor best known for his portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma. His Yoruba roots influence his acting and his perspective on African history and culture.

10. Rotimi Akinosho

Rotimi Akinosho

The actor and singer known simply as Rotimi has become popular for his role in the TV show Power. His Yoruba heritage has been a central part of his life, and he continues to celebrate it through his art.

11. Tomiwa Edun

Tomiwa Edun

Tomiwa Edun, known for his work in Merlin and The House of the Dragon, has become a recognizable face in British television. His Yoruba roots are a source of pride as he navigates his acting career.

These individuals have achieved great success in the diaspora, showing the strength, talent, and resilience of the Yoruba people. Their global impact continues to shine a light on Yoruba culture.

Source: YouTube Video

Conclusion

The Yoruba people have shown incredible strength and creativity throughout history. Despite many challenges, we’ve adapted and thrived, keeping our traditions alive. From ancient times to today, our culture has evolved and spread, influencing many aspects of life like art, music, and spirituality. Our enduring legacy highlights how resilient and impactful our heritage is, not just in Nigeria, but all around the world.

What part of Yoruba culture or history do you find most fascinating?