Ile-Ife is regarded as the spiritual home and cradle of the Yoruba people. According to tradition, it is where the world and humanity began, and from where Yoruba kings spread across the region. Today it is a university town and a living centre of Yoruba culture. This guide explains its history and landmarks.
The Creation Story
Yoruba tradition says the divinities descended to Ife, where Obàtálá shaped human beings and Odùduwà became the first ruler. Read the full account in our guide to the origin of the Yoruba.
The Ooni of Ife
The king of Ile-Ife is the Ooni, widely regarded as the spiritual head of the Yoruba. The city’s annual festival is Olojo, and you can read about other rulers in Yoruba kings and Obas.
Landmarks and Treasures
- The Ife bronze and terracotta heads: lifelike portrait sculptures made hundreds of years ago, among the finest works of African art. See them in the Ife National Museum.
- Opa Oranmiyan: a granite monolith in the city, associated with the prince Oranmiyan.
- Sacred sites and shrines: many places linked to the orisha, explained in Yoruba religion.
Ife and Yoruba Kingdoms
Many royal houses trace their descent to Ife, including Oyo. See how it fits among the Yoruba kingdoms and the Oyo Empire. Obafemi Awolowo University is also in Ile-Ife, making it an important centre of learning.
Visiting Ile-Ife
Plan visits around the Ife Museum, the palace area and festival dates, and always ask before photographing shrines. For general background, see Wikipedia’s Ile-Ife page.
Ile-Ife FAQs
Why is Ile-Ife important?
It is regarded as the spiritual home of the Yoruba and the place where Yoruba kingship began.
Who rules Ile-Ife?
The Ooni of Ife is the traditional ruler of the city.
What are the Ife heads?
They are lifelike bronze and terracotta sculptures made hundreds of years ago.
