THE IBADAN PEOPLE OF NIGERIA

Now let's talk about this amazing sets of people of Nigeria and learn from their way of life and culture.

Picture source map of Ibadan

Ibadan (capital of Oyo state) is located in the South western region of Nigeria. It is one of the oldest race of the Yoruba kingdoms. It is rated the 3rd most populous city in Nigeria and the 2nd most populous in Africa(after Cairo) as it has a vast proportion of land which is equivalent to a population size of about 3million people. It was at a time termed the "largest commercial centre" in Nigeria's trade history. It was also one of those earlier cities in Nigeria which embraced educational invention such as it witnessed the erection of one of the first universities, the University College of Ibadan(later known as University of Ibadan)in 1948.

Picture source Beautiful city of Ibadan

The Ibadan people of Nigeria, are about the most amazing and intriguing sets of people you would ever meet. They are the ones who are easily recognizable as their tribal marks of three or more vertical and horizontal lines gives them away. These marks are given at birth by local surgeon and it is for the sole reason of identification and in some rare cases, beautification. They share some sort of psychic homogeneity. An Ibadan person can never go wrong with another of its own because they connect on everywhere and level of the world. They commonly refer to themselves as "Omo iya" (Kinsmen) and are as open to other tribes of the rich Yoruba race. They love to be associated with Olúyólé (a military hero of the past) hence the affix: Olúyólé Ibadan.

Picture source tribal marks illustration

Picture source Oluyole's statue

The hospitality and receptiveness of the Ibadans is highly rated. They would throw open arms to visitors, house them, feed them and even tell them about their culture and traditions. They enjoy to share their favorite delicious meal of Amala(a stapling made from processed yam flour) which goes with èwèdu(cooked slipperylike vegetable called Jute mallow) and gbégiri soup (made by grinding cooked beans). The ibadans love to enjoy this meal with assorted bush meats and palmwine. They can mostly eat this in the afternoons and evenings after a hard day's work to restore lost strength and eaten with so much relish as their women are good cooks.
Picture sourcePicture source Amala, gbegiri, ewedu and assorted meat

In addition to this, they love roasted snails dipped in hot pepper sauce as a snack. Their visitors are also treated to this kind of snack to boost appetite pending the arrival of the main course.
Picture source roasted snail in pepper sauce
Picture source Palmwine

The people of Ibadan are not known to keep their mouths shut when trampled upon. They are known to be blunt and observant of opposer's weaknesses which could be used to talk against the opposed. Their words serves as a machinery for battle and they are known to talk faster, this sometimes can be a disadvantage of their nobility. They are very stubborn and resilient. They are the ones to stick to their words and carry out avowed actions. Just like they make use of invectives, they are equally as respectful, if not over respectful. They would greet on everything, for everyone and at every time. They were known to be warriors in the time when war was a determiner of peaceful acquisition of kingdoms. They are also hardworking people who value trade and agriculture.

Deeply rooted in the Yoruba traditional culture is their way of dressing. An average Ibadan woman wears an Iró (wrapper) and Bùbá (blouse-like loose top) and Gèlé (headgear) to match. This dress is not complete for their women without the use of ìborùn (shawl). It is equally as complicated for men who wears Sòkòtò (native trousers) and a Kèmbè (baggy shirt), it is incomplete without their caps called Filà which comes in different types; Abetí-ajá (crest-like shape which derives its name from its hanging flaps likened to a dog's dropping ears), Gobi (a cylindrical shaped cap), Bentigoo, Oribi amongst other. Their youngs mostly run around naked as they try to evade this bogus beautiful dresses. Agbádá is worn by chiefs and royal patrons or sometimes by the commoners when going for festivities. They take pride in their mode of dress.

Picture source

Picture source man in agbada

I am not of the Ibadan tribe but I know this much because an Ibadan person would make themselves accessible as they love to talk about their way of life. Moreover, I admire their tenacity, sincerity, hospitality and sense of organization. Lovely people with lovely lifestyles who take life as lightly as possible while living to the fullest. If you haven't met an Ibadan person already, wouldn't you start preparations to meet with one? It is worth the while!!!!

Picture source an ibadan man

Picture source ibadan women

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