Ever since I was a kid, I've been puzzled by the story of Oduduwa, the supposed father of the Yoruba race. Back in primary school, when my Yoruba teacher spun the yarn about Oduduwa descending from the sky to kickstart Yorubaland, it felt awesome to think my ancestor was a superhero. But one day, I shared the tale with my dad, and he burst out laughing, saying, "Don't buy into such tales. Nobody drops from the sky. Oduduwa might have founded Yorubaland, but there's no solid evidence for it."
As I grew up, my curiosity tagged along, nudging me to ask questions left and right. Interestingly, many folks of my generation, despite hearing the same story, don't buy it either. During my quest, I stumbled upon another version of Yoruba's origin, claiming Oduduwa hailed from Saudi Arabia and settled in Ile-Ife. Sounds bizarre, right? 🙄...But considering how travellers roamed the globe back then, settling somewhere isn't far-fetched. Yet, I'm not entirely sold on this tale either.
Just like the story of Cain in the Bible, exiled to a city's creation not mentioned in the scriptures, sparking debates on its origins, historical tales often carry a grain of truth. Oduduwa's existence is undeniable, with traces still lingering in Ile-Ife. But his origin remains a mystery, perhaps embellished by storytellers for dramatic effect.
The gaps in Yoruba history have encouraged many to rewrite our narrative. Even some groups we once ruled over aim to stake a claim in our rich heritage. Despite our political differences, when faced with external threats, we stand united, ready to defend our legacy.
Regardless of the truth, Yoruba proudly regard Oduduwa as our forefather. His choice to make Ile-Ife his home solidifies our bond with our traditions and landmarks. To all who seek to distort our history, take heed: Yoruba's humility isn't weakness. Embrace the love we share, for it's a testament to our strength.
Just as Christians accepted Adam and Eve and the ancestral parents without proof, so Yorubas have accepted Oduduwa as our ancestral father. After humanity, OMO YORUBA NI MI O! -
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