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FunTimes Magazine

Ile-Ife: The Cradle of Yoruba Culture and Civilization

Jul 29, 2022 09:00AM ● By Sandra Lawrence

Drummers at Ooni's Palace, Ile-Ife, Source: Wikimedia Commons

Nestled in the heart of Yoruba land in southwestern Nigeria is the ancient city of Ile-Ife. For centuries, this city has been revered as the cradle of Yoruba culture and civilization. Today, it remains an important center of Yoruba life and traditions.


The history of Ile-Ife

Ile-Ife is a city located in southwestern Nigeria. The city is considered to be the cradle of Yoruba culture and civilization. According to legend, Ile-Ife was founded by a man named Oduduwa, who is said to be the father of the Yoruba people. The city is home to a number of historical sites, including the famous Ooni's Palace, which is said to be the oldest building in Nigeria. Ile-Ife is also home to a number of universities and colleges, making it an important center of education in Nigeria.

The culture of Ile-Ife

If you're interested in Yoruba culture, then Ile-Ife is the place to be. This city is considered the cradle of Yoruba culture and civilization, and there's plenty to see and do here. From exploring the ancient cityscape to learning about traditional arts and crafts, you can really immerse yourself in Yoruba culture in Ile-Ife. And of course, no trip to Ile-Ife would be complete without sampling the local cuisine! If you're looking for an authentic cultural experience, then be sure to add Ile-Ife to your travel list.

The people of Ile-Ife

The people of Ile-Ife are proud of their city's rich history and culture. Yoruba civilization is thought to have originated in Ile-Ife, and the city is still considered the cultural center of the Yoruba people. Visitors to Ile-Ife can see many examples of traditional Yoruba architecture, art, and crafts. The people of Ile-Ife are also known for their hospitality, and visitors are always welcome in the city.

The economy of Ile-Ife

If you are interested in Yoruba culture and civilization, then you should definitely check out the blog section on Ile-Ife. This city is the cradle of Yoruba culture and civilization, and it is also a major economic hub in Nigeria. In this blog section, we will be discussing the economy of Ile-Ife and how it has helped to shape the city over the years.

Ile-Ife today

Ile-Ife is a city in southwest Nigeria and is considered the cradle of Yoruba culture and civilization. The city is home to a number of historical sites, including the palace of the Ooni of Ife, which is the traditional ruler of the Yoruba people. Ile-Ife is also home to Obafemi Awolowo University, one of Nigeria's leading universities.


Today, Ile-Ife is a thriving city with a growing economy. The city is home to a number of businesses, including a number of manufacturing and technology companies. Ile-Ife is also a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming from all over the world to experience its rich culture and history.

The city of Ile-Ife is a very special place, not just for the Yoruba people but for all of Africa. It is the cradle of Yoruba culture and civilization, and it is a place that is steeped in history. If you ever have the chance to visit Ile-Ife, you will be sure to have an unforgettable experience.

There are approximately 26 US universities and colleges with a Yoruba language and culture studies department.

In a world where culture and tradition seem to varnish quicker than a body spray, Africans in South Carolina have found a means to preserve one of Nigerians oldest and most popular culture, the Yoruba culture.



The Oyotunji village in South Carolina is a Yoruba community founded by a Black American named Walter Eugene King who was born on October 5, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

During his high school years Eugene got fascinated by the African culture. He became connected to the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe at the age of 20 which increased his love for the African culture, particularly that of the Yorubas.



On August 26, 1959, Eugene became the first African born in America to become fully initiated into the Orisa-Vodun African priesthood by African Cubans in Matanzas, Cuba. Ceromonially this initiation marked the beginning of the spread of Yoruba religion and culture among African Americans.

Eugene founded the Sango Temple in New York and incorporated the African Theological Arch Ministry in 1960. The Sango Temple was relocated and renamed the Yoruba Temple the same year.


 

In 1970, he founded the Yoruba Village of Oyotunji in Beaufort County South Carolina and reorganized the Orisa-Vodu Priesthood along traditional Nigerian lines. He was initiated to the Ifa priesthood by the Oluwa of Ileum at Abeokuta, Nigeria, in August of 1972. After his initiation, he was named king of Oyotunji community in 1972 with the designation, His Royal Highness Oba (King) Ofuntola Oseijeman Adel Abu Adefunmi I, born Baba Adefunmi. He later died and his son, Adefunmi Adejuyigbe took over as king.






 Sandy is a Deaconess at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church.  She is retired and has worked in the field of elementary education and adoption/foster and geriatric social work. She is founder and CEO of ICAP Inc (Intergenerational Community Alliances & Programs Inc.) a nonprofit organization. It provides workshops and motivational speaking on select topics.  Sandy is an amateur Storyteller and has authored 2 adoption specialty children’s books and has published an inspirational book for women available on amazon titled "Weaving the Threads of Faith… Sisterly Encouragement 1." The Part 2 is soon to be released.  She has held/holds membership in various socially impacting organizations promoting the betterment of women, children/families and seniors.  She is associate publisher and advisory board member to FUNTIMES Magazine. Sandy is the mother of son, Rasheen.  She lives the philosophy that “If I can help somebody along the way than my living is not in vain..”