ifihearam:
I am a full blooded itsekiri man from the royal lineage but I beg to accept this assertion by his royal majesty because the only reason the late Olu's first son was not crowned is because his mother the queen was from the Yoruba royal house and the only condition to be crowned king is when your mother is from the Bini royal house hence the disqualification of the late Olu's first son and the immediate younger brother crowned. I know the itsekiris are direct descendants from the Yorubas but I know the binis also plays a pivotal role in the history of the great itsekiri kingdom.

Long live the Olu of warri

Ogiame suooooooo

Itsekiri royal house are from Benin. The first Olu was prince Ginuwa. Ogiame is a benin word meaning king of the water (river).

cbrass:


I really loved the way you explained it all here, but one thing that gets me confused or shocked was when one of my itsekiri friend asked me to teach him how to speak Yoruba and simple Yoruba words I was trying to teach him are the things he already knew, and pronounced correctly even though the guy has never stepped foot in the west.

Well, any Itsekiri who speaks it fluently should understand a good amount of Yoruba. It is a Yoruboid language.

Itsekiri were mostly Ijebu and some other Yoruba groups who settled there.

The Royal family & some other noble families came from Benin.

As usual, over the years, the nobles/royalty also adopted the Yoruboid ways/language.

The Royal family of Sweden is French, but the Swedes are not French.

Awo was said to have been surprised just how close to Yoruba the Itsekiri culturally were.

olagamalin:
Perhaps you conveniently missed where it was stated the Ooni refused to be drawn into any supremacy tussle. There's a reason you should peruse before commenting.

Neither was and is Benin palace interested in supremacy tussle too!

After all, it all started here and the Binis had to reply!

Are you sure u read their response very well?

Let's let things that are artificial be whilst also allow Natural things to be Natural!

Nobody is interested or have anything to gain inall these, but the youth and up coming ones need the truth and not confusion here and there!

Shymm3x:


In what century did the Ooni of Ife annex Epe?

A lot of you just distort history for no reason. For the Ooni of Ife to annex Epe, he must have annexed Ijebu kingdom. And the fact that throughout history, Ife never had an army that could even defend Ife and Ijebu warriors were the ones who protected Ife throughout all its wars, is enough to show that you don't even know what you're talking about.

Ife never annexed any kingdom. Even if it tried, it never had the army to pull it off. How many times did Owu sack Ife?

While listenin to the 'The Documentary 2.5' by Game, I saw my brother's comment which I construed to be a jab at Ife so I paused the music to get 'atchu'

Yes, Ijebu liked us back then but we annexed errrm Oke Igbo through Ooni Derin Ologbe nla. We also errrm annexed *side glance here* Ife Odan through Ooni Ogboru. Also, - ran out of citations.

And at sweetgala, yes being born by a prince or Ooni makes one a prince/ess but Ife do not use or recognize princes/esses - there's no Omo Oba as a recognition, title or classification; you're a a commoner like everyone until you initiate to become a Sooko. Yes, you have to be initiated to get the recognition of your birth status but then you become a Sooko and it stops there.

W/out initiation, parading yourself as a Prince in Ife will draw unfriendly reactions. This is why the appelation of prince/ess holds no weight nor makes any meaning to Ife people.

Ooni Ogunwusi had to be quickly initiated as a Sooko before being initiated as an Ooni, why? Because he was no 'prince'.

Dindondin:

Olu, the 1st King of Warri may not be Oduduwa direct son.
He may be descendant.
But one thing is clear, the 1st King of Warri and Benin are Yorubas

You have brought your ignorance to this thread. No Yoruba has ever ruled Benin or Warri.

Benin people should simply read up on Ugie Erha Oba festival.

The two most important rituals of divine kingship are Ugie Erha
Oba, which honors the king's royal paternal ancestors, and Igue,
which augments the king's own mystical powers. These two rituals,
which were introduced by Oba Ewuare in the fifteenth century, are
equally concerned with the concept of divine kingship, although in
Ugie Erha Oba the king is the officiant of the rite and in Igue he is the
object (Ben-Amos 1980:82). Ugie Erha Oba is preceded by a ritual in
which all the families of Benin commemorate their own paternal
ancestors. This is followed by Ugie Igun, in which rites honoring each
former king are performed individually. The rites honoring the father
of the present Oba, Ugie Erha Oba itself, begin with a greeting
ceremony, Otue, in which the living king receives the homage of all
his chiefs and titleholders, in order of their rank. They greet him and
receive gifts of kola nuts and palm wine in return, thus dramatically
showing their acceptance of his superiority and of their own rank in the
Benin sociopolitical hierarchy. In the central rite of Ugie Erha Oba,
the Oba appears in public, dressed lavishly (fig. 11), preceded by the
Ifiento, retainers who clear a path for him with magically charged
bracelets (see fig. 49). Sacrifices are performed to appease evil spirits,
honor the earth, and to commemorate the Oba's father, the focus of the
day's events. The chiefs, dressed elaborately, again demonstrate their
support and reverence for the king by dancing past him with upraised
ceremonial eben swords (fig. 12). The king, dressed in his most
elaborate beaded costume, then performs in similar fashion with an
eben before the altar dedicated to his father. Ugie Erha Oba concludes
with a ritual called Iron, in which the seven Uzama engage in a mock
battle with supporters of the king, who eventually triumph (fig. 13).

This part of the festival refers to the past conflicts between the Oba and
the Uzama, who represent the original people of Benin as opposed to
the alien rulers from Ife. The inclusion of Iron in the ceremony
honoring the ancestors of the king emphasizes the supremacy of the
Obas and the struggles that were necessary for them to achieve it; it
also indicates the Oba's ability to vanquish any enemies who may
oppose him during the coming year; finally, it illustrates the historical
consciousness that has motivated so much of Benin art and ritual.

sweetgala:


What was the statement made so it can be analyzed ?. Just saying a statement was made can not be the conclusion

On January 7, 1952 at the opening of the Western House of Assembly the Alake of Abeokuta said this:

On my right sits the Oni of Ife;
On my left, the Leader of our Government,
Obafemi Awolowo.
The Voice of the West is complete.

This was in Ibadan, not even in Egbaland.

He completely ignored Oba of Benin, Akenzua II and other minority royals & leaders seated.

Of course Oba of Benin walked out and others of Delta followed. Obviously, they were not part of the West and wanted to have their own region.

Midwest/Bendel was the only democratically created region/state through a popular vote/referendum. Others were by colonial fiat or military fiat.

sweetgala:


I would not assume that because Ife has the Ida as a royal insignia that it is derived from Bini as the reverse can be said to be the case. One fact is true, both thrones are descended from the same origin, and their claim to authority is via the throne of Oduduwa (Lamurudu)

I can conclude the argument as is now is built on ego rather than fact, I am a prince from Ife myself and from factual understanding, it is conclusive that the Bini kingdom as it currently seats was established by a prince either by conquest, or political annexation through marriage, this same lineage conquered and united Ile-ife.

I failed to complete my previous write up, the insignia includes both the Ida and Ape (both ceremonial swords) which is also the insignia of many kings from Olowo, the Deji of Akure, I'm yet to conclude if the Alaafin usues the Ape but I have seen the Ida in his royal assemblage.

The fact remains that previous Bini kings before this present king were subservient to the throne of the Ooni as were many others, this would signify that the throne of the Ooni in Ife was the first base of the Kings who annexed these other areas importantly Oyo, Eko , Edo, Owo, Egba , Epe , and possibly Delta.

The name might signify this fact Ile-Ife (the land of expansion) Looking at the traditional process it is very likely that Bini kingdom may have later become the most important seat of this kings authority by choice similar to Oyo due to military advantage. While Ife remained his source of devination therefore referred to as the Oracle, where important rites and rituals took place.

Bini as a gateways to the southern coast and Oyo to the North.

of all the comments I have read on this power/ego tussle yours makes most sense, the bini kingdoms political and commercial power due to its strategic location doesn't remove the fact that it's current structure was inspired by a source, more like a capital.
on another note, I'm sincerely tired of this back and forth historical tussles, I believe politics and modern government has created a vacuum between these Kings hence the issues.

9jacrip:

While listenin to the 'The Documentary 2.5' by Game, I saw my brother's comment which I construed to be a jab at Ife so I paused the music to get 'atchu'

Yes, Ijebu liked us back then but we annexed errrm Oke Igbo through Ooni Derin Ologbe nla. We also errrm annexed *side glance here* Ife Odan through Ooni Ogboru. Also, - ran out of citations.

And at sweetgala, yes being born by a prince or Ooni makes one a prince/ess but Ife do not use or recognize princes/esses - there's no Omo Oba as a recognition, title or classification; you're a a commoner like everyone until you initiate to become a Sooko. Yes, you have to be initiated to get the recognition of your birth status but then you become a Sooko and it stops there.

W/out initiation, parading yourself as a Prince in Ife will draw unfriendly reactions. This is why the appelation of prince/ess holds no weight nor makes any meaning to Ife people.

Ooni Ogunwusi had to be quickly initiated as a Sooko before being initiated as an Ooni, why? Because he was no 'prince'.

Lol.

It wasn't a jab...I just had to correct the distortion cos ya Ife brother was trying to turn Ife into Oyo. Even Oyo at the height of its empire status never annexed Epe or any part of Ijebuland.

Ife and Ijebu are cool. We've got ya back like the verizon man and like we've always done. But the new Ooni needs to slow down - he's moving too fast.

Duke of Ijebuland.

Shymm3x:


Lol.

It wasn't a jab...I just had to correct the distortion cos ya Ife brother was trying to turn Ife into Oyo. Even Oyo at the height of its empire status never annexed Epe or any part of Ijebuland.

Ife and Ijebu are cool. We've got ya back like the verizon man and like we've always done. But the new Ooni needs to slow down - he's moving too fast.

Duke of Ijebuland.

LOL, stay having our back bro - we're starting to have land issues with non-Ife and we may go to war soon. So y'all need to prepare for our call any moment from now.

There's an Epe in Ondo, any connection with the one in Lagos?

Hopefully, the Ooni won't put us and the throne in bad light soon.

9jacrip:


While listenin to the 'The Documentary 2.5' by Game, I saw my brother's comment which I construed to be a jab at Ife so I paused the music to get 'atchu'

Yes, Ijebu liked us back then but we annexed errrm Oke Igbo through Ooni Derin Ologbe nla. We also errrm annexed *side glance here* Ife Odan through Ooni Ogboru. Also, - ran out of citations.

And at sweetgala, yes being born by a prince or Ooni makes one a prince/ess but Ife do not use or recognize princes/esses - there's no Omo Oba as a recognition, title or classification; you're a a commoner like everyone until you initiate to become a Sooko. Yes, you have to be initiated to get the recognition of your birth status but then you become a Sooko and it stops there.

W/out initiation, parading yourself as a Prince in Ife will draw unfriendly reactions. This is why the appelation of prince/ess holds no weight nor makes any meaning to Ife people.

Ooni Ogunwusi had to be quickly initiated as a Sooko before being initiated as an Ooni, why? Because he was no 'prince'.

And how do you conclude that I may not be a sooko !

Dindondin:

Olu, the 1st King of Warri may not be Oduduwa direct son.
He may be descendant.
But one thing is clear, the 1st King of Warri and Benin are Yorubas

Aqra .
One thing is clear the first Olu of Warri and Oba of Benin were not Yorubas. Oduduwa did not feature in Itsekiri history till recently

Omeny:


Neither was and is Benin palace interested in supremacy tussle too!

After all, it all started here and the Binis had to reply!

Are you sure u read their response very well?

Let's let things that are artificial be whilst also allow Natural things to be Natural!

Nobody is interested or have anything to gain inall these, but the youth and up coming ones need the truth and not confusion here and there!

the youths should face their future and leave distorted historical facts alone.....

Shymm3x:


In what century did the Ooni of Ife annex Epe?

A lot of you just distort history for no reason. For the Ooni of Ife to annex Epe, he must have annexed Ijebu kingdom. And the fact that throughout history, Ife never had an army that could even defend Ife and Ijebu warriors were the ones who protected Ife throughout all its wars, is enough to show that you don't even know what you're talking about.

Ife never annexed any kingdom. Even if it tried, it never had the army to pull it off. How many times did Owu sack Ife?

Ife in itself was an annexed land, history makes it clear Oduduwa was the uniting force in Ife, it is also obvious that what is now oyo at some stage cam under the control of Oduduwa or his lineage, same for owo, ondo under the osemawe, Ila, Owu and if we may say for cause of argument Bini. Among many others, those areas which were dominated by the sons/garndsons of oduduwa were occupied.

Omeny:


Neither was and is Benin palace interested in supremacy tussle too!

After all, it all started here and the Binis had to reply!

Are you sure u read their response very well?

Let's let things that are artificial be whilst also allow Natural things to be Natural!

Nobody is interested or have anything to gain inall these, but the youth and up coming ones need the truth and not confusion here and there!

Oooh.. .meaning the Binu High Chief that embarked on an inciteful voyage to Mountain Olympus to counter the excited assertions of the Alake was merely a figment of our collective imagination.

ifihearam:
I am a full blooded itsekiri man from the royal lineage but I beg to accept this assertion by his royal majesty because the only reason the late Olu's first son was not crowned is because his mother the queen was from the Yoruba royal house and the only condition to be crowned king is when your mother is from the Bini royal house hence the disqualification of the late Olu's first son and the immediate younger brother crowned. I know the itsekiris are direct descendants from the Yorubas but I know the binis also plays a pivotal role in the history of the great itsekiri kingdom.

Long live the Olu of warri

Ogiame suooooooo

If I may ask was Ogiame Antonio Domingo a full blooded itsekiri?
Cos history has it that his mother was of Portuguese descent

Oranmiyan was the founder of the Oyo Empire (The first Oba/Alaafin), and the father of Eweka I, the first Oba of the Benin empire, which marked the end of the Ogiso dynasty, and the beginning of the Omo n'Oba dynasty, the dynasty that propelled the Benin empire into its Imperial period

That is the real fact for all dis little children who don't knw history

.

Pprovost:
Only the Yorubas that took that drunkard at Benin's palace serious two weeks ago will feel good about this news. His gibberish does not even worth all the attention it generated. Yoruba is a tribe that has produced many 'divergent' tribes in Nigeria and beyond.

Still....

I think Yorubas should not be forming relationship with any tribe. It should be the other way round.

your father is a drunkard, idiot. Learn to respect your elders. Who wants to be associated with your tribe

sweetgala:


And how do you conclude that I may not be a sooko !

Good question, I thought of this but then I wasn't expecting a Sooko or someone involved in Ife to use 'Prince'.

Apologies if you are, uncle.

bokohalal:


Thank you! What we have been saying all along.
Eko and Warri monarchies are Benin derived. Those are symbols of royalty that has been with Benin from time. Check out ancient Benin artworks.
Now , Ife. If the ADA was from Ife, all other Yoruba monarchs would have been using it since it is claimed Ife gave birth to the rest. Is there a reason only Benin is using it out of all Oduduwa's children?
Is it not then logical to conclude that the only reason Ife has the ADA is because it is also Benin derived?

bros I disagree with u sir.... let me show u Ada Ogun that the old Yoruba use in wars and it is even in museums abroad.....now tell me if what u said is true

santino09:
All the sensible tribes in naija respects the Yoruba's... except for the two arrogant ones; the binis and the.... I.... u know now... help complete am...

So you mean the fulanis grazing your lands with cattles, rapping your maidens and claiming right respect you?

They sure don't respect you also, they respect no one. There is no sense in the direction you are driving at.

Shymm3x:


In what century did the Ooni of Ife annex Epe?

A lot of you just distort history for no reason. For the Ooni of Ife to annex Epe, he must have annexed Ijebu kingdom. And the fact that throughout history, Ife never had an army that could even defend Ife and Ijebu warriors were the ones who protected Ife throughout all its wars, is enough to show that you don't even know what you're talking about.

Ife never annexed any kingdom. Even if it tried, it never had the army to pull it off. How many times did Owu sack Ife?

You are very right, the level of ignorance is some times nauseating, for example, how can you refer to the Ooni as His Imperial Majesty when in all history, Ife was never recorded as growing beyond the town to become an empire. Think it would be appropriate for the Alaafin to be referred to as His Imperial Majesty.

Same vein, the Alake was quoted to have purported that the Ooni is first followed by Alaafin. Though this is enmeshed in history but what is particularly curious and laughable is that he went ahead to list the Alake as pre-eminent over the Awujale when Abeokuta was only recently founded in the 19th century whereas the Awujale stool predated the 16th century.

Shymm3x:


In what century did the Ooni of Ife annex Epe?

A lot of you just distort history for no reason. For the Ooni of Ife to annex Epe, he must have annexed Ijebu kingdom. And the fact that throughout history, Ife never had an army that could even defend Ife and Ijebu warriors were the ones who protected Ife throughout all its wars, is enough to show that you don't even know what you're talking about.

Ife never annexed any kingdom. Even if it tried, it never had the army to pull it off. How many times did Owu sack Ife?

keep talking about Ijebu armies......ur OKO IYA dey Ibadan....That's the best army Yorubaland had ever produced......they defeated the Fulani warriors that wanted to take over Yoruba land.....I guess they were led by El kanemi or was it Ustman danfodio

iHustle:


You have brought your ignorance to this thread. No Yoruba has ever ruled Benin or Warri.

shut up!
The 1st Oba of Benin, Oranmiyan is a Yoruba man.

sweetgala:


The Oba of Benin is general does not leave his palace, by tradition he has to live and die within the confines if his kingdom. There have been few occasions where the King has left the palace.

It is a serious form of bondage.

On another note I have been trying to find out about what caught my eye when viewing pictures from the new young king in Delta, I saw behind his throne an insignia which has strong corolations with Yoruba and Bini royal heritage and would usually be used to signify the source of the authority of a throne, the King had the "Ida" - sword as is often seen with the Ife kingdom, Bini kingdom and Eko kingdom in particular.

It is also present in the Ondo King's Palace (Osemawe)

look at the sitting servant.

9jacrip:


LOL, stay having our back bro - we're starting to have land issues with non-Ife and we may go to war soon. So y'all need to prepare for our call any moment from now.

There's an Epe in Ondo, any connection with the one in Lagos?

Hopefully, the Ooni won't put us and the throne in bad light soon.

I guess he was alluding to the Epe in Ondo cos nobody annexed us. The undefeated Ijebus.

Shyte, just shout me when the war kicks off. As the Duke of Ijebuland, I shall send 200,000 Ijebu special forces with AK48 and Iskander missiles to annihilate whoever wants to desecrate the sacred city of Ife.

Lol. The Ooni is already hooked to some Bini cum bucket with that ol'good pum, while trying to make a who.re a housewife. And he has EFCC chasing him around. Things aren't looking too good for ya Ooni, after the initial hype.

This

9jacrip:




There's an Epe in Ondo, any connection with the one in Lagos?

there are also Epes in Osun and Ekiti states, possibly Oyo state too, look at those ones as well.

nokingasgod:


You are very right, the level of ignorance is some times nauseating, for example, how can you refer to the Ooni as His Imperial Majesty when in all history, Ife was never recorded as growing beyond the town to become an empire. Think it would be appropriate for the Alaafin to be referred to as His Imperial Majesty.

Same vein, the Alake was quoted to have purported that the Ooni is first followed by Alaafin. Though this is enmeshed in history but what is particularly curious and laughable is that he went ahead to list the Alake as pre-eminent over the Awujale when Abeokuta was only recently founded in the 19th century whereas the Awujale stool predated the 16th century.

Oyo died centuries ago.

What you have now is a 'makeshift' Oyo, so stop it!

Not knowing the difference between the actual Oyo and the present day Oyo is another level of ignorance and not knowing military might is never a yardstick for superiority/greatness is also another level of ignorance entirely and it makes some of us retch.

see historians everywhere.... ye ye.