In order to have better understanding about the Yoruba culture and traditions, the International Conference on Ile-Ife and Yoruba Civilization and History, has commenced in Ile-Ife as renowned academics made presentations as part of the opening ceremony of the four-day conference.
The conference which kickstarted in Ile-Ife on Tuesday, had in attendance, historians, professors, traditional rulers, students and other stakeholders.
Professor Siyan Oyeweso, a historian and leader of the team, in his opening remarks urged residents of Ile-Ife to document their history as a way of cultivating and preserving Yoruba traditions.
He also emphasized the significance of acknowledging the great men of Ife who have written notable books and pamphlets on the history of Yoruba land, particularly Ife, and encouraged the recording of the history of their communities to ensure the preservation of this rich heritage from going into extinction.
“To prevent the rich cultural heritage of Yoruba race, we must ensure that we document them. Let all communities have their history written before some foreigners will start distorting it for their upcoming generations. All family compounds must also document their history.
“In Ile-Ife, let the ruling houses have their history written. Like the quarters in Ife. I call on the traditional rulers here present to do the same in their respective domains. We have started in Ede.” He said.
In his presentation, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin urged traditional rulers to abide by the provisions of the constitution in discharge of their duties.
Oba Abolarin also held that traditional rulers are mirrors of the community and must continue to respect the traditions of Yoruba land.
Speaking at the event, Prof Oyeronke Olademo of the University of Ilorin underscored the importance of women in Ile-Ife’s culture and religion, stating that women of yesteryears did wonderfully well in advancing the development of Ile-Ife.
She said ” Yoruba culture thrives on communalism, emphasizing balance and complementarity in roles rather than opposition. Women play key roles as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives, with motherhood holding particular significance. Motherhood extends beyond biological reproduction, encompassing psychological and spiritual dimensions. A mother’s role includes preserving the family’s well-being through prayers, offerings, and taboos.
“Economically, women in Yoruba culture are independent, engaging in diverse ventures such as pottery, cloth dyeing, farming, trading, palm oil production, food processing, and more. Renowned for long-distance trading, they bear the title ‘alajapa’ (itinerant traders). Throughout history, women have held leadership positions, ruling as queens, chiefs, and family heads”, she added.
She reiterated that in Yoruba religion, women serve as custodians of tradition, priestesses, diviners, mediums, votary maids, and performers of oral genres. These roles sustain the continuity of indigenous knowledge and rituals.
“In contemporary Ile-Ife, women continue to play pivotal roles, embracing motherhood, supporting their husbands, engaging in economic activities, and contributing to community leadership. The town’s religious landscape prominently features three key orisa worship practices: Olokun, Osun, and Akire”, she explained.
She also said “Ile-Ife recognizes the need to empower women through initiatives such as the Queen Moremi Educational Fund and the Queen Moremi Ajasoro Cultural and Leadership Pageant. The reigning Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Adeyeye Ojaja II, actively invests in women’s empowerment, reflecting a commitment to their well-being.
“Religious cults continue to provide informal training for young girls under the guidance of priestesses and female tradition custodians. Globalization and the internet facilitate collaboration between adherents in Ile-Ife and the diaspora, ensuring a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of orisa worship.
“In Ile-Ife, women stand as indispensable pillars of both culture and religion. Their contributions, deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition, are essential for the town’s well-being and continuity. As Ile-Ife strides toward modernity while preserving its cultural heritage, the empowerment of women remains a cornerstone for its future development”, she concluded.
Cordelia Osasona, a professor from Obafemi Awolowo University presented a paper on changing architectural design of Ile-Ife.
The conference continues on Wednesday and Thursday and will be crowned on Friday with the presence of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
