The Yoruba Origin of the GA, pictures from a visit to Ile Ife


 

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Iya ni Wura

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Iya Ni Wura  In the 1800s Books and travellers' accounts described Yorùba women as powerful traders, warriors, priestesses, mothers and political voices. They held down families, towns and trade networks.  Finance & Economy – Yoruba Women dominated local markets, from kola nuts to textiles. Some became wealthy merchants, controlling trade routes that linked the Yoruba to coastal ports. Spiritual Authority – As priestesses of Òrìṣà like Ọṣun, Yemoja, and Ọya, women carried immense influence in guiding communities through rituals and festivals. Family & Society – A Yoruba woman was the backbone of the extended family system. She was both nurturer and strategist, raising children, managing farms, and ensuring survival during wars and displacements of the 1800s. Resilience in Crisis – During wars and slave raids, women organised escapes, rebuilt settlements and town as well as negotiating peace in some regions. European visitors often wrote with surprise about how independ...
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Owe ni Yoruba

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There is a popular Yoruba proverb which says:  A kìí je míjì l'ábà Àlàdé We do not eat two things at Àlàdé's compound. Let me tell you the full story behind this proverb so you will know when to use such proverb.  The story is from sacred Odu Ifa Ogbe Ofun and the verse goes thus:  A s'ore ìsetán níí jé méè l'óríyìn Adífá fún Àlàdé oníwàtá Tí ń lo rèé dá'ko èbá ònàn Ebo wón ní ó se Half good deeds doesn't makes one to be appreciated  These were Ifa declarations to Àlàdé oníwàtá  When going to farm at the road side.  He was advised to offer ebo. Àlàdé decided that he wants to be doing good to people so that everyone can always praise him for his good deeds now and after he's no more.  He decided to plant Yam at the road side and he made this yam free for those who are starving. He also provided a very big bowl of water beside it. If you passed by his farm hungry or thirsty, you've got no worries. But he had a rule and a popular saying which was:  A...
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Why a union?

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