Yoruba

Who are the Yoruba?

The Yoruba are a large West African people with a shared history, language, and culture. Their identity is rooted in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, which is seen as their spiritual origin. The Yoruba are bound together by common beliefs, social customs, and a tradition of urban living. They maintain a strong sense of group identity, often referring to themselves as 'Children of Oduduwa.' Their society is organized around towns and cities, each with its own ruler and council, but all sharing a network of kinship and cultural ties.

Where do the Yoruba live?

Yorubaland covers southwestern Nigeria and extends into parts of Benin and Togo. The land includes forests, savannah, and fertile plains, supporting both agriculture and urban settlements. Major Yoruba cities include Lagos, Ibadan, and Ile-Ife, each with a long history. The region is bordered by diverse peoples, and Yoruba communities can also be found in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone. The area is known for its dense population and vibrant urban centers.

What language do the Yoruba speak?

Yoruba is a Niger–Congo language with millions of native speakers. It has several dialects grouped into Northwest, Central, and Southeast areas. Literary Yoruba, used in schools and media, is based on the northwestern dialects. The language has a strong oral tradition, but also a rich body of written literature. Yoruba is widely spoken in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, and is maintained among diaspora communities.

How do the Yoruba live?

Traditionally, the Yoruba have been skilled farmers, growing crops such as yams, cassava, and maize. Many also engage in crafts, including weaving, pottery, and the famous bronze casting of Ile-Ife. Fishing is important in riverine areas. Urbanization is a longstanding feature, with many Yoruba living in large towns and cities, working in trade, services, and wage employment. Markets and craft guilds play a central role in economic life.

How is Yoruba society organised?

Yoruba society is organized around extended families and lineages, often grouped into clans. Descent is usually patrilineal, and family ties are strong. Towns and cities are led by an oba (king) and a council of chiefs, with power balanced between rulers and advisory bodies. Marriage is an important social institution, often involving extended negotiations and ceremonies. Social life is marked by elaborate greetings and respect for elders.

What do the Yoruba believe?

The Yoruba have a complex religious life, with many practicing the traditional Yoruba religion, which centers on a pantheon of deities (òrìṣà) and reverence for ancestors. Christianity and Islam are also widely followed. Rituals, festivals, and music are important, and the arts—especially sculpture in bronze, terracotta, and wood—are highly developed. Dress is often colorful, with distinctive textiles and beadwork.

The history of the Yoruba

The Yoruba trace their origins to the ancient city of Ile-Ife, which flourished by the 5th century BCE. The Ife Empire was a major power between 1200 and 1420 CE, followed by the Oyo Empire, which became dominant in the region. Yoruba cities were among the most urbanized in Africa, with large populations and complex political systems. The Yoruba were involved in regional trade and, at times, the Atlantic slave trade. Colonialism and later migration led to Yoruba communities across West Africa and the Americas.

Yoruba life today

Today, the Yoruba number over 50 million, mostly in Nigeria, with vibrant communities in Benin, Togo, and abroad. They remain influential in politics, culture, and the arts. Urban life continues to be central, with Lagos as a major hub. The Yoruba maintain their language and traditions, while also adapting to modern life. Diaspora communities keep cultural ties alive, especially through festivals and religious practices.

Questions people ask about the Yoruba

Sources and further reading

• Yoruba people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Yoruba themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.