The Yoruba are not one single community but a family of related peoples who share a language, a broad culture and a tradition of origin, each with its own towns, dialect and customs. This guide introduces some of the best-known subgroups and where they are found. It is a general overview, and groupings are described differently by different scholars.
Well-known Yoruba subgroups
| Subgroup | Where they are mainly found |
|---|---|
| Oyo | Oyo and Ogbomoso areas of Oyo State, and the old Oyo Empire heartland |
| Ijebu | Ijebu-Ode and surrounding towns in Ogun State |
| Egba | Abeokuta and nearby towns in Ogun State |
| Ekiti | Ekiti State |
| Ijesha | Ilesa and nearby towns in Osun State |
| Ondo | Ondo State, including Ondo city |
| Awori | Parts of Lagos and Ogun States |
| Ife | Ile-Ife in Osun State, regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba |
Other groups include the Akoko, the Owu, the Ilaje and the Yewa (Egbado), among others. Many other communities across West Africa also trace their origins to Yoruba-speaking peoples.
One language, many dialects
Each subgroup speaks its own dialect, which can differ in sounds and some vocabulary. A speaker from Ekiti and a speaker from Ijebu may notice differences, yet they usually understand each other. Standard Yoruba, taught in schools and used in media, is largely based on the Oyo dialect and other widely used forms. See our guide to why the Yoruba language is in danger for how dialects and standard Yoruba are affected.
Shared roots
Many Yoruba traditions trace a shared beginning to Ile-Ife. Read our guide to the origin of the Yoruba, the Oyo Empire and the Yoruba states of Nigeria. Each subgroup has its own kings; see major Yoruba obas and their titles.
Frequently asked questions
How many Yoruba subgroups are there? It depends on how groups are counted; there are many, and scholars list them differently.
Do all Yoruba people speak the same dialect? No, but the dialects are generally mutually understandable.
Photo: Unsplash contributor, an aerial view of Bodija, Ibadan, illustrative of a Yoruba city. Locations are approximate and summarised from common sources.
