Ile-Ife is located in present day Osun state. Its history can be traced back all the way to Oduduwa, the father of the Yoruba people. Ile-Ife is also the seat of the Ooni of Ife, one of the most powerful Yoruba monarchs in Nigeria. The current Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is an accountant and the 51st Ooni of Ife.
If you ever want to explore the Yoruba culture, Ile-Ife is one place to start. Here are some must-see sights in Ife:
1. Ori Olokun
This is a statue of the head of Olokun, an Orisha. Olokun is the goddess of the sea and is also a patron of bead making. The original head was dug up in the 19th century in the Olokun Grove in Ife. The original head was kept by the family responsible for the Olokun cult till the Ooni brought it to the palace for safe keeping in 1934. The statue is a replica of the original Ori Olokun.
2. The Palace of Ooni of Ife
You can also catch glimpses of the palace of the current Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi in Ile-Ife.
3. Are statue
This is a giant replica of the crown (Aare) worn by the Ooni once a year.
4. Oduduwa Statue
The creation of Ife began with Oduduwa who was sent down to the world by Oludumare alongside Obatala. Obatala got sidetracked on their task when he joined people drinking palm wine. Oludumare instructed Oduduwa to take the cock on Obatala’s shoulder and complete their task which was the creation of Ife.
5. Moremi Ajasoro Statue
Moremi Ajasoro was the Oloori (Princess Consort) of Oba Oranmiya in Ile-Ife. She was captured by another kingdom who had been waging war against Ile-Ife. She married their king and learnt the source of their power. She escaped and returned to Ife where she revealed all she knew to Oranmiya who led his men to defeat the kingdom. She was reinstated as Oloori.
You can also check out the sights and sounds of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ife!
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