The Place of Ife in Yoruba History: The Cradle of Civilization

History JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 7

Topic: The Place of Ife in Yoruba History

Lesson Details

Subject: History
Class: JSS 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 7
Age: 10–13 years
Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

Explain the historical significance of Ile-Ife in Yoruba history.
Identify key figures associated with Ife’s history.
Discuss the influence of Ile-Ife on other Yoruba kingdoms.
Describe the cultural and religious heritage of Ife.

Keywords

Ife
Oduduwa
Ooni
Oranmiyan
Yoruba
Origin

Set Induction

The teacher asks students if they have ever heard stories about the origin of the Yoruba people and their first kingdom.

Entry Behaviour

Students have learned about Ile-Ife’s cultural traditions in the previous lesson.

Learning Resources and Materials

Map of Nigeria showing Ile-Ife
Pictures of Yoruba traditional rulers and artifacts
Videos or documentaries on Yoruba history

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students already know about Yoruba culture and traditions from previous lessons. This lesson connects that knowledge to the historical significance of Ile-Ife.

Embedded Core Skills

Critical thinking
Historical analysis
Cultural appreciation

Learning Materials

History textbooks
Oral traditions and folklore
Yoruba historical records

Reference Books

“A Short History of the Yoruba People” by S. O. Biobaku
“Oduduwa and the Yoruba People” by Samuel Johnson

Lesson Explanation

1. The Significance of Ife in Yoruba History

Ile-Ife is known as the cradle of the Yoruba race and is regarded as the spiritual and cultural home of the Yoruba people.

According to Yoruba mythology, Ife was where the world was created, and Oduduwa, the first Yoruba leader, established the first kingdom.
It is the oldest Yoruba kingdom, from which other Yoruba states, such as Oyo, Benin, and Ijebu, originated.

2. Key Figures in Ife’s History

Oduduwa: Considered the founder of Ile-Ife and the father of the Yoruba people.
Oranmiyan: A warrior prince from Ife who founded the Oyo Empire.
Ooni of Ife: The traditional ruler of Ife, seen as a spiritual leader of the Yoruba people.

3. The Influence of Ife on Other Yoruba Kingdoms

Many Yoruba kingdoms trace their origins to Ife, including Oyo, Ijebu, and Ekiti.
Ife kingship traditions influenced the governance of other Yoruba states.
Yoruba religion and cultural practices, such as worship of Orisha and Ifa divination, originated from Ife.

4. Cultural and Religious Heritage of Ife

Art: Ife is famous for its bronze and terracotta sculptures, which show the high level of craftsmanship of the Yoruba people.
Religion: The Yoruba pantheon of gods, including Obatala, Ogun, Sango, and Ifa, originated from Ife.
Festivals: Important Yoruba festivals like the Olojo Festival are celebrated in Ife.

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

Who is regarded as the founder of Ile-Ife?
a) Oranmiyan
b) Oduduwa
c) Ogun
d) Sango
The Ooni of Ife is the ____.
a) Political leader of Nigeria
b) Governor of Osun State
c) Traditional ruler of Ife
d) Leader of the Yoruba Council
Which of the following empires was founded by a prince from Ife?
a) Sokoto Caliphate
b) Oyo Empire
c) Mali Empire
d) Ghana Empire
What is Ife famous for in terms of art?
a) Wooden carvings
b) Stone sculptures
c) Bronze and terracotta sculptures
d) Cave paintings
Yoruba people believe that Ile-Ife is ____.
a) A recent town
b) The cradle of their civilization
c) A European settlement
d) A colonial creation
The Olojo Festival in Ife is celebrated in honor of ____.
a) Ogun
b) Moremi
c) Oduduwa
d) Oranmiyan
The religious system of the Yoruba people originated from ____.
a) Oyo
b) Ife
c) Benin
d) Sokoto
Oduduwa is believed to be the ancestor of ____.
a) Hausa people
b) Igbo people
c) Yoruba people
d) Fulani people
Which kingdom was greatly influenced by Ife’s political system?
a) Benin Kingdom
b) Kanem-Bornu
c) Sokoto Caliphate
d) Hausa States
What type of governance does the Ooni of Ife oversee?
a) Military rule
b) Traditional kingship
c) Democracy
d) Republican government

Class Activity Discussion (10 FAQs with Answers)

Why is Ile-Ife called the cradle of the Yoruba race?
- Because it is believed to be the first Yoruba kingdom.
Who was Oduduwa?
- He was the founder of Ile-Ife and the first leader of the Yoruba people.
What is the role of the Ooni of Ife?
- He is the traditional and spiritual leader of Ife.
Which empire was founded by Oranmiyan?
- The Oyo Empire.
Why is Ife important to Yoruba art?
- It is known for its bronze and terracotta sculptures.
What is the Olojo Festival?
- It is a festival celebrated in honor of Ogun, the god of iron.
How did Ife influence the Benin Kingdom?
- The first Oba of Benin was said to have come from Ife.
What are some of the gods worshipped in Ife?
- Obatala, Ogun, Sango, Ifa.
What form of government did Ife practice?
- A traditional kingship system.
Which other Yoruba states originated from Ife?

Oyo, Ijebu, Ekiti, and Ondo.

Presentation Steps

Introduction: Teacher revises the previous lesson on Ile-Ife’s culture and traditions.
Discussion: Students share what they know about Ife’s historical significance.
Teacher’s Explanation: Explanation of Ife’s place in Yoruba history.
Class Interaction: Questions and discussion on Ife’s influence on other Yoruba kingdoms.
Conclusion: Summary and review of key points.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

Teacher: Guides discussion, presents historical facts, and asks questions.
Learners: Participate in discussion, answer questions, and take notes.

Evaluation Questions (Short Answers)

Why is Ife important in Yoruba history?
Who was Oduduwa?
What is Ife known for in art?
Which Yoruba festival is celebrated in Ife?
What is the significance of the Ooni of Ife?

Conclusion

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