An edited story of the Yoruba nation flag "Asia Oodua"
Asia Oodua
Sometime in 1998 Baba Omojola a Yoruba revolutionary and economist suggested the idea of a flag that would be widely accepted.
Ori Olokun is an Orisa associated with the sea. Orisa means Eni ori sa da or Special one or Blessed one or Genius. Olokun works closely with Oya deity of the winds and Egungun to herald the way for those that pass to ancestorsship. It plays a critical role in Iku, Aye and the transition of human beings and spirits between these two existences.
The design of the flag was immediately accepted by a major cross section of Yoruba leadership subsequently many nationalist and Yoruba groups adopted the flag.
Olokun also signifies unfathomable wisdom. Olokun is worshiped in Benin Republic, Togo amongst the Yoruba in the diaspora. Olokun is sometimes considered the patron Orisa of the Yoruba diaspora, the descendants of those carried away during the slave trade.
The 7 stars of the flag represent the 7 sons of Akanbi, the only son of Oduduwa. The 7 are represented by Akaketu of Ketu, Onipopo of Popo, Orangun of Ila, Olowu of Owu, Onisabe of Sabe, Alaafin of Oyo and Oba of Benin.
The 3 Colours
Red represents the blood of the martyrs shed in the various struggles of the Yoruba wars from ancient history, through the Fulani invasions to Operation Wetie, the Agbekoya revolt, June 12 uprising and many others
Green represents the fertile lands of Yorubaland from the Niger River North and East to the Volta River and down to the Atlantic ocean.
Black, represents the colour of the black man's skin. The Yoruba represents the largest collection of any ethnic group of the Black race anywhere in the world. The Yoruba are the shining beacon for all black people all over the world.
Ogo Adulawo
Keep the fire burning, A ju wa se o. Ase.
Since posting the above, I have spoken to someone present when the flag was presented to Ooni Sijuade the previous OOni. Apparently he told them of his joy as he saw the flag as a signal
He had been worried about what he would say to the ancestors when he joined them. That in trying to get an Ile Ife state they got Osun state. During divination through Ifa, he was assured that no need to worry, there would be a Yoruba nation, a home for the children of Oduduwa. The Ooni saw the flag as a signal that a Yoruba nation would be born, even if he was not alive to see it. He happily endorsed it
#Oduduwa
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