News and statements
Statements, essays and press releases
- Legal caseThe so-called Ibadan treaty of 1893
Apparently there was a ‘treaty’ in 1893 concluded between Mr Denton, Acting Governor of the Lagos Colony, and the Baale of Ibadan. This treaty has been disseminated recently…
- HistoryOduduwa: sage, not city founder, not progenitor, not warrior
The meaning of the name Oduduwa is thought to hold the key to explaining myths surrounding the man. Samuel Johnson thought it to be ‘Odu’ (‘large pot’) combined…
- HistoryIn search of the Yoruba religion
Iṣẹṣe is a word commonly associated with the Yoruba religion. It has been translated to mean ‘the original tradition’. August 20 is the Iṣẹṣe day in parts, but…
- HistoryMeaning of the word ‘Yoruba’
Some day we Yoruba will realise the genius of our forefathers. The Yoruba did not write but they developed a language that was similar to writing. The language…
- HistoryThe Alaafin-OOni imbroglio: A Feud without substance.
The infinite ability of the Yoruba to adapt is both a blessing and a curse. Yoruba is the most successful of all of Africa’s races as a consequence…
- HistoryWho has the authority to change Yoruba tradition, Oba or the people?
The Yoruba word for tradition is ‘afowodowo’. By tradition the Yoruba meant a long-established custom or way of living passed down from generation to generation. To the Yoruba,…