Yorubas not originally from Ile-Ife. The first man created was Yoruba. — Oluwo of Iwoland

Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has sparked off a debate after saying that historically, Yorubas are not originally from Ile. 

In a statement released, the monarch argued that the history of Yorùbá as a tribe is beyond Oduduwa and the city of Ile-Ife in Osun State.

He charged historians working on Yoruba ancestral home to be objective in their research and documentation, saying Yoruba ancestral home is beyond Ile-Ife. According to him, limiting research work to Ile-Ife is putting a limitation to Yoruba far reaching historical greatness and accomplishments, emphasising that Yorubas are synonymous with distinction, excellence and greatness.

“Yorubas are naturally from greatness. Humanity started from us. We are the descendants of Lamurudu, the first mightiest man to build the tallest house. Our history is beyond Oduduwa and Ile-Ife. Limiting our history to the duo is tantamount to restraining our ancestors from great accomplishments and achievements of the past.

I challenge Professors of Yorubas to research on the origin and originality of Oduduwa. We have to objectively trace his lineage and origin. He came from somewhere before he settled at Ile-Ife.

This implies that Yorubas are not originally from Ile-Ife. In documenting the history of the Yorubas, all ancient crowns and stakeholders with genuine interest must be incorporated. We are victor, great and rich. Hence, we must establish our origin to be greater and richer than our forebears.

Yoruba ancestors/ancestral home, to be accepted, must be traced to pure, unadulterated Yoruba speaking ancient towns which their intonation can be device to write and pass Yoruba examinations with recognized bodies such as JAMB, WAEC and NECO.” he said