While the Yoruba people are predominantly associated with Nigeria, their influence extends across several other African nations. Here’s a look at six countries where Yoruba communities can be found:
- Benin
The historic kingdom of Ketu in Benin is one of the oldest Yoruba settlements outside Nigeria. Founded by Sopasan, a descendant of the Yoruba ancestor Oduduwa, Ketu and its capital have long been integral to Yoruba history. The Alaketu rulers of Ketu maintained significant connections with Ile-Ife, reinforcing the cultural and historical ties between the two regions. - Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, the Oku people, also known as Aku Marabout or Aku Mohammedans, have Yoruba roots. Many of these individuals were freed from the transatlantic slave trade in the 19th century and resettled in Sierra Leone. Their community has evolved from these historical migrations and settlements, with descendants preserving their Yoruba heritage. - Gambia
The Akus, a minority ethnic group in Gambia, have Yoruba ancestry. This group, primarily descendants of freed slaves, speaks the Aku language, which includes Yoruba influences. Their cultural practices, such as the term “ashobie” for special occasion attire, reflect their Yoruba heritage. - Ivory Coast
In Ivory Coast, the Yoruba community is known as the Ejigbos. Originating from Osun State, the Ejigbo people migrated through Benin, Togo, and Ghana before settling in Côte d’Ivoire in 1902. Their presence in Ivory Coast is marked by a strong tradition in farming and trading, with a well-established community continuing to thrive there. - Togo
Approximately 90,000 people in Atakpame, Togo, speak the Ife dialect of Yoruba, reflecting their origins from Ija-Oku in former Dahomey. The Ife dialect retains many traditional aspects of the Yoruba language, including its tonal distinctions, distinguishing it from the modern Nigerian Yoruba. - Ghana
Ghana is home to a Yoruba community with a rich historical presence dating back over 200 years. The Yoruba ruler in Ghana, Chief Braimah, oversees a community with deep connections to Nigeria. This diaspora resulted from migration, trade, and intermarriage, and their cultural influence remains evident in Ghana’s diverse ethnic landscape.
In summary, while Nigeria remains the heartland of the Yoruba people, their cultural and historical footprints extend across Benin, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Togo, and Ghana.
