The Living Soul of the Yoruba Nation
Yoruba culture is not something we preserve in glass cases. It is something we live. The way we greet each other, the proverbs we use in conversation, the food we cook for celebrations, the festivals we keep, the clothes we wear to mark important occasions: all of this is our culture, and it is as alive today as it has ever been. In the DRY, we do not just protect our heritage. We govern by it.
Yoruba (Ede Yoruba)
More Than a Means of Communication
The Tonal Foundation
Yoruba is a tonal language spoken by over 40 million people. Its unique structure allows for deep philosophical expression through "Owe" (proverbs), which form the backbone of our moral and social governance.
National Literacy Program
Access resources to master Yorùbá orthography and tonal marks.
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Religion and Spiritual Life
The Yoruba traditional spiritual system is one of the world's most complete cosmological frameworks. Olodumare is the Supreme Being. The Orishas are divine intermediaries who govern specific aspects of the natural world. The Ifa divination system, through which the wisdom of Orunmila is accessed by trained Babalawo, is a vast oral literature encompassing philosophy, ethics, history, medicine, and governance. UNESCO's 2005 inscription of Ifa on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a recognition long overdue.
Core Intermediaries:
Traditional Dress
Agbádá
The flowing robe of prestige and authority worn by men during major ceremonies, royal occasions, and public celebrations.
Aṣọ Òkè
Handwoven ceremonial fabric known for its bold patterns and rich textures.
Gèlè
The beautifully wrapped head-tie worn by Yoruba women, a symbol of elegance, creativity, identity, and pride.
Àdìrẹ
Traditional indigo-dyed textile art created through resist-dyeing techniques.
Bùbá and Ìró
A timeless combination worn by Yoruba women, balancing simplicity, elegance, and cultural pride.
Sokoto and Fila
Traditional Yoruba trousers and caps worn by men as symbols of maturity, identity, and cultural sophistication.
National Festivals
Our Cultural Calendar
The Osun-Osogbo Festival, held each August at the Sacred Grove of the Osun River in Osogbo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), honours Oshun and draws hundreds of thousands of attendees. The Olojo Festival at Ile-Ife honours Ogun and centres on the Ooni wearing the sacred Aare Crown. The Eyo Festival in Lagos is one of West Africa's most visually striking cultural events.
The Cuisine of a Nation
Iyán & Ẹ̀fọ́ Rírò
Smooth pounded yam served with richly prepared vegetable soup filled with peppers, meats, fish, and traditional Yoruba seasoning.
Àmàlà, Gbegiri & Ewédú
The famous Ibadan combination of yam flour swallow served with smooth bean soup and fresh jute leaf soup.
Asún
Spicy grilled goat meat smoked over fire and mixed with peppers and onions, loved at celebrations and gatherings.
Ofada Rice & Ayamase
Locally grown Ofada rice paired with rich green pepper sauce prepared with assorted meats and traditional spices.
Mọ̀ín Mọ̀ín
Soft steamed bean pudding prepared with peppers, onions, fish, eggs, or corned beef.
Akara & Pap
Golden fried bean cakes served with warm pap, one of the most beloved Yoruba breakfast traditions.
Ẹ̀bà & Okra Soup
Cassava swallow served with fresh okra soup prepared with seafood, meats, and rich local seasoning.
Ikokore
Traditional Ijebu water yam delicacy slowly cooked in spicy pepper sauce with fish and assorted meat.
Ẹ̀wà Agoyin
Soft beans served with deeply flavoured pepper sauce, commonly enjoyed with bread as a popular street meal.
Bòlí & Groundnut
Roasted plantain paired with groundnuts, enjoyed as a quick meal and evening street snack.
Dòdò
Sweet fried ripe plantain served alongside rice, beans, or stews across Yoruba homes.
Pepper Soup
Hot and spicy soup prepared with goat meat, fish, or assorted meats using aromatic Yoruba spices.
Palm Wine & Kunu
Traditional drinks enjoyed during weddings, festivals, coronations, and family celebrations.
Pounded Yam & Egusi
Rich egusi soup served with smooth pounded yam, a favourite at important family and cultural gatherings.
Suya Yoruba Style
Spiced grilled meat prepared with bold Yoruba flavours and served at festivals, nightlife spots, and celebrations.
National Literacy Program
Access resources to master Yorùbá orthography and tonal marks.