The Osun Osogbo festival is one of the oldest festivals in Nigeria. It’s been practised for so many years. And this tradition is being passed down from generation to generation. The significance of a festival is in its continuity. This has awarded the Osun-Osogbo festival as the most celebrated ritual in the Southwest. Undoubtedly, festivals are intricate social events you want to be a part of. It covers a period when people and organizations are engaged in a range of activities in different locations. In Nigeria, festivals play a significant role in marking history and culture. Although, the earliest history of the communities where cultural festivals are celebrated may be found in the majority of African nations. Still, traditional festival celebrations serve as occasions for cultural analysis. This gives room for people to recall significant moments in their communities’ past and devise modifications where necessary. Beyond excitement, drums and dancing, cultural festivals are a traditional way for you to learn about Yoruba communities. Where is Osun-Osogbo located? Osun-Osogbo is located in the Southwestern region of Nigeria. It is about four hour drive from Nigeria’s commercial capital-Lagos. Osun Osogbo is located in Osun State. The state is regarded as the founding home of the Yoruba. It is the location of Ile Ife. The founding home of the progenitor of the Yoruba race. The origin of the Osun-Osogbo Festival The annual Osun Osogbo festival is a two-week-long celebration that includes twelve days of rituals, entertainment and cultural preservation. The first festival was recorded 700 years ago. The origin of the Osun-Osogbo festival is linked to the prominent role played by the Osun goddess in the establishment and settlement of Osogbo. The Osun goddess is highly revered as the goddess of fertility, giver of prosperity, goddess of children, a healer and a diviner by the Osun people. Women expecting children often attend the festival to seek fruit of the womb. A long time ago, after the ancestors of Osogbo discovered a new colony, they decided to liberate and develop the regions. All they had in mind was a habitation for themselves and their descendants. However, in the process of doing this, they came in touch with the “Oso Igbo” which means wizard of the forest. This happened when the ancestors cleared out a portion of land. A tree was cut down and it dropped on the river. It was recorded in history that the goddess was angry because of this and decided to appear to the wrongdoers. As a way to appease the goddess of the river for the distortion, the ancestors of Osogbo decided to offer a sacrifice. Thankfully, the river goddess received the sacrifice and made a pact with the people of Osogbo. Another notable occurrence was the representative that the goddess sent to the people of Osun. This messenger came in form of a fish and it was received on the palms of the traditional ruler at that time. The agreement was that the sacrifice would be done annually. In return, the Osun goddess promised to support and protect the inhabitants of Osun-Osogbo. The instructions were given to the people of Osogbo as a condition for their growth, wealth, safety and establishment. The inhabitants of Osun have since kept their part of the deal. Traditional rulers that have emerged, continue to offer sacrifices to the Osun goddess yearly. Location of Osun-Osogbo Festival, The Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove With a history dating back several centuries, the Osun-Osogbo Grove is one of the last remaining sacred forests in Nigeria. Sacred groves previously bordered most Yoruba settlements before widespread civilization. This has led to the destruction of most sacred groves. The Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 in recognition of its importance on a worldwide scale and its cultural significance. It is one of the two UNESCO world heritage sites in Nigeria. The Osun-Osogbo Grove was profaned in the 1950s when grove shrines were disregarded and priests left the area as traditional obligations and punishments decreased. Thanks to Susanne Wenger who brought back the glory of this once glorious heritage. Date of The Osun Osogbo Festival The date for the Osun Osogbo festival is usually celebrated in August every year. Remarkable Happenings at the Osun Osogbo Festival Despite the presence of other ancestral festivals in Osogbo, the Osun-Osogbo festival is the most popular and exceptional in the entire region. To add to this, the celebration is particularly well-liked not just among the Yoruba tribe in southwest Nigeria, but it is also globally renowned. It should be noted that the Osun festival is an orderly ceremony. Therefore, you need to understand the basis of the event and all there is to this exceptional practice. The festival is attended by tourists from different countries of the world, Here are the remarkable events that take place at the festival and all you should know about them; The road cleansing sacrifice The Osun Osogbo festival opens yearly in August with a road cleansing sacrifice- ‘Iwó Pópó’. This is a replica of the historical path clearing that took place years ago. This happening starts with the traditional clearing of the unwanted plants and trees along the central path of the community. It is necessary to prevent anything that might impede the inflow of visitors to Osogbo and demonstrates ancestral protection. Once this is completed, the Osun festival can begin in its full glory. Majorly, all the acts conducted at the festival are repetitions of the events that took place in Osogbo years ago. The role of the Traditional ruler- Ataoja, Osun priest and priestess It must be mentioned that the sacred rituals of the Osun Osogbo festival re-establish the spiritual union and renew the pathway between the goddess and the people of Osogbo. The Ataoja is the title of the traditional ruler in Osogbo. It is the short form of ‘Atéwógbeja’. This means the palms stretched out to receive the fish. I mentioned this in the history of the
Erin Ijesha Waterfalls – The Beauty of Olumirin Waterfalls
Erin Ijesha Waterfall is one of the popular waterfalls in Nigeria. Erin Ijesha is a seven-step waterfall located in the heart of Osun State. It is many beautiful tourist attraction in Nigeria. Erin Ijesha waterfall is located in Southwest Nigeria. The name Erin Ijesha can be loosely translated as the Elephant of Ijesha. At the top of the hill on the seventh floor is the source of the water and the ancient Abake Village. Olumirin Waterfalls as it is known by the locals derived its name from the fact that it has seven levels. Each of the levels gives tourists a new and different experience. About the Waterfall Erin Ijesha waterfall is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Nigeria. It is less than a kilometre from the express. No wonder it is one of the most visited waterfalls in Nigeria. Erin Ijesha Waterfall is one of the many natures gifts to Nigeria. It is one of the many natural wonders of the world in Nigeria. The first floor is usually less populated with water gushing down from the top. It is the favourite destination for people scared of height and does not want to engage in the endurance trek. It has seven different falls, the second level is the largest with water gushing down from over 40 metres from the top of the mountain. The Erin Ijesha waterfall is the definition of natures beauty. Erin Ijesha has seven stages and three waterfalls, the seventh level is not a waterfall but host the source of the waterfall. Every moment at this waterfall is worth the experience. Erin Ijesha is one of the most visited waterfalls in Nigeria with over one hundred thousand visitors yearly. As you make way into Erin Ijesha Waterfall, you are surrounded by gigantic mountains, beautiful sceneries and tall trees. The trees are so tall it looks like they are all competing with one another. As you walk along its stairs, you are ushered into the venue by traditional entertainers singing, chanting and beating the talking drums. Videos From Erin Ijesha Waterfalls The Different Levels at the Waterfalls There are seven different levels at Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, the first and the second levels are the easiest. The First Level The First Floor and second floors have a lovely waterfall. The first waterfall is about 20 metres long. It is one of the most beautiful scenes you’d ever see with steady water gushing down from the top of the rock. The Second Level The second floor involves climbing the stairs to an elevated part of the mountain which hosts the second waterfall. It is a little bit hidden which gives it some form of privacy. The water gushing from this waterfall is more compared to the one on the first floor. During rainy seasons, the waterfall on the second floor forms a shallow pool where fun lovers can swim. The Third Level The third floor is one of the most difficult to climb. If you are not an adventurer, your journey would probably end at the second waterfall. The second waterfall at Erin Ijesha is located on the second floor. The third level has no waterfall, it is a rough path with no stairs, you have to find your way through the rubbles using both your hand and legs. Climbing through the ridges is one of the most difficult parts of getting to the third floor. To do a successful climb, you will need to support yourself with the roots and stem of plants to get to the fourth level. The third floor is the most difficult part. It is not a journey for the fainthearted. It’s one of my most adventurous hiking experience. I have hiked Olumo rock in Abeokuta, Arinta waterfalls Ekiti, Idanre Hills Ondo etc. Erin Ijesha is the most difficult and interesting. If you want to have a feel of Erin Ijesha waterfall, its terrain, culture, tradition, people and history, you should make this climb. 4th, 5th and 6th Level The fourth, fifth and sixth floors are not as challenging as the third, you just have to walk through to get to the apex. The Seventh Level The seventh floor is the reward for your tenacity and labour, it serves as a host to an ancient community and it is also the source of the Erin Ijesha waterfall. The village has been in existence almost as far back as the discovery of Olumirin waterfalls. Another motivation is if you successfully make this journey. You would have successfully walked from Osun State to Ekiti State. The Abake village is under Ekiti state. The seventh floor is the peak, it is one of the most beautiful views ever. The hiking takes between 45 minutes to 2 hours to get to the peak of Erin Ijesha. Erin Ijesha waterfalls is a combination of Hills, Valleys, rocks, lush green vegetation and one of the most beautiful waterfalls. The vegetation is preserved like it was since it was first discovered by the princess of Ile Ife. Apart from the stairs and mini bridges that have been added to this place to make climbing easy. Erin Ijesha has maintained its original state for many centuries. Opening Hours AT Erin Ijesha Erin Ijesha Waterfalls opens from 7 am to 6 pm daily. It opens Mondays to Sundays including public holidays. History of Erin Ijesha waterfalls There are many conflicting stories about the history of Erin Ijesha Waterfalls (Olumirin Waterfalls). The first one states that it was discovered many centuries ago by the daughter of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race. Another school of thought believed that it was discovered by hunters who were on a hunting adventure. On sighting this beautiful waterfall, they thought it was another god and named it Olumirin (another deity). It is a collection of seven different cascades which pours over a cliff creating an impressive seven-part waterfall. Location of Olumirin Waterfalls (Erin Ijesha Waterfalls) It is located at Erin Oke, Oriade Local Government Area
Opa Oranmiyan – The History of The Staff of Oranmiyan
The Staff of Oranmiya or Opa Oranmiyan as the locals often call it is a legendary staff which was installed by Oranmiyan, the son of Oduduwa who is the progenitor of the Yoruba race. The legendary Oranmiyan Staff was installed many centuries ago remain intact and has maintained its size and shape for centuries.The staff which has now become a popular tourist attraction in Ile has an amazing story behind it. Who is Oranmiyan? Firstly, you may be wondering who is Oranmiyan and why the big deal about a staff. Oranmiyan was a Yoruba prince, who later became the sixth King of Ile Ife. Ile Ife is the home of the Yoruba people, it is the place where the Yoruba race started. The Legendary Oranmiyan is the last born of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race. Though he was the last son, he became the heir to the throne. He played a remarkable and significant role in the history of Yoruba and its neighbouring cities. His reign was felt in from Ile Ife to the Benin kingdom, down to Ibadan, Ilorin and Benin Republic.He was a strong warrior, he invaded Benin and was crowned the first Oba of Benin, Oranmioyan left Ile Ife and founded the Oyo Empire where again he became the first Alaafin of Oyo. Man of Two Fathers According to legend, Oranmiyan had two fathers, Oduduwa and Ogun. His mother’s name is Lakange Anihunka, she was a slave captured by Ogun during one of his battles. Her beauty, however, led to Oduduwa and Ogun having a sexual relationship with her. She produced a son who was said to be two-toned, half of his body was light skin just like that of Ogun and the other half was dark-skinned like that of Oduduwa. This was the origin of his name Oranmiyan which means the child has chosen to be controversial. Truly, he became very controversial. Oranmiyan is also known as Oranyan, he also bears Odede which means a great hunter. Just like his fathers, he was a hunter and a warrior. He was so powerful that he led the first military formation in Ile Ife. No wonder he was the first Odole Oduduwa (The youth of the house of Oduduwa) and the first Akogun of Ife due to his battle skills. He was A Warrior During the earliest cold war that happened within the Ile Ife region, Oranmiyan and his trained warrior was sent by the fouth Ooni of Ife Obalufon Ogbogbodirin, to invade Igodomigodo (Now Benin City) with the son of Ogun named Okanbi. This expenditure was supposed to be a death trap for Oranmiyan and Okanbi to allow the reigning King to rule in peace. This was because Oranmiyan is known to be very troublesome and notorious. Oranmiyan accepted the task, he invaded, attacked, conquered and subdued Igodomigodo with his armies. He camped with his men at a place called Use which means making of a city. Oranmiyan – The First King of Benin Upon conquering the city, he decided to be King, he became the first Oba of Benin. His foreign style of rulership didn’t go well with the people of Igodomigodo and they started spying on him with the plan of killing him. Oranmiyan got to know about their plans, this didn’t go well with him. He felt only an indigene of Igodomigodo can successfully rule these people. Therefore, he decided to leave the city and he named the place Ile Ibinu that is, the land of anger. Over time Ile Ibinu became Ibini and which was corrupted and converted to Benin by the Portuguese who couldn’t pronounce Ibini. Before leaving Ile Ibinu, he went to Egor where he took the beautiful daughter of the Chief Enogie of Egor as a wife. The union produced a boy names Eweka. Due to the issues in Benin, Oranmiyan continued his expenditure and he never returned to Benin. His son, Eweka became the second king of Benin Kingdom. Because Oranmiyan was the product of a god, this is why the King of Benin is known as the god-king and the belief still holds till date.Oranmiyan became so powerful as his army grew so large, he went north which is now the present Oyo State. He founded the Oyo Empire and named it Oyo Ile. He went to war with his neighbouring town and conquered them. Then took the daughter of the King of Tapa as a wife. Oranmiyan went as far as Ilorin down to Ogun River, Osun and even to Dahomey, the present Benin Republic (Benin republic is a country different from Benin State). The Legendary Oranmiyan staff The Oranmiyan staff is about 18 feet tall, it is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. This is due to the history, story and the myth surrounding the Oranmiyan Staff. Oranmiyan played a vital role in connecting Ile Ife to Benin and the Oyo empire. He was a great traveller, a warrior who loves taking territories. After his so many conquests, he came back to Ile Ife and told the reigning King is he back to take the position of his fathers. He told the incumbent King that he wants to rule. Because he was a powerful warrior, the incumbent King had to leave to another town. He was highly feared because he was a warrior. After so many years of peaceful reign, he decided to go on another journey. Oranmiyan promised if they ever needed him they should make some incantations and he would come back. He was gone for a long time and the people expected him to come back. He never showed up. The Invasion Then the enemies heard of his absence. Ile Ife got attacked. The people of Ife decided to cry out to him. Just like he promised, he came from nowhere and was attacking everything on its path. With his sword, he unleashed so much terror that he killed the invading army and
Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Osun Osogbo Grove is a UNESCO world Heritage site in Nigeria. It is one of the last remaining sacred forests in Nigeria. It is located along the bank of the Osun Osogbo river in the ever-busy city of Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The grove is one of the last remaining sacred forests in Nigeria. It has been preserved for many centuries. It is known to be the home of the goddess of fertility. The grove is adorned with beautiful landscape, lovely artworks, sculptures, high sanctuaries and shrines. In honour of the Yoruba deity Osun. About the Grove Thousands of years ago, sacred groves were popular and prevalent in almost every Yoruba traditional villages. With the advent of western religion and development, most of these sacred groves have either shrunk in sizes or abandoned. Most sacred groves have either been neglected, been taken over by housing development, abandoned and forgotten. The Osun Osogbo sacred grove is still standing despite many years of its existence. The Sacred grove boasts of two palaces, five sacred centres, 9 worship points spread around the sacred grove which lies along the Osun Osogbo river bank. The Artworks Most of the artworks installed are within the last sixty years. The grove is a religious and sacred place while to some it is like a pilgrimage site where its worshippers visit yearly for cleansing and to appease the gods.In the twentieth century, there was a call to revive the remains of this decaying grove and restore its past glory. This action led to a movement headed by Susanne Wenger (1915-2009) an Austrian artist who later became a Yoruba priestess to transform the Osun Osogbo grove into an artistic hub through her Sacred Art movement. Sacred Grove In the olden days, Sacred groves were present in almost every Yoruba settlement, there were sacred forests dedicated to the gods. Over the years most of these Sacred groves have been abandoned with the introduction of Christianity, Islam and civilisation. Most of them became non-existence over time. This has made the Osun Osogbo an important tourist destination because it is the only surviving sacred grove in Yorubaland. The Osun Osogbo River According to Yoruba folklore, the Osun Osogbo river was a Queen married to one of the strongest Kings in the Yoruba Kingdom known as Sango (The God of Thunder) Thor probably comes to mind. She had a misunderstanding with her husband and anger, she turned into what we know today as the Osun Osogbo river. The river was first discovered by a hunter who decided to settle close to the river due to famine. The goddess promised to protect them provided they built a shrine and protect the grove. This is the legendary tale of the Osun Osogbo river goddess. Susan Wenger Movement In the early fifties, the sacred forest was losing its significance. It was abandoned and invaded by poachers, fishing activities, and experienced massive deforestation. An Austrian lady known as Susan Wenger visited Osun State with her husband. She fell in love with the practices and culture, so she decided to stay. Upon realizing the illegal activities going in the once-booming grove, through the local authorities. She decided to set up the New Sacred Art movement to stop the abuse and illegal activities going on within the shrine. Her Work At the Sacred Grove After falling in love with the practice, she decided to stay in Nigeria against her husband wishes. They divorced and she was named the Adunni Olorisa. Her presence and works lead to the popularity of the Osun Osogbo Grove. She lived all her life in the city of Osogbo with her adopted children. Susan Wenger died in 2009 at the at of 93. She became a custodian and a priestess of the Osun Osogbo grove. An act that further increased the popularity and significance of the grove. Though the history of the Osun Osogbo grove dates as far back as over 500 years. The history of the grove will not be complete without Susan Wenger. The Osun Osogbo Festival The Osun Osogbo grove serves as the location for the celebration of the Osun Osogbo festival. It is an annual festival in Osun State in honour of the Osun goddess. Osun Osogbo grove serves as the location of the Osun Osogbo festival which has gain popularity all over the world. This event witnessed visits from tourists, locals, international spectators, traditionalists and worshippers from all works of life who grace this yearly occasion. The Sacred Month The month of August is a sacred month in Osun State. It is the month for the celebration of the Osun Osogbo festival. This festival has been dated as far back as over 700 years. It is a two weeks event which starts with the traditional cleansing of the town. The process is known as Iwopopo and then followed by the lighting of the over 500-year-old sixteen point lamp called Ina Olojumerindinlogun. On The 11th day of the festival, a virgin lady known as the Arugba or calabash carrier would carry a calabash on her head. She will have two pieces of kola nuts in her mouth and a colourful veil to cover herself. With the calabash, she will enter the innermost part of the forest. She is the intermediary between the goddess and the people. She must not speak, murmur or slip during this special ceremony. If she does any of these would mean doom for the community according to beliefs. The content of the calabash is to sacrifice to the goddess. The high priestess of the grove would carry to the shrine to appease the water goddess. The chief host of the festival is the King of Osogbo with the title Ataoja of Oshogbo. The Osun Osogbo festival attracts thousands of visitors yearly making it one of the biggest festivals in Nigeria. Other activities at the festival include singing, dancing, display of costumes, performances and other cultural display. The New
National Museum Ile Ife – All You Need To Know
The National Museum Ile Ife is one of the significant landmarks in Ife. The museum is located beside the Ooni of Ife Palace. It is one of the popular tourist attractions located in Ile Ife. it is owned by the federal government under the National Commission for Museums and monuments. It is an archaeological museum which showcases some of the relics uncovered from Ile Ife. This museum contains relics of the past and the recent. It features some archaeological excavations, regalia, ancient remains and pictures of some of the Nigerian history. The National Museum Ife has several sections to give you an in-depth understanding of the people, the culture and the way of life. It also features some artworks and creative masterpieces by some local artist. The National Museum helps to connect the past and make us aware of the present and also help us preserve them for the future. National Museum Ile Ife is probably one of the most underrated museums in Nigeria because it has antics and relics that takes you back hundreds if not thousands of years. The main building of the National Museum Ile Ife is painted white and it has graffiti of some cultural heritage on it. Items Found at the National Museum Ile Ife These are some of the items you will find at the museum: It has a collection of musical instruments, insignia, animal skin Relics and Items You Will Find at the Museum Traditional Musical Instruments like talking drum, Gong, Calabash etc Traditional ornaments like bracelets, rings, jewellery etc Masquerades garments Bronze Sculptures Statues Ceremonial Insignia and attires Opening time The National Museum Ile Ife opens from Mondays to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Location / Address of National Museum Ile Ife The National Museum Ile Ife is Located at Opposite the Enuwa Square, P.M.B. 5515, Enuwa Ile-Ife, Osun State. The museum is just beside the Palace of Ooni of the Ooni of Ife. Other Tourist Attractions Close to The National Museum Ooni of Ife Palace Queen Moremi Statue of Liberty The Eruwa Square Oranmiyan Staff Osun Osogbo Grove Erin Ijesha Waterfall Lastly, the next time you visit Ile Ife make sure you stop by at the Museum.
Ile Oodua – The Beautiful Palace of The Ooni of Ife.
The Ooni of Ife Palace also known as Ile Oodua, it is the ancestral home of the King of Ile Ife in Osun State, Nigeria. Ooni’s Palace is one of the most sacred places in Ile Ife. It is listed as one of the most beautiful Palaces in Nigeria. The palace is adorned with beautiful artworks, creative architectural design and a perfect finish. All materials used in building the palace were locally sourced and built by the locals. It is a structural and historical landmark in Osun State. This structure is built paying attention to the details.The Ooni of Ife Palace serves as the official residence of the Royal family and the traditional court in Ile Ife, Osun State. About Ile Ile Ile Ife is the ancestral home of the Yoruba race, this is where the Yoruba race began. The progenitor of the Yoruba people known as Oduduwa originated from here. Ile Ife is known as the cradle of Yoruba civilization and locals call it the centre of the world. This location plays a significant role in the history and culture of the Yoruba people. The Yoruba’s refer to it as the holy city and the birthplace of mankind. They believe Oduduwa descended from heaven to Ile Ife. Ile Ife is located in Osun State, it shares a border with Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti State. History of The Ooni of Ife Palace – Ile Oodua Ile Oodua has been the ancestral home of different kings of Ile Ife. This site dated as far back as the time of Oduduwa the progenitor of the Yoruba race. The current palace was built in 1937. However, it was renovated in 2015 by the current Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi after he ascended the throne. The Ooni of Ife palace is the definition of true Royalty and the white marble and paintings, gold plated ornaments reflect excellence. As the white house is to the United States, so is this white house to Ile Ife. It has been the official residence of the royal family since its inception. This history of this palace is dated as far back as 500BC. It is not just a Royal palace it is sacred ground, a pilgrimage, and a tourist attraction. The main building has 2 living rooms, a reception/waiting area, 6 bedrooms, a dining room, a kitchen, and a traditional hall that can sit up to 200 people. The palace has its private garage where the King’s official vehicles are parked. Also, it has a place where the palace workers reside. Some of the workers of the palace include the chief security officer, the cooks. Others include the cleaners, the palace personnel, the Royal guards, the palace attendants, the personal assistant to the king, etc. Besides, there are about fifty personnel needed in taking care of and maintaining the palace. Past Ooni of Ile Ife Ile Ife has witnessed over 50 kings, the current King of Ile Ife is the 51st King of Ile Ife Kingdom. Back in the days, the Ooni of Ife are not usually buried or should I say no one knows where they are buried, however, the practice has been abolished. Now the past kings have their resting place within the palace. Culture and Tradition According to our Tour Guide who belongs to a unit known as Emese, he claimed there are about 401 deities in Ile Ife and these deities are celebrated every day except for one day which is only known to King. On this special day, there will be no celebration or any deity across the town.There are several shrines within the palace some of which are accessible to tourists and not restricted for visit. They include the Yeymoolu, Ogun Laadin, Orikii, and Obalufon. here are three major courts in the palace, the Emese Court, which is the lower court, the traditional council of elders court also known as the high court, and the third court is the Supreme court which is headed by the King.The Emese court handles conflicts between members of the community. Both parties are invited for questioning and resolution. if the two parties are not satisfied with the outcome, the matter could be taken to the Traditional high court. And if the traditional high court could not settle the matter, it is forwarded to the Supreme court which is presided by the Ooni of Ife himself. It handles very serious matters that are beyond the Emese court or the traditional high courts. Also, there is a police station situated within the premises, if you wish to report a case or take legal action. Rather than going through the traditional route, you can decide to follow the legal route.No wonder Ile Ife is termed the birthplace of civilization. They have some practices which are similar to the British tradition. Emese – Palace Guardians The Emeses are like the palace guards but their job is much more than just guarding the palace. They are responsible for guarding the palace, settling conflicts and they also form part of the Royal guide. They can easily be identified with their hairstyle, they have half of their hair shaved while the other half have not shaved. This is very iconic as it represents Oranmiyan that legends claim to be partly fair and partly dark. The roles of the Emese are diversified and extensive, they give verdicts on simple matters, disputes etc. Once a case is filed, they will charge the two parties to ensure fairness. Membership of Emese is strictly by bloodline and through family lineage, and this practice is still In existence today. You must be born within the family in which Emese is practised for you to be appointed. The relationship between the Emese and the Ooni has been a life long relationship. Also, It is a sacred responsibility. The Emese dedicate and devote their whole life to the maintaining and sustenance of the Ooni of Ife Palace. Location of the Palace of Ooni of Ife The Ooni
Moremi Statue of Liberty, The Story of Tallest Statue in Nigeria
Moremi Statue of Liberty – The Tallest Statue in NigeriaThe Story of a Brave African Woman The Moremi Statue of Liberty located in Ile Ife, Osun State, was built in honour of Queen Moremi Ajasoro. A heroine who saved her people from the snare of oppressors and helped them win the battle against their enemies. The history of Moremi Ajasoro is one of the most important in the history of the Yoruba people. The Moremi Statue of Liberty serves as a remembrance of her bravery in delivering her people from the Igbo/Ugbo (forest) people. Legend has it that she consulted the gods and promised to offer a great sacrifice to the gods.Igbo in the Yoruba language means forest. It does not in any way relate to the Igbo tribe in Nigeria now. History of Moremi Ajasoro Queen Moremi was married to Oranmiyan, the last son of Oduduwa. Oduduwa is the progenitor of the Yoruba people. Though, Oranmiyan was the youngest son of Oduduwa. He was the chosen heir to the throne. Queen Moremi was the first wife of Oranmiyan. She was born in Offa into a Royal family. She became one of the greatest women in Yoruba history after her brave and heroin act in liberating her people from the Igbo (forest) people. A neighbouring village that has been enslaving, kidnapping and capturing the people of Ile Ife. She consulted the spirit of Esimirin river where she pledges to give her most precious item if the gods could deliver her people from the Igbo (forest people) Video of The Statue of Queen Moremi About the Statue of Moremi The Moremi Statue of Liberty is about forty-two feet tall, it is the tallest statue in Nigeria and the fourth in Africa. The Moremi statue is built on the same spot that Moremi Ajasori lived many centuries ago. It is within proximity from the Ooni of Ife palace. Moremi statue was constructed by locals which comprise of over 200 youths, while the material was locally sourced from all the 774 local governments in Nigeria.The Moremi Statue was built, unveiled and commissioned by the Ooni of Ife Ogunwusi on November 2016. Moremi and the Igbo Forest people The invasion of these forest people was like an Alien invasion to the residents of Ile Ife who thought they were spirits. They were always dressed in raffia palms and covered with a mask which made the people scared of them. Moremi consulted the goddess of the river who asked for her most precious possession. She quickly accepted the deal without thinking about it. She was rich and powerful and thought, she would be able to afford anything the goddess would ask of her. Moremi was instructed by the riverine goddess to deliberately let the forest natives capture her. A move intended to spy on the Igbo people. The forest people kidnapped her, that was the beginning of the change. Without wasting time, the King of the Igbo people fell in love with her because of her beauty. She became part of the Igbo people’s colony. She mastered all their skills and learned all their hidden secrets. This discovery made her realise the Igbo forest people were not spirits or aliens as they earlier thought. They were only dressed in raffia palms and masks to shield their identity. After learning about them, she escaped and revealed all she knew to her husband. This intel led to defeating the forest people. Part of the information provided by Queen Moremi to the army was to invade them with burning torches. This is why her statue has a burning torch.Immediately the forest people try to attack, they were repelled with burning torches igniting and lighting them up in flames which led them to be defeated and never to return. The Igbo people were defeated and captured. The goddess and the Sacrifice After the battle was over, Queen Moremi Ajasoro decided to fulfil the vows she made to the goddess. She went back to thank the goddess and also to fulfil her promises. On getting there, she brought different animals to make sacrifices to the goddess. The goddess, however, demanded her only son, Olurogbo. She pleaded with the river goddess, the ultimate sacrifice was her only son. She had no choice but to offer her only son to the goddess. This sad tale quickly spread across the town, the entire Ile Ife mourned with her and made a promise that they will always be her children. A promise they have kept to date. This is why till date the locals of Ile Ife are known as the children of Queen Moremi Ajasoro. The Edi Festival to Celebrate the Independence of Ile Ife The Edi Festival was instituted in celebration of the liberation of Ile Ife people. It marks the independence of Ife, the festival is still celebrated till date in honour of Queen Moremi Ajasoro. Tourist Attractions Close To Moremi Statue Oduduwa ParkIle Oodua (Ooni of Ife Palace)Oranmiyan StaffErin Ijesha Waterfall