If you are interested in learning about the culture and tradition of people in the most natural and relaxed setting, then we invite you to a tour of the traditional history of the Yoruba people, in the south west part of Nigeria.
Deji’s Palace
This is in Ondo state and was declared a National monument in 1990; it has more than 20 courtyards with different traditional customs still taking place till today. The title ‘Deji” means ruler of Akure Kingdom and he holds court within the old palace though a modern palace has been constructed there. You can watch one of the court sessions and marvel at the continuity and legality of our customary courts. The palace which is an architectural wonder and masterpiece is more than 800 years old.
You can have quite a lovely time within the Akure metropolis as well as we can organize private arts & crafts exhibition for you.
The OLOWO’S Palace is some 30 minutes drive from Akure the state capital. The palace is just as elegant and full of history, romance, passion and excitement. For in Owo you are introduced to ‘ORONSHEN” the goddess deity and patron saint as it were of Owo. At the National Museum you are confronted with archaeological proof that there really had been such a goddess. As you wander through the old palace halls, courtyards and all, you wonder if you could tell which of the rooms had housed this reputedly stunning beauty.”ORONSHEN” the basis for the exciting ‘IGOGO’ festival where the king wears an intricately woven beaded blouse, has his hair in braids and dances to the grove or ‘GBO LAJA ‘ as it is called.
The natives of Owo have a unique way of dress and you watch the ancient form of loom still alive and vibrant in this ancient town today.
IDANRE HILLS is very popular even beyond the country. It is a scenic town hemmed in from all sides by hills. You climb the 660 graded steps to the top of the hill to be met by the beauty of the ancient town, old palace which is still in use. You are entranced by the panoramic view even as you listen to another tale of a mystical and mythical goddess this time known and admired as ‘OROSUN’. You learn of her love for the hill bound people of Idanre, you are intrigued by the very unique hairstyle of the devotees of this goddess.
Olumirin Falls is located some 40 minutes drive away from Akure the Ondo state capital in Erin- Ijesha which is in the neighboring state of Osun.Olumirin is actually a collection of seven waterfalls cascading down wooded hills from the scenic community. Like all Yoruba lore and history, the community takes its origins from the Yoruba progenitor ODUDUWA. It is a climber’s delight and there are huts for you to relax and let your hair down.
There is the now world famous Osun festival in Osun state, and you marvel at the intricate carvings in the palace of the king.
Oyo is an old town retaining its fierce individuality. It used to be the capital of the Oyo Empire in the old days and you will find its rustic simplicity entrancing.
Crafts, arts, songs and the singular cuisine of the Yoruba’s would tease your palate and you could catch one or two festivals like the recent one that took place in Owo.
Ile-Ife, the avowed seat of the Yoruba civilization has a deity attached to each day of the calendar year and the only day that does not have a deity is known as the OLOJO day! It is a big event in which the Ooni comes out with the crown of the progenitor of the Yoruba, ODUDUWA.
Travel enriches the mind and encourages trust and enterprise, come to the Yoruba hinterland for a truly traditional holiday.
