Ile-Ife: The Cradle of the Yoruba People

History JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 5

Topic: Ile-Ife – The Cradle of the Yoruba People

Lesson Details

• Subject: History
• Class: JSS 1
• Term: Second Term
• Week: 5
• Age: 10–13 years
• Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Identify Ile-Ife on the map of Nigeria.
2. Explain the historical significance of Ile-Ife as the cradle of the Yoruba people.
3. Describe the cultural and religious importance of Ile-Ife.
4. Discuss the role of Ile-Ife in Yoruba history and traditions.

Keywords

• Ile-Ife
• Yoruba
• Oranmiyan
• Oduduwa
• Sacred city

Set Induction

The teacher asks students if they have ever heard of Ile-Ife and why it is called “The Cradle of the Yoruba People.”

Entry Behaviour

Students are familiar with Nigerian ethnic groups and some historical civilizations like the Nok culture.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Map of Nigeria showing Ile-Ife
• Pictures of ancient artifacts from Ile-Ife
• Videos or documentaries on Yoruba history

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about ancient Nigerian civilizations like Nok. This lesson introduces another important historical city, Ile-Ife, known for its deep cultural and historical significance.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Geographical skills
• Historical analysis

Learning Materials

• History textbooks
• Online resources on Yoruba history
• Artifacts and historical documents

Reference Books

• “Junior Secondary History” by A. O. Anjorin
• “A Short History of the Yoruba People” by S. O. Biobaku

Lesson Explanation

1. Location of Ile-Ife on the Map of Nigeria

Ile-Ife is located in present-day Osun State, in the southwestern part of Nigeria. It is situated near major Yoruba cities like Ibadan, Osogbo, and Ilesha.

2. Historical Significance of Ile-Ife

Ile-Ife is regarded as the spiritual and cultural center of the Yoruba people. According to Yoruba mythology, it is believed to be the place where the world was created and where the first Yoruba people lived.

• Oduduwa, the first king of Ile-Ife, is considered the founder of the Yoruba race.
• The city was home to early Yoruba kings, called the Oonis of Ife.
• Ile-Ife was an important center for early Yoruba civilization, known for its advanced art and bronze sculptures.

3. Cultural and Religious Importance of Ile-Ife

• Ile-Ife is home to several sacred sites and shrines, including the Ooni’s Palace and the Oranmiyan Staff.
• The city is famous for its bronze and terracotta sculptures, which show the advanced artistic skills of the Yoruba people.
• Many Yoruba traditional festivals, such as the Olojo Festival, are celebrated in Ile-Ife.

4. The Role of Ile-Ife in Yoruba History

• Ile-Ife was a major center of trade, politics, and religion in early Yoruba history.
• The city influenced many other Yoruba kingdoms, including Oyo, Benin, and Ijebu.
• It remains the spiritual home of the Yoruba people and a significant cultural heritage site in Nigeria.

Evaluation Questions (Fill in the Blanks with a, b, c, or d)

1. Ile-Ife is located in which present-day Nigerian state?
   a) Osun
   b) Oyo
   c) Ogun
   d) Lagos

2. Who is regarded as the first king of Ile-Ife?
   a) Oranmiyan
   b) Oduduwa
   c) Oba Ewuare
   d) Sango

3. Ile-Ife is often referred to as ____.
   a) The birthplace of Nok culture
   b) The cradle of the Yoruba people
   c) The home of the Igbo
   d) The largest city in Nigeria

4. One major artistic feature of Ile-Ife is its ____.
   a) Iron tools
   b) Wooden masks
   c) Bronze and terracotta sculptures
   d) Cave paintings

5. The traditional ruler of Ile-Ife is called ____.
   a) The Emir
   b) The Oba
   c) The Ooni
   d) The Sultan

6. Which festival is popularly celebrated in Ile-Ife?
   a) Olojo Festival
   b) Argungu Festival
   c) Durbar Festival
   d) New Yam Festival

7. The Yoruba believe that Ile-Ife is the ____.
   a) First kingdom in Africa
   b) Place where the world was created
   c) Largest empire in history
   d) First place where iron was discovered

8. One major role of Ile-Ife in Yoruba history was ____.
   a) Trade and cultural development
   b) Mining of diamonds
   c) Producing paper and books
   d) Being the capital of Nigeria

9. Ile-Ife influenced which of the following kingdoms?
   a) Songhai
   b) Mali
   c) Oyo
   d) Ghana

10. The Oranmiyan Staff is found in ____.
    a) Kano
    b) Benin City
    c) Ile-Ife
    d) Enugu

Class Activity Discussion (10 FAQs with Answers)

1. Where is Ile-Ife located?

   • In Osun State, southwestern Nigeria.

2. Who was Oduduwa?

   • He was the first king and founder of the Yoruba people.

3. What is the Ooni of Ife?

   • The traditional ruler and spiritual leader of the Yoruba people.

4. Why is Ile-Ife important to Yoruba history?

   • It is considered the ancestral home of the Yoruba.

5. What are some famous artifacts from Ile-Ife?

   • Bronze and terracotta sculptures.

6. What is the Olojo Festival?

   • A traditional Yoruba festival celebrated in Ile-Ife.

7. How did Ile-Ife influence other Yoruba cities?

   • It served as a cultural, religious, and political center.

8. What is the Oranmiyan Staff?

   • A historical monument in Ile-Ife linked to Oranmiyan, a great Yoruba warrior.

9. How do we know about Ile-Ife’s history?

   • Through oral tradition, archaeology, and historical records.

10. What is Ile-Ife’s significance today?

• It remains a major spiritual and cultural center for the Yoruba.

Presentation Steps

1. Introduction: Teacher revises the previous topic on Nok civilization.
2. Discussion: Students share what they know about Ile-Ife.
3. Teacher’s Explanation: Explanation of the location, significance, and culture of Ile-Ife.
4. Visual Learning: Use of maps and pictures to illustrate Ile-Ife’s history.
5. Class Interaction: Discussion on Yoruba traditions and cultural heritage.
6. Conclusion: Summary and answering of student questions.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

• Teacher: Explains, shows visuals, and guides discussions.
• Learners: Observe, ask questions, participate in discussions, and complete exercises.

Evaluation Questions (Short Answers)

1. Where is Ile-Ife located?
2. Who was the first king of Ile-Ife?
3. What is the Ooni of Ife known for?
4. Name one famous artifact from Ile-Ife.
5. What Yoruba festival is celebrated in Ile-Ife?

Conclusion

The teacher marks students’ work, provides corrections, and assigns further reading on Yoruba history.