Oduduwa

Oduduwa is a legendary figure in Yoruba tradition, regarded as the founder of the Yoruba people and the first king of Ife, often considered the spiritual and cultural ancestor of the Yoruba civilization. According to myth, he was a nobleman or deity who, through divine guidance or ancestral power, established the city of Ife in present-day Nigeria around 1,000 CE. Oduduwa's legacy influences Yoruba identity, religion, and royal lineage, symbolizing creation, leadership, and cultural unity across many Yoruba communities. His story underscores themes of origins, sovereignty, and spiritual significance within Yoruba heritage.