5 things that might surprise you about Yoruba culture

While many Yoruba people have integrated into urban environs, a good portion of them still keep their old traditions.

ALSO READ: Traditions only Nigerians can understand

Here are five things you didn’t know about these group of people.

1. They are almost everywhere in West Africa

Yoruba people aren’t just in Nigeria, you’ll also find them in The Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast. There are over 60 million Yoruba people and they represent over 20% of Nigeria’s entire population. This makes them one of the largest ethnic groups in all of Africa.

2. Yoruba's still practise traditional religions

Majority of Yoruba people still practice the religion of their ancestors. The Yoruba believe in three gods including Olorun (the sky god), Eshu (the divine messenger) and Ogun (the god of war).

Dieties like Obatala, Sango, Osun, Yemoja and many more deities are worshipped in different villages.

3. Folktales and philosophy reign supreme

There are hundreds of folktales used in the Yoruba culture to help people navigate through life wisely.

The traditions of the Yoruba are based on folktales and philosophy. Cosmology and mythological creatures that live in both visible and invisible worlds can be described in most.

4. Babies have natural birth names

Before naming a child a lot is put into consideration in a typical Yoruba household. Names are extremely important to Yoruba people, and they believe that people live their life out based on their name.

That is why you find people bearing names such as Ayo meaning Joy, Ola meaning Wealth e.t.c.

5. They have been since prehistoric times

Back before Nigeria came to be, the Yorubas have existed in West Africa for thousands of years. They’ve also been the primary culture in southern Nigeria since the 11th century under many empires such as the Ife and Oyo kingdoms. Both of these kingdoms left hundreds of relics, mostly made up of brass, bronze and copper.