WHO IS THIS Ọ̀RÀNMÍYÀN? (Part 2)

WHO IS THIS Ọ̀RÀNMÍYÀN? (Part 2)

What Ilé-Ifẹ̀, Bini and Ọ̀yọ́ agreed on as true about the historical figure.

Ọ̀rànmíyàn died and was buried at Ile Ifẹ

There has been no controversy surrounding this matter from either the Benin or Ọ̀yọ́ quarters, indicating a consensus on the historical accounts. Ọ̀rànmíyàn, after his remarkable exploits, chose to retire to Ilé Ifẹ where he eventually passed away. Interestingly, he was not only laid to rest in Ifẹ but also memorialized with the obelisk known as ọpa Ọ̀rànmíyàn.

This brings to light an intriguing question: considering and assuming the belief that Odùduwà and his descendants hailed from Benin, why did the two especially opt to have their final resting place in Ifẹ rather than in Benin? This departure from the common African tradition of returning royal remains to their place of origin, termed orí-adé-kìí-sùn-ta in Yorùbá culture, sparks curiosity.

An illustrative instance is the historical record of the son of ọba èkó, who endeavored to repatriate his father’s remains to Bini for a dignified burial, as documented by the British. This contrast between customary practices and historical events opens avenues for deeper exploration into the cultural nuances and historical contexts surrounding these decisions.

Reason over emotion
Logic over irrationality
Objectivity over subjectivity