Contemporary Yoruba Life

as seen by Emmanuel Jegede

political constitution & social divide • economic & social development - a child's view • the Obas

Political Constitution

Yoruba is a kingdom, not a country, within Nigeria.

"It's a race within a country."

"As you go along across the Yoruban part of Nigeria you see they are different, culturally, artistically, musicwise. They are different as you go along. But we have something that ties us together which is the spiritual side that make us to be Yoruba."

Most of the industry in Nigeria is based on European industry on Yorubaland, so people from all over Nigeria live there.

Nigeria is divided into states (36 at present). Each state has a capital and its own government. The president of Nigeria likens the political structure to that of America. The structure of the states was previously determined by geography but now ethnicity, so that to a Yoruba, you are Yoruba first regardless of whether you live in Yoruba territory.

"People are what they are first before their country. What I'm trying to say is I'm a Yoruban first before a Nigerian."

Each race would like its own state.

Social Divide

Previously there was a very narrow class distinction between the 'Royal Class' and the 'ordinary people'. This is changing and a powerful 'educated class' has emerged with a greater distinction between them and the 'ordinary people'.

The Yoruba society has become materialistic and people are judged by their wealth, whether they have achieved it through education or less commendable means. The 'ordinary people' cannot achieve such wealth and this has led to corruption. The solution for many young people is to go abroad. This has caused the gradual erosion of the quality and culture of Yoruba.

About the Yoruba • Objects from Yoruba Culture • E-Toys • Poetry • Activity sheets to use at home

Search Yoruba

Produced by The Telematics Centre at Exeter University © 2001