African Countries Yoruba People Call Home Aside Nigeria

The Yoruba people are a vibrant and significant ethnic group originating from Nigeria. Known for their rich culture, traditions, and history, the Yoruba have spread beyond the borders of Nigeria to various parts of the world, including other African countries. 

This dispersal has led to the establishment of Yoruba communities that continue to thrive and preserve their heritage in different regions. In this article, we will explore six African countries where the Yoruba people have made a home, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of these communities.

Benin

Benin, a West African country, is home to a significant Yoruba population. One of the oldest Yoruba settlements, the kingdom of Ketu, is located there. Ketu has deep historical roots tied to the Yoruba culture, with its founding attributed to Sopasan, a descendant of Oduduwa, the legendary ancestor of the Yoruba people. 

The capital city, also named Ketu, holds a prominent place in Yoruba history. The rulers of Ketu, known as Alaketu, have traditionally maintained close ties with Ile-Ife, the spiritual heartland of the Yoruba. This kingdom has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Yoruba traditions, language, and customs in Benin.

Sierra Leone

In Sierra Leone, the Yoruba influence is evident among the Oku people, also known as Aku Marabout or Aku Mohammedans. This ethnic group emerged in the 19th century when Yoruba individuals were liberated from the slave trade. 

Many of these freed Yoruba people, including Islamic scholars known as marabouts, settled in Sierra Leone, creating a distinct community. The Oku people have since integrated into Sierra Leonean society while maintaining their Yoruba heritage, including religious practices, language, and cultural traditions. 

Gambia

The Gambia, a small West African country, also hosts a Yoruba community known as the Akus. This group primarily consists of descendants of freed slaves, many of whom were of Yoruba origin. 

The Akus speak the Aku language, which retains strong Yoruba influences. For instance, the Aku people call a group outfit worn on special occasions “ashobie,” while the Yoruba call it “aso ebi.” 

Ivory Coast

The Yoruba community in Ivory Coast is primarily composed of the Ejigbo people from Osun State, Nigeria. Their migration journey began with settlements in Benin, Togo, and Ghana before they arrived in Ivory Coast in 1902. 

Initially drawn by trade opportunities, the Ejigbo migrants engaged in farming and trading local goods. Over time, they established a substantial community in Ivory Coast. 

Togo

In Togo, the Yoruba presence is notably represented by approximately 90,000 people in the city of Atakpame. These individuals primarily descend from Yoruba migrants from Ija-Oku in what was once Dahomey. 

The Ife dialect of Yoruba is widely spoken in Atakpame, preserving many characteristics of the original language, including its tonal system. Unlike modern Nigerian Yoruba, which has lost some tonal distinctions, the Ife dialect maintains these nuances. 

Ghana

Ghana hosts a vibrant Yoruba community, though they are a minority compared to other ethnic groups. The Yoruba ruling dynasty in Ghana has a history spanning over 200 years. 

The founder of this dynasty was an influential Nigerian settler from Ilorin, who became a wealthy businessman and was recognized by the British Consul as the Head of the Mohammedans. His palace can still be found in the Makola International Market in Central Accra. 

The Yoruba monarch in Ghana, known as Chief Braimah, leads a council of chiefs, continuing to uphold Yoruba traditions and governance structures.