Ifá custodians

05/07/2025

Foods : A woman that allows people to taste her food before buying will end up feeding the entire community without selling!

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05/07/2025

05/07/2025

Fine Art | YORUBA DOOR, DECEMBER 1977.

Yoruba doors, crafted by the Yoruba people of Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Bénin republic 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 are a significant form of artistic expression, symbolizing the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. These doors are typically made from durable woods like iroko, mahogany, or teak, and are known for their elaborate carvings.

There is a saying or prayer in one of the numerous expressions among the Yorùbá about the door and its significance, not only as a physical and important aspect of their architecture, but also in their language and culture. It also alludes to its pride of place as perhaps the most decorated element of Yorùbá architecture. From private homes, to the homes of the rich, shrines, and palaces, Yorùbá doors are usually imbued with a considerable array of images and icons that proclaims the owner's identity, religion, occupation.

Follow EM Digital

Fine Art | YORUBA DOOR, DECEMBER 1977.

Yoruba doors, crafted by the Yoruba people of Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Bénin republic 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 are a significant form of artistic expression, symbolizing the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. These doors are typically made from durable woods like iroko, mahogany, or teak, and are known for their elaborate carvings.

There is a saying or prayer in one of the numerous expressions among the Yorùbá about the door and its significance, not only as a physical and important aspect of their architecture, but also in their language and culture. It also alludes to its pride of place as perhaps the most decorated element of Yorùbá architecture. From private homes, to the homes of the rich, shrines, and palaces, Yorùbá doors are usually imbued with a considerable array of images and icons that proclaims the owner's identity, religion, occupation.

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03/07/2025

Olori Eso!!!

No one plays the role of Olori Eso better than this man in old Yoruba Movies.

02/07/2025

Agẹmọ Festival in Ìjẹ̀bu begins today, 1st July, 2025.

Agẹmọ from the traditional communities would set out with their "ẸRÙ" today in journey to Imọsàn for the annual traditional rites and proceedings.

AGEMO AND THEIR ROUTES TO IMOSANAs the Agemo Festival draws near, it’s essential to reconnect with the traditions that shape our cultural heritage.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Agemo and the routes they take on their journey to Imosan, the sacred convergence point.

ROUTES OF THE DANCING AGEMO PRIESTS:

1. Tami – Odogbolu → Okun-Owa → Agoro → Imodi → Imosan 2. Edelumoro – Imoro → Idowa → Egbe → Express → Lagos Garage → Adeola Odutola → Obalende → Imosan 3. Serefusi – Igbile → Idowa → Egbe → Express → Lagos Garage → Adeola Odutola → Obalende → Imosan 4. Posa – Imosan 5. Olumoko – Okun-Owa → Agoro → Imodi → Imosan 6. Alufe – Ijesa Ijebu → Okun-Owa → Agoro → Imodi → Imosan 7. Onugbo – Okenugbo (Ago-Iwoye) → Oru Junction → Iperin → Odoyanta → Imosan 8. Ija Oloko – Imosan 9. Ajaga – Oru → Iperin → Odoyanta → Imosan 10. Magodo – Aiyepe → Odogbolu → Okun-Owa → Agoro → Imodi → Imosan 11. Olumuku (Bajelu) – Imuku → Erunwon → Luba GRA Road → Idobi → Imupa → Obalende → Imosan 12. Olubamisan – Ago Iwoye → Imere Road → Imosan 13. Petu – Isiwo → Toll Gate → Oke Owa → Makalewo → Our Lady → Olisa → Italapo → Obalende → Imosan 14. Ogegbo – Ibonwon → Isiwo → Toll Gate → Oke Owa → Makalewo → Our Lady → Olisa → Italapo → Obalende → Imosan 15. Idebi – Ago Iwoye → Imere Road → Imosan 16. Nopa – Imushin → Ilese → Oke Owa → Makalewo → Our Lady → Olisa → Italapo → Obalende → Imosan

OTHER (NON-DANCING BUT SIGNIFICANT) AGEMO PRIESTS: • Ewujagbori – Imosan • Eduwe – Ago Iwoye → Imere Road → Imosan • Ogi – Idogi → Italapo → Obalende → Imosan • Ebi – From Iwata (moves with Olumoro or Serefusi) • Oliwo Agbadagbodo – Ijasi → Oke-Ijasi → Abeokuta Road → Obalende → Imosan.

Their traditional routes from the ages are:
1. Epe/Ijebu Ode route
2. Isiwo/Ijebu Ode route
3. Ijebu Imusin/Ijebu Ode route
4. Ago-Iwoye/Oru/Ijebu Ode route
5. Ago-Iwoye/Pepsi Junction/Imodi-Imosan route
6. Okun-Owa/Agoro/Imodi- Imosan route
7. Odogbolu/Ijebu Ode route..etc

It is important to re-emphasise the fact that women are not allowed to see the paraphernalia of the Agemo(s), so all women are to restrict their movements from 1pm upward on these routes on the dates stated above to avoid any calamity.

Be reminded!
Be guided!
Be careful!

May we live to witness more celebrations and may our lands be healed and made peaceful.

Àwa ọmọ alárẹ̀
Ọmọ ère nì'wà
Ọmọ aládìyẹ ògògòmọ̀gà
Ọmọ Awújalẹ̀
Ọmọ alágẹmọ mérìndínlógún
Ọmọ alágẹmọ ogún wọ̀yọ̀wọ̀yọ̀

OSHI IJEBU A GBEWA O!!!!








Via Yoruba Daily

02/07/2025

This drums is an ancient drum from akure axis Ondo state Nigeria.

02/07/2025

Lamidi Olonade Fakeye: Master Sculptor of Yoruba Woodcarving

The wooden sign outside Lamidi Olonade Fakeye’s studio in Ibadan marked more than just a workspace—it signified the home of a distinguished legacy in Yoruba woodcarving. Born in 1928 in Ila Orangun, Fakeye belonged to a long lineage of artisans celebrated for their mastery of traditional sculpture. From an early age, he gravitated naturally toward the craft, inheriting skills honed across generations of Fakeye woodcarvers.

Fakeye’s artistic journey took a defining turn in 1949 when he met Father Kevin Carroll, a Catholic missionary and supporter of Yoruba art. This meeting opened new pathways for Fakeye, leading to an apprenticeship under the legendary sculptor George Bamidele Arowoogun at the renowned Oye-Ekiti workshop. There, Fakeye deepened his knowledge of form, technique, and symbolism.

His association with the Catholic Church would prove pivotal. The Church’s patronage brought a wave of important commissions—ornately carved doors, liturgical panels, architectural posts, and religious statuary—which allowed Fakeye to bridge traditional Yoruba aesthetics with Christian iconography. His first solo exhibition, held in Ibadan in 1960, further established his reputation as a major contemporary African artist.

A notable photograph taken during Eliot Elisofon’s 1970 African expedition captures Fakeye in his Ibadan studio, meticulously carving a piece that depicts themes of precolonial Yoruba warfare. His work, often rich with historical references, celebrates the complexity of Yoruba life and spirituality before the disruptions of colonialism.

Lamidi Olonade Fakeye left a lasting imprint on both Nigerian and global art, positioning himself as a modern custodian of an ancient form—one who ensured that Yoruba woodcarving remained alive, relevant, and evolving.

Source: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives