History of Oduduwa in Yorubaland: Read the fascinating story
Did you know there are at least 20 million Yoruba people in the 21st century? This community is ranked among the largest ethnic groups in contemporary Nigeria. The traditional Yoruba community believed in various gods, including Oduduwa, Obatala, and Shango. Well, the history of Oduduwa in Yorubaland, in particular, is quite interesting.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Oduduwa is remembered as the father and leader of the Yoruba community.
- He is also known as Oòdua, Ooduwa, or Odudua.
- Oduduwa settled in Ile-Ife, where he founded a new home and community.
- In Yorubaland, Oduduwa is seen as a symbol of life or the power of the womb.
The history of Oduduwa in Yorubaland
The Yoruba people are predominant in the southwestern part of Nigeria. They can also be found in Togo and Benin.
Due to rural-urban migration, people from this community are also found in different parts of the country and the world. The Yoruba people believed in various gods and goddesses in the traditional set-up.
The belief in these gods may have changed due to the introduction of other religions during the colonial period. A retrospective look at the community's history shows that Oduduwa was an instrumental figure. Learn the true history of Oduduwa below.
Who is Oduduwa?
Oduduwa is a god (orisha) in the Yoruba community. He is revered as the founder of the community. He is also known as Oòdua, Ooduwa, or Odudua.
Oduduwa was an emissary from a community called Oke-Ora in the 12th century. Once he got to the city of Ife, commonly called Ile-Ife, he found a new home where he settled and started the community. He is a source of cultural identity and kingship in Yorubaland.
What is Oduduwa, the god of?
He is the chief god of the Yoruba community. He created the community. As a result, he symbolises the earth on which his people live.
What is the story of Oduduwa in Yoruba?
There are various stories about the deity's origin. These versions of the story are explored below.
Version 1: Man from Oke-Ora
Some people believe the god originated from Oke-Ora and came to earth via a mythical chain. He set out on a special mission from this community in the 12th century.
He settled in Ile-Ife. As a result, Ile-Ife is considered the spiritual heart of Yorubaland and the centre of the world.
Who did Oduduwa meet in Ile-Ife?
Oduduwa met Elu Mẹ́tàlá and well-respected elders in Ile Ife. It is alleged that he was a warrior who wore iron armour.
Instead of being absorbed into one of the communities, he chose to found his own. Many people also believe this god was responsible for the creation of the earth. They regard him as one of the deities who made the earth what it is today.
Version 2: Sent by Olodumare
According to another story of Oduduwa from some people, the deity was sent to earth by Olodumare, the Lord of the Skies. He was sent on a mission to fulfil what his brother Obatala, the King of White Clothes, was unable to complete.
Obatala was sent on earth to create land. Instead of doing as ordered by Olodumare, he partook of palm wine. As a result, he got too drunk to complete the mission. Oduduwa completed the mission when he settled in Ile-Ife. He became the first king in Yorubaland.
Version 3: Prince Lamurudu escapes his homeland
Another view suggests Oduduwa was the son of Prince Lamurudu/ Lamerudu, the son of King Kisra. Lamurudu's family was from the east.
Who is Oduduwa's father?
Based on this version of events, Lamurudu was Oduduwa's father. Lamurudu worshipped idols instead of the Great Allah. People from his community of origin did not like his religious stand. As a result, they threatened his life.
Lamurudu decided to flee from his homeland with his family. However, he died along the way, and his son Oduduwa continued the journey. He settled in Ile-Ife, where he founded the Yoruba dynasty and empire.
Significance of Oduduwa
As the creator of the Yoruba people, this deity is seen as a symbol of life or the power of the womb. He also represents omnipotence and the reservoir of manners and culture in the community.
Oduduwa's children
It is alleged that the deity had only one biological son named Aknbi. While many people are curious to know the names of the seven sons of Oduduwa, it was Aknbi who gave birth to seven children.
Their full names in order of birth are Olowu of Owu, Onisbe of Sabe, Onipopo of Popo, Oba of Benin, Orangun of Ila, Alaketu of Ketu, and Alafin of Oyo.
This means that the seven sons of Oduduwa did not exist. Instead, he had one son and seven grandchildren. It is believed that Olokun was Oduduwa's wife.
How did Oduduwa die?
It is believed that Oduduwa died in Ile Ife. At the time of his demise, he was surrounded by loved ones. All the community members loved and cherished him.
How did Oduduwa come to earth?
Some people believed the deity came to earth from the skies after receiving orders from Olodumare, the Lord of the Skies. Others believe he was the son of Lamurudu, while others say he was sent on a mission from Oke-Ora.
Who gave birth to Oduduwa?
The deity's parents are not known in one school of thought because he was sent on earth by Olodumare, the Lord of the Skies. Other people believe he was the son of Lamurudu.
Who is the founder of Yorubaland?
Oduduwa is respected as the founder of Yorubaland.
Who was the first king in Yorubaland?
Oduduwa was the first divine king of the Yoruba people. It is said these people believe that their civilisation began at Ile-Ife, where the gods descended to earth.
How many children did Oduduwa give birth to?
The deity welcomed one child. His child was blessed with seven children, meaning he has seven grandchildren.
Who are the seven sons of Oduduwa?
The deity has only one child, not seven. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, namely Olowu of Owu, Onisbe of Sabe, Onipopo of Popo, Oba of Benin, Orangun of Ila, Alaketu of Ketu, and Alafin of Oyo.
The history of Oduduwa in Yorubaland is quite interesting because there are different versions. Although each storyline is different, all versions agree that he is the creator of the Yoruba people.
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Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
