Nigerians in South Africa: Tales of The Yoruba People

The Yoruba, boasting a rich heritage spanning over 4,000 years and a population exceeding 50 million in Africa, plus another million worldwide, stands as one of Africa’s most renowned, researched, and influential tribes. Initially centred in southwestern Nigeria, thriving Yoruba communities now exist globally. South Africa, known for its diverse mix of races and cultures, has embraced the Yoruba as a new addition to its multicultural tapestry, further enriching its already vibrant social landscape. To navigate this article, you may use the table below:

Yoruba Migration To South Africa

In the era following apartheid, South Africa, dubbed Mandeland by Professor Wole Soyinka, has seen a surge of West African immigrants. Yoruba migration to South Africa is mainly driven by educational, economic, and political factors. Many Yoruba migrants in South Africa have become highly influential achievers. These include successful doctors, respected lawyers, passionate veterinarians in both private and public sectors, thriving business owners, award-winning engineers, and popular entertainers, among others. Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, a well-regarded career diplomat, recently disclosed that South Africa hosts the largest concentration of Nigerian professionals in the African diaspora.

Yoruba High Flyers In South Africa

Many Yoruba Kaarọ Ojire folks hold key roles in South Africa’s private and public sectors. A few examples come to mind. Kemi Omotosho leads MultiChoice as regional director for Southern Africa. Professor Olalekan Abdulwahab Ayo-Yusuf, an NRF B-rated Scientist and public health expert, is a former Vice Chancellor for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. The late Nigerian author, Professor Bankole Ajibabi Omotoso, known for the Vodacom Yebo Gogo ads, was among the first Nigerian academics in post-apartheid South Africa who also comes to mind as a highly respected Nigerian, even in death. Dr Adewale Olusola Adedipe, a neurosurgeon, helped perform a 16-hour surgery on co-joined twin girls Danielle and Danika Lowton. Many others are making their marks across various fields in South Africa.

Yoruba People in South Africa: Unite, organize and strategize

As respected leaders in many fields, Yorubas have guided Nigeria since before independence. As Nigerians face global changes and reputation issues affecting both the mighty and the low, Yorubas in South Africa can lead by example. A Yoruba saying goes, “kí tijú pami”: ààrẹ epe ni.” “May I die of shame”- that is the chief of all curses. This proverb in Yoruba simply means disgrace is worse than death. We must unite, organise, and plan to avoid more devastating disgrace as Nigerians. The challenges we face today call for unity and smart thinking. By working as one and mapping out a clear path forward, we can overcome the difficulties and restore our good name both at home and abroad.

Unite, organize and strategise. This was the central theme of an event I was privileged to participate in. I was honoured to attend this event, and its core focus was a diplomatic dialogue. It brought together Nigerian ambassadors to South Africa and representatives from a forum for Yoruba residents in South Africa. On August 25, 2024, Yoruba community leaders in South Africa welcomed top Nigerian diplomats from the two missions overseeing Southern Africa to discuss local issues at the magnificent Summerview Boutique Hotel & Conference Centre in Bryanston, Johannesburg. Along with the envoys, also present was Hon Abiodun Oguntuase, Chief of Staff to the Nigerian Senate Majority Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele CON. The meeting aimed to address challenges faced by the Yoruba community in South Africa through open dialogue with Nigerian diplomatic officials.

Culture Overload: Owanbe-Themed Event by Yoruba People in South Africa

Weekends are for Owanbe parties. Bright, cloudless blue sky – clear and peaceful. It was truly an ideal day for an Owanbe gathering – a vibrant Yoruba party known for its abundance of excitement, music, dance, money and food – all of which were abundant on this occasion. The late Prof Oyin Ogunba from the prestigious University of Ife, whom I regard as Nigeria’s most distinguished scholar of Yoruba festivals, given his exceptional documentation of Ondo and Ijebu rituals and ceremonies. Prof Ogunba characterized the Yorubas’ fondness for ceremonies as a “compound of both a comic and a serious mental disposition”. The Yoruba event I observed in Johannesburg was indeed a lively celebration of community and culture with endless mirth and exhilaration.

Yorubas living in South Africa gathered in their hundreds, with roots from the ancient empires of Oyo and Ile Ife, as well as the small yet historic kingdoms of Iléṣà, Òwú, and Ìjẹ̀bú. Attendees hailed from various Yoruba towns, including Ibadan, among whom I humbly count myself. With fervour and pride, the event’s akéwì passionately praised numerous Yoruba communities, Ibadanland included. Kabir Azeez Olakunle, known as Kaybee, a versatile cultural icon, captivated the audience. Delegates from Yoruba organisations in South Africa joined the celebration, embodying the rich tapestry of their heritage in this vibrant South African gathering.

Owanbe: Expression of Yoruba Socio-cultural Values

The event was expertly hosted by two Yoruba creative professionals. Elder Joshua Oludare Olusan, an Ijebu-Igbo native and Penn grad who heads African Portal media, teamed up with Veronica Popoola (Mc-B), a talented theatre arts alum and event planner. Mc-B performed with enthusiasm and finesse in her magnificent and overflowing Kampala gown. Both hosts were at the top of their game, captivating the audience throughout. The rich oral tradition of the Yorubas was fully displayed in the form of poems, proverbs, praises, topical songs, and chants. At this event, though, a surprising and telling aspect was the clear language decline among diaspora Yorubas. Many young and old attendees had trouble holding conversations entirely in Yoruba. This gradual loss of fluency is evident across generations of Yorubas living in the diaspora.

The opening prayer session was a noteworthy part of the event. As many know, Nigerians are highly religious, with Islam and Christianity equally popular, but only 8% openly follow African traditional beliefs. At this gathering, the often-overlooked Yoruba traditional religion shared the stage with Christian and Muslim prayer warriors for the day. A man in a flowing Agbada robe said he was from Ilorin – an old Yoruba city from 1450, now a traditional emirate. This friendly fellow offered the Yoruba traditional prayer, invoking Ifa and Isese as the day’s Oluwo Aladura. When he finished, the crowd screamed, “Isese L’Agba,” meaning that tradition will always stay with us. This moment highlighted Nigeria’s rich religious diversity, giving space to a faith often pushed aside in public events.

Yoruba People in South Africa: Living Through Food & Music

Soft àmàlà with efo riro was dished up. Amala is a Nigerian yam, cassava, or unripe plantain flour staple. It’s one of the signature foods of the Yoruba people. Jollof rice with moin moin and fried plantain was set aside in takeout containers for the Alakowe’s (*the coconuts). Music, a key part of Yoruba life, was also carefully served. In a vivid description of the Yorubas, Prof Stephen Adebanji Akintoye cited the 1825 notes of Richard Lander – a British explorer who worked for Hugh Clapperton – a tall, red-haired, fun-loving Scottish Naval officer and explorer. Both men gave the world first-hand accounts of their trips through old Yoruba kingdoms. In his book “A History of The Yoruba People”, Prof Akintoye quoted Lander’s remark: “Yorubas are a very musical and happy people”.

The Yoruba people are incredibly inventive, crafting unique music styles since ancient times. Examples include Sísun Rara, a poetic genre popular in Oyo and Ibadan, and Oríkì (praise songs). In modern times, starting from the colonial era, Yorubas created genres like juju, fuji, Sakara, and Apala. One of their latest musical innovations is the Afrobeat, which blends traditional Yoruba music with highlife, jazz, and chanted vocals, skillfully mixing percussion and vocal techniques. Fela Anikulapo Kuti created and popularized this style in the 1970s. These Yoruba music genres have gained worldwide recognition, with many of its musicians winning prestigious awards globally, including the Grammy Awards. At this Johannesburg event, the audience enjoyed live juju music performed by the Pretoria-based Yemite band, consisting of a lead singer, a backup vocalist, and five instrumentalists.

Easily, Yemite had Yoruba folks’ nyansh wiggling to the nonstop beats of the hourglass-shaped talking drum. The artist’s clever praise-singing style grabbed everyone’s attention, leading to several rounds of money showering – a Yoruba tradition showing cultural pride and deep respect for music and dance, though now banned by Nigerian law. Various names like Iya Yoruba (literally Mother of the Yorubas in South Africa), Toyin Cargo from Merry Ladies NPO, Lagola, and others got their praises sung to the heavens. In return, Yemite was blessed with a downpour of cash from the delighted crowd.

The Oriki: A Song of Praise

Yoruba praise singing, infused with personal Oriki detailing one’s traits and feats, reminds me of my late great uncle – High Chief Akinniyi Olunloyo, a founding member of the Ibadan People’s Party (IPP) and the Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland (Yorùbá title for the Head of the Ibàdán Warrior Chiefs, which is also next to The Olubadan of Ibàdánland on the military chieftaincy line) until 2007. Upon seeing me, this elderly man would begin reciting my Oríkì, a praise name or song honouring individuals, families, and communities. Similarly, I recall meeting my late grand aunt, Alhaja Bintu Tejumola Olunloyo, who passed at 102 in 2013. Alhaja praised me while weeping, likely moved by my uncle Dr Omololu Olunloyo’s recounting of my lineage. Unfamiliar with much of what these elders were saying in my Oriki, I slightly lowered my head and flashed a classic fake smile.

Accompanied by the rhythmic talking drum, which can also be used to perform Oriki, Yemite’s band captivated the crowd. It was fascinating to see audience members’ names written down and given to the lead singer for praise. Yemite embodies a modern Akigbe – a professional who sings or recites for money. As Chief J A Ayorinde explains, in earlier times, the Akigbe acted as “receptionists, usually stationed at key spots in the Afin (palace) entrance and rewarded by palace visitors and the Ọba (king)”.

Mandla, a young South African Graphic Design student from Boston College I brought to experience Yoruba culture, was astounded watching members of the Yoruba Women’s Association (Ẹgbẹ́ Obinrin Réré, SA – Women of Good Virtues) and others shower Yemite and his band with countless R100 notes.

The Yoruba People in South Africa & Their Community Organizations

Following a detailed explanation by Aare Bodunrin John Odus, coordinator of the Yoruba interactive forum in South Africa, about the event’s purpose, the event moderators introduced and recognized each Yoruba group in attendance. Dare Olusan, the male host, urged members of these Yoruba associations to think deeply about their organizations’ core aims. He encouraged them to consider forming large collaborative business ventures for their shared benefit in South Africa. Olusan also reminded them of the importance of supporting one another. The gathering highlighted the unity and potential for cooperation among Yoruba groups in South Africa.

Mainly socio-cultural groups, with a few Yoruba professional bodies. The Yoruba Women Association stood out among the twenty-six Yoruba groups in South Africa. Their members wore eye-catching green Owanbe lace outfits. The elderly ladies were a personal highlight for me, as they added charm to the event.

The Ijebus, who were the first among ancient Yoruba states to trade with Europeans, arrived in style under their group name Ẹgbẹ́ Ọmọ Ìjẹ̀bú ni Gúsù Afrika. Then, I noticed the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), a worldwide Yoruba socio-cultural initiative of Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland (the highest-ranking military title in Yorubaland, equivalent to Field Marshal and Supreme Commander). OPU members mostly wore elegant white flowing Yoruba robes.

The other Yoruba organisations that graced the occassion are Ẹgbẹ́ Ọmọ Yorùbá Western Cape, Isokan Ọmọ Yorùbá Association South Africa – IYASA (Ẹgbẹ́ Ọmọlúwàbí), Uptown Elite, South Africa, Merry Ladies South Africa, Pride of Oodua Club (Agbajowo Lafin Soya), Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) South Africa, Yorùbá in Diaspora Pretoria West, Men of Cute Blazer, Kinsmen Club South Africa, Association of Yorubas in Diaspora-South Africa (AYIDSA), Team Jules Nigerian Association in South Africa, Oduduwa Health Professionals Academy South Africa, Limpopo Yorùbá Association, Nelspruit Yorùbá Association, Elite Brothers of South Africa, Yoruba Progressive Association East London, Yorùbá descendants Association, King Williams Town, National Association of Yoruba Descendants of Southern Africa (NAYDSA), Yoruba Progressive Association  (YPA), Yoruba Development Center, North West, Yoruba Descendants Association King Williams Town (Agbajo Owo) (YDA), Yoruba Forum South Africa Chapter, and Egbe Omo Yoruba Lapapo.

These groups act as a bridge for Yorùbá people in South Africa, fostering cultural identity, social support, and networking opportunities among the members. For a directory of Nigerian community associations in South Africa, click here.

As an infrequent event-goer, I’ll be direct: I enjoyed seeing my hometown culture thriving so far from Ibadan. It was a pleasant surprise. The organizing committee’s two post-event press releases are available on Nigeria’s This Day Live and Daily Trust Newspaper websites for those interested in reading more about the occasion.

The Problems of The Yoruba People in South Africa

Prof. Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, South Africa’s Iya and Baba Yoruba, along with Hon Mathias Afolabi Sagbo, Dr Sola Irinoye, Otunba Idebi and others, were asked to present a document outlining the community’s challenges to the Nigerian government representatives. Prof. Yusuf, beginning with Ìjẹ̀bú greetings, urged unity among the people. He also encouraged the envoys to address as many issues as possible that Nigerians in South Africa face.

“When united, you’ll empower us as a government to act on your behalf.

– HE Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, Nigeria’s Charge d’affaires to South Africa

While the peace process is still underway, I firmly believe that once Nigerian diplomats in South Africa can effectively step in, establish and maintain unity among Yorùbás, it will be much easier to bring together all other Nigerians in South Africa under one recognized group that truly represents the interests and needs of Nigerians living in the country. It is important to state the inputs of Prof Timothy Adebayo Fasheun and Dr Oluwole Popoola, who made valuable contributions specifically to an ethical framework for Nigerian forums in South Africa in the document titled Diplomatic Dialogue: Addressing The Yoruba Community Struggles in South Africa. This document, which was handed to the Nigerian officials, can be accessed here.

Telemedicine From Oduduwa Health Professionals Academy South Africa

Dr Sina Okanlomo, a Yoruba freedom activist and a passionate gynaecologist, introduced Ambassador Emmanuel Oguntuyi, the Nigeria Deputy Consul General to South Africa. As a leader of Yoruba One Voice, Dr. Okanlomo highlighted an unprecedented achievement: uniting over twenty Yoruba groups in South Africa under one roof. He urged everyone to maintain their strong community spirit. Dr Okanlomo also encouraged members to adopt new technologies like telemedicine, a key Oduduwa Health Professionals Academy initiative. This Yoruba medical association, which Dr Okanlomo is part of, aims to improve healthcare access through telemedicine, particularly in rural areas in Nigeria. Telemedicine involves diagnosing and treating patients remotely using telecommunications technology. His brief speech before the Deputy Consul General took the podium emphasized the importance of unity, community engagement, and embracing innovative healthcare solutions to benefit the Yoruba people in South Africa, South Africans and Nigerians in Nigeria.

A First-Rate Ijesha Diplomat: HE Emmanuel Oguntuyi

Appointed to South Africa just over a year prior, Ambassador Emmanuel Oguntuyi, a tall, quintessential Ijesha gentleman, addressed the crowd in a blend of his native language and English, emphasizing the distinctiveness of the Yoruba people. He proposed organizing events like a Yoruba Day, once or twice annually, ideally under a single umbrella organization for all Yorùbás in South Africa. He particularly underlined the importance of a unified group. While expressing gratitude to the event organizers for their invitation, he briefly touched on his diplomatic career and that of his senior associate, the Acting High Commissioner Ajayi.

Having both served at the United Nations in New York and the Nigerian President’s office – pinnacles of a Nigerian diplomatic career – these gentlemen are top-tier Nigerian envoys to South Africa. Nigerians in South Africa are fortunate to have such distinguished Ambassadors. Their attentive and welcoming demeanour, shown through humility, tact, diligence, and keen observation, embodies the qualities of seasoned, professional diplomats. Their impressive backgrounds and approachable nature make them ideal representatives for Nigeria in South Africa.

Given Nigeria’s current image crisis, the government must prioritize appointing career diplomats to global posts. Nigeria should abandon political patronage in diplomatic assignments to repair our international reputation. This diplomatic-political-patronage practice often leads to what Professor Gabriel Olusanya, former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and ex-Ambassador to France, aptly termed ‘Kabu Kabu and Area Boy Diplomacy’ in the late 1990s. A shift towards professional diplomacy is crucial for restoring Nigeria’s standing on the world stage.

Nigeria’s foreign policy legacy includes key achievements: leading Southern Africa’s liberation, deploying peacekeepers to resolve civil conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone during the 1990s, and playing a crucial role in establishing African Union institutions in 2002. These past successes provide a strong foundation for Nigeria to further develop its influential international presence through trained diplomats.

HE Alexander Temitope Ajayi – Ambassador Par Excellence

Ambassador Emmanuel Oguntuyi presented his esteemed senior colleague to the audience. Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Ambassador Alexander Temitope Ajayi, gave his address in a blend of Yoruba and English, expressing gratitude to the organizers for their excellent work and for inviting him. Throughout his speech, Ambassador Ajayi emphasized the pressing need for Nigerian unity and leveraging their numerical strength to their benefit. He informed the crowd that South Africa hosts the largest number of professional Nigerians in the African diaspora, suggesting this should be seen as an asset for positive change rather than a source of division within the community.

Due to community rifts, the envoy recounted being cautioned against engaging with certain Nigerians in South Africa. This clearly shows the divisions among Nigerians in South Africa. He dismissed these warnings. “If you stand together and speak as one, you can influence policies here. Look at Jews in America, for instance. Any incoming US President must acknowledge them or face challenges. That’s the role you should play as Nigerians here. Because if any country on this continent can shape this nation’s direction, it should be Nigeria.” he stated.

“I Want To See Nigerians Unite As One” – HE Alexander Ajayi.

“Nigeria has given so much to this nation. Look back at our history, and you’ll see how our people, officials, and students were taxed heavily. Your splits are hurting you. Get organized, unite, decide what you want, articulate, and use your power wisely now. Why are you divided? Why not form one Nigerian group? Why not back skilled leaders? But what’s the real issue? Our pride! And the fact that you can’t just trust one person to lead while you sit back! Everyone wants to be in charge. I’m not sure which group you’re in, but my belief is simple: I want to see Nigerians in South Africa come together as one”.

“When united, you’ll empower us as a government to act on your behalf. If issues arise, we’ll know how to collaborate effectively. People mention NUSA and NICASA, labelling this group as one thing and that group as another. It reached a point where some would tell me, “He’s a NUSA member, so I won’t engage with him.” Others would say, “She’s part of NICASA, so I want nothing to do with her.” This division became a barrier to cooperation and progress, hindering our ability to work together for the common good”.

“Let me share a recent incident. In Kimberly, a Nigerian was killed. We had to go there. But arguments broke out between two groups about who should attend. Some said NICASA should go, and others insisted on NUSA. It was shameful because we were there due to a death. Someone had died, for heaven’s sake, and people turned it into a political issue. I believe that when a Nigerian dies, it should concern all of us. We shouldn’t go there to play politics. It’s a problem we should face together”.

Ambassador Alexander Ajayi stressed that his main goal as Charge d’affaires is to see Nigerians in South Africa come together with one voice. He reminded the solemn listeners about the 1922 Legislative Council issue in Nigeria. “When the council didn’t speak for local people, a small group went to London to protest. Who were they? Who led them? It was Amodu Tijani (the Chief Oluwa of Lagos). Who was the secretary? It was Herbert Macaulay. They were Yoruba”.

“We’ve always been trailblazers as Yorubas, even when others were still finding their way. Our boldness is part of who we are. Some of our ancestors went to London and spoke up to the colonial secretary, saying the situation didn’t reflect our people’s wishes. This led to Governor Arthur Frederick Richard’s arrival in 1945, starting regionalism in Nigeria. The Yorùbás sparked this change. Who formed and led Nigeria’s first political party? Herbert Macaulay. And where was he from? He was Yoruba”.

A Call For Yoruba People in South Africa to Take Charge And Set Leadership Examples

“The esteemed Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, the great Zik, grew under Macaulay’s guidance, his mentor. I’m simply highlighting how fortunate you are as Yoruba. To show you’re meant for greatness as a united people. Later, in Nigeria, God raised another leader. It was Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His story also reveals how other Yorùbás played a role in his downfall. Looking at these tales, we see our blessings as a group and how we often harm our own, usually due to personal goals or ambition against the common good. These stories show both our potential for greatness and our tendency to undermine ourselves. It’s a reminder of the importance of unity and putting collective interests above individual desires”.

“As mentioned before, we are highly intelligent people, and Yorubas were the first to embrace Western education in Nigeria. In his final book, There Was A Country, Chinua Achebe noted that the Yorùbás had a 20-year head start over other regions. Consider the Nobel Laureate; Nigeria’s recipient is Yoruba in the person of Prof Wole Soyinka. The country’s first medical professor is Yoruba. Professor Adebayo Adedeji, another brilliant Yoruba, established the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the Structural Adjustment Program. We’ve produced many notable Yoruba figures. Look at Lagos – a wealth generator for Nigeria and its residents. It’s a Yoruba city”.

“Let’s step back and ponder how to work towards a shared goal. Take an active role in improving your community. Put others first. Stay strong and united. Come together as one. It’s worth it because if we’re divided, we’ll fall apart. Think of the saying that a crack in the wall lets anyone in. Or the one about people being easy targets when they’re alone. When our community faces a challenge, we should join forces to fix it, not walk away and create new organisations and problems. If any group in South Africa needs to stand firm, it’s the Yoruba community. Our strength lies in our unity”.

Ambassador Ajayi’s message to Yorubas in South Africa urged them to take charge and set leadership examples for Nigerians there. He pointed to Yoruba ancestors like Herbert Macaulay from Lagos, who led Nigeria’s independence movement, and compared their potential influence to that of Jews in American politics. The Ambassador called on Yoruba in South Africa to put aside their differences and unite for everyone’s benefit. He emphasized the importance of unity and quality leadership among the Yoruba community to positively impact the broader Nigerian population in South Africa.

Feedback From ‘The Diplomatic Dialogue: Addressing The Yoruba Community Struggles in South Africa’

Addressing the document presented, the envoy noted that some issues are easily solvable, as he referred to them as low-hanging fruits, while others require collaboration with local authorities and our support. He emphasized their (envoys) desire to leave a lasting impact and legacy, hoping future generations would recognize their efforts. The ambassador cautioned that continued division and conflicting group messages would hinder progress. He stressed the importance of unity in achieving their goals, implying that a cohesive approach would make their job as ambassadors easier and more effective in addressing the challenges outlined in the document.

“We need your help to make progress. Many of you are experts in your fields. Use your talents to boost our community. At a recent business event we organised at Protea Hotel in Pretoria, I was glad to see top Nigerian execs working in South Africa’s mining and banking sectors. Join forces to lift up our Nigerian community. For instance, doctors and lawyers can provide pro bono services. The embassy will back you up. This is how Jewish people support each other”.

“When you’re divided, you’re powerless. You can’t even support one another. Let’s copy good practices. Take the Igbo’s smart apprenticeship system, where they train younger folks. We should adopt positive customs and uplift others, especially when abroad. Recently, I spent five hours with some of you looking for unity. We’re making headway. I want to stress that we’re not taking sides in our mission. Our sole aim is to bring all of you together. So if President Tinubu visits South Africa tomorrow and wants to meet the Nigerian community, I won’t have to search for Ayisa, babasa, nicasa, auntisa, unisa, nusa and sistasa! That would look foolish”. At this point, the audience erupted with applause and hearty chuckles.

A Clarion Call For Unity Amongst Nigerians in South Africa

“Give road for peace, please. Let’s form a group of seasoned, wise folks who can offer us an answer. Sure, keep your village associations and local community groups, but we need a main body we can trust. It’ll help us a lot. Finally, I stand here to declare to you that I am for unity, I am for a common voice, and I am for a common purpose. Thank you”.

As the Ambassador concluded his speech, the room exploded with thunderous applause. Everyone stood up, showing their support. The hosts and audience joined in singing the “Lift Up Nigeria” anthem, a popular patriotic song from the late 1980s. Performed by King Sunny Ade and other top Nigerian artists. This tune is Nigeria’s equivalent of We Are The World. You can watch it below.

Baba Oluboyo And His Graceful Traditional Yoruba Intentional Prayers

The Father of the Day, Professor Patrick Oluwole Oluboyo, hails from Ipe-Akoko, Ondo State. A Kings College, London graduate, he retired as Professor and Head of the Pulmonary Medicine Department at the Walter Sisulu University in South Africa in 2018. Prof Oluboyo conducted the customary Yoruba blessing ceremony. Prayer is a key part of traditional Yoruba belief, acting as a holy link to talk with the gods. In Yoruba faith, prayer isn’t just saying words, but it is a deep, heartfelt way to share wishes, thanks, and respect. Intentional and purposeful prayer in Yoruba religion often uses complex rituals and gifts to honour the Orisha (Yoruba gods sent by Olodumare, the Supreme God) and ask for their blessings.

These rituals may include cleansing acts, chanting holy words (oriki), and giving gifts like food, flowers, and drinks. A purposeful prayer is a sacred act at the very core of the traditional Yoruba religion. It’s a strong way to connect with the divine, show thanks, and achieve desired results. Through rituals, gifts, and lining up with divine will, people can build a deep bond with the spirit world and use their inner power to shape their fate in life, according to traditional Yoruba beliefs. At this event, not to be shocked, the prayers were offered to the God of Christianity. This mixing of faith is referred to as syncretism. The Yoruba worldview has shown remarkable adaptability. Many Yoruba seamlessly blend traditional beliefs with Christianity or Islam, creating unique spiritual practices bridging ancient wisdom with modern faith.

Various traditional items were presented by Prof Oluboyo, holding special significance in Yoruba culture. The old man prayed over Kola nut (Obi) and Bitter Kola (Orogbo) which represent unity in Yorubaland; Alligator pepper (Ata Ire) signifies good fortune and success; peanuts symbolize abundance; sugar (Aadun) embodies wishes for sweetness and happiness; Gin (Ogogoro) represents ongoing community celebration; and water (Omi), which the Prof noted has no enemies, referencing Fela Kuti’s evergreen Afrobeat song ‘Water no get enemy‘, was used to pray for protection against intruders among the Yorùbás in South Africa. These items each play a unique role in the Yoruba worldview and are integral to the traditional prayer rites performed.

These items are revered cultural symbols used in spiritual rituals, religious ceremonies, and significant occasions such as this. The elderly professor offered prayers over each item, carefully and critically examining and declaring their unique attributes and characteristics. The Prof beseeched the divine in the name of Jesus Christ to consecrate them all as he made his supplication for harmony, peace and prosperity among Yorubas and the broader Nigerian community in South Africa. Additionally, he extended divine blessings to the Ambassadors, the invited attendees, and all individuals present at the gathering, and after the lengthy but purposeful traditional prayers, everyone is expected to consciously swallow their saliva and scream Amin Ashe!

Final Word For Yoruba People in South Africa: The Agbaya And The Ọmọlúwàbí

A key principle in Yoruba traditional education is the idea of Omoluabi. It stresses good behaviour while promoting diligence, bravery, courtesy, and modesty. The main goal of Yorùbá traditional education is to shape its student into an Omoluabi – an honourable individual who contributes to the community’s progress. This notion, akin to the South African philosophy of Ubuntu, views morality as the core of human nature. These principles and qualities are what we must adopt, particularly as members of a significant and impactful ethnic group.

I was lucky to meet and work with many different people – good folks, high flyers, wise elders, and smart, kind souls. I saw firsthand what it means to be an Omoluabi. As young people, we desperately need Omoluabi elders to be our mentors and help us create a better tomorrow, starting today.

Nonetheless, petty behaviour, criminally-mindedness, inflated egos, needless high-level scheming, constant greed for shared resources, craving for powerless roles, serious lack of discipline, and endless rumour-spreading are key traits of a classic Agbaya (a bad and irresponsible elder) in the community. Unfortunately, some of our elders clearly show these qualities, holding us back as a group. Of course, nobody’s perfect. But to the Agbayas in the Yoruba and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa, please change your ways quickly. We need leaders who care more about people than power. We need all our elders to set good examples. Yoruba people think carefully about this! Yoruba Ronu o!

Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

FAQs on Yoruba People

1. Who are the Yoruba people?
The Yoruba, a dynamic and impactful African ethnic group, mainly live in southwestern Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. With over 50 million members globally, their cultural influence reaches far beyond their ancestral lands, moulding art, faith, and thoughts worldwide.

2. What are some key aspects of Yoruba culture and traditions?
Yoruba culture is rich with colourful traditions that showcase their heritage through:

• Festivals: Annual celebrations like the Osun-Osogbo Festival fill streets with vibrant crowds, music, and food to honour deities.
• Art Forms: From beaded crowns to Gelede masks, Yoruba art reflects centuries of skill. Ibeji twin figures connect to ancient beliefs.
• Traditional Attire: Elders wear striking outfits. Men don the flowing agbada with a fila cap. Women wear Iro wrappers, buba blouses, and elaborate gele head-ties.
• Naming Ceremonies: Isomoloruko events are community celebrations where a child’s name and destiny are chosen with care and meaning.

3. What is the origin of the Yoruba people?
Yoruba origins blend myth and history. Tradition says all Yoruba descend from Oduduwa, founder of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yorubaland and creation’s birthplace. Scientific evidence shows Yoruba civilization has existed since the 4th century BCE. The rise of city-states, especially the Oyo Empire, shaped the current Yoruba society.

4. How diverse is the Yoruba language?
Yoruba, a tonal language with over 50 million speakers, boasts diverse dialects:
Oyo: The standard form for writing and media.
Ijebu: Unique pronunciations, challenging even for native speakers.
Ondo: Known for its melodious intonation.
These dialects are more than speech variations; they embody local history and identity, echoing ancestral voices through time.

5. What role does religion play in Yoruba society?
Faith shapes every part of Yoruba life like a steady heartbeat:

• Yoruba Traditional Beliefs: Built on Olodumare (the Most High God) and many Orishas (gods). Each Orisha stands for different parts of nature and human life. Take Sango, the god of thunder, who stands for fairness and male strength.
• Mixing Beliefs: Yoruba thinking easily changes with time. Many Yoruba mix old beliefs with Christian or Muslim ideas, making new ways to worship that join old wisdom with new faith.
• Divination: The Ifa oracle, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, remains a crucial part of decision-making for many Yorubas. Imagine consulting a Babalawo (priest) who casts sacred palm nuts, reading the patterns they form to divine your path.

6. How do Yoruba people navigate contemporary life while maintaining their cultural identity?
In today’s globalized world, the Yoruba people are masters of cultural fusion:

• Diaspora Influence: From the rhythms of Afrobeats dominating global music charts to the flavours of Yoruba cuisine in international restaurants, the diaspora has become cultural ambassadors.
• Technology and Tradition: Social media platforms have become new venues for age-old practices. Witness a young Yoruba sharing videos of traditional ceremonies, keeping customs alive in the digital age.
• Modern Interpretations: Contemporary Yoruba artists and designers are reinterpreting traditional motifs and techniques, creating pieces that speak to both heritage and modernity. Picture a fashion show where models strut down the runway in avant-garde designs inspired by ancient Yoruba textiles such as Adire.

The Yoruba people continue to write their stories, blending the wisdom of the past with the possibilities of the future. Their journey is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of culture in an ever-changing world.

Yoruba Photo Gallery

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Olunloyo Akindele Olufemi

Blogger

I love travelling. I cherish my Lagos. And I adore my new home in Johannesburg. Lagostojozi Blog is my passion project which strives to promote cooperation, healthy relations and social cohesion between the people of these two great African megacities of Lagos and Johannesburg.