The perception that people from Ilorin, Kwara State, feel somewhat distant from the core Western Yoruba identity (often associated with states like Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti) is rooted in a complex history shaped by migration patterns, political shifts, religious influences, and socio-cultural evolution.
The multifaceted identity issue can be better understood by exploring the historical context, socio-political dynamics, religious factors, linguistic nuances, and contemporary perceptions.
Below is 5 mean reason why people from Ilorin, Kwara State felt distant from core Yorubas and an extensive examination of these factors.
1. Historical Background
a. The Afonja Rebellion and Emirate System
The history of Ilorin’s divergence from the core Western Yoruba identity can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Ilorin was originally a Yoruba town under the Oyo Empire, ruled by Yoruba chiefs. One of these chiefs, Afonja, the Are-Ona Kakanfo (generalissimo of the Oyo army), led a rebellion against the Alaafin of Oyo in the early 1800s, seeking autonomy. He invited Hausa-Fulani warriors led by the itinerant Islamic scholar Alimi to assist in his fight.
However, after Afonja’s death, the Fulani, through Alimi’s lineage, consolidated power in Ilorin, establishing an emirate system under the Sokoto Caliphate. This pivotal event marked the transformation of Ilorin from a Yoruba-controlled town into a city-state ruled by Fulani emirs and influenced by Hausa and Fulani culture. The emirate system persisted, reinforcing the distinction between Ilorin and core Yoruba regions.
b. Integration into the Sokoto Caliphate
The incorporation of Ilorin into the Sokoto Caliphate led to stronger ties with Northern Nigeria, as the emirate owed allegiance to the Sultan of Sokoto. This administrative and political connection further distanced Ilorin from the Western Yoruba kingdoms that maintained traditional Yoruba political structures and religious practices.
c. Colonial Administration
During British colonial rule, Ilorin and the broader Kwara region were administratively grouped with Northern Nigeria. This Northern alignment reinforced the emirate’s authority and the Islamic identity of the region, making Ilorin more aligned with Northern Nigeria than the predominantly Yoruba-controlled Western Nigeria.
2. Religious Influences
a. Dominance of Islam in Ilorin
While Yoruba culture traditionally blends indigenous religious practices with Christianity and Islam, Ilorin stands out for its predominantly Islamic character. The Fulani leadership, starting with Alimi, promoted Islam as the dominant religion, and Islamic scholars played influential roles in Ilorin’s governance and social structure. Mosques, Islamic schools, and the culture of Islamic scholarship have had a profound impact on Ilorin’s identity.
In contrast, the core Western Yoruba regions, particularly Lagos, Osun, and parts of Oyo, maintained a balance between Christianity, traditional Yoruba religion, and Islam. This religious difference contributes to the perception of cultural distance.
b. Influence of Arabic and Hausa Language
Due to Ilorin’s strong Islamic culture, many residents are exposed to Arabic and Hausa linguistic influences. The Hausa language became common among traders, scholars, and ruling elites, and Arabic terms found their way into the everyday vocabulary. This linguistic blend adds to the sense of distinctiveness from the core Yoruba-speaking regions, where the Yoruba language remains relatively unaltered.
3. Cultural and Linguistic Divergence
a. Unique Dialect of Yoruba in Ilorin
The Yoruba spoken in Ilorin has absorbed words and expressions from Hausa and Arabic due to centuries of contact and integration. While the core Yoruba dialects spoken in Oyo, Ibadan, Ijebu, and Ekiti remain largely homogenous, Ilorin’s Yoruba reflects this unique blend, which can sometimes sound different to those from the core Western Yoruba regions.
b. Naming Traditions
In Ilorin, Islamic and Northern Nigerian naming conventions (e.g., Abdulrahman, Sulaiman, Usman) are more prevalent than traditional Yoruba names (e.g., Adeyemi, Olusegun, Adebayo). This divergence in naming practices reflects deeper cultural and religious differences.
c. Clothing and Cuisine
Ilorin’s culture has incorporated aspects of Northern Nigerian dress styles (e.g., kaftans, turbans, and hijabs) and cuisine (e.g., tuwo, masa) that are less common in core Yoruba regions. While traditional Yoruba attire like aso-oke remains in use, the preference for Northern styles contributes to the cultural distinctiveness.
4. Socio-Political Identity and Alignments
a. Political Affiliation with Northern Nigeria
Since Nigeria’s independence, Ilorin and Kwara State have generally aligned politically with the North. This Northern alignment reflects historical ties from the colonial era and the emirate’s influence. In contrast, core Western Yoruba states have often aligned with political movements rooted in Yoruba nationalism and Western regionalism, such as the Action Group (AG) and later the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
b. Kwara State’s Role as a Border State
Kwara State, including Ilorin, serves as a geographical and cultural buffer between the North and the West. This position has led to a blending of identities but also reinforced the feeling that Ilorin is a bridge rather than a full member of the Western Yoruba cultural sphere.
5. Contemporary Perceptions and Identity Dynamics
a. Identity Politics and the Yoruba Nation Movement
Modern identity politics in Nigeria, such as the push for Yoruba self-determination and the Oduduwa Republic movement, sometimes exclude Ilorin due to its historical Northern alignment. This exclusion can make Ilorin people feel distant or marginalized within the broader Yoruba socio-political discourse.
b. Societal Stereotypes and Misconceptions
Some stereotypes persist among core Yoruba people, who may view Ilorin residents as more Northern or “less Yoruba” due to their Islamic faith and historical emirate structure. Conversely, many Ilorin people emphasize their Yoruba heritage but also take pride in their Islamic identity, leading to a hybrid cultural consciousness.
c. Integration Efforts and Yoruba Unity
Despite these differences, there have been continuous efforts to bridge the gap. Cultural festivals, Yoruba language promotion, and political collaborations aim to reinforce a sense of Yoruba unity. Ilorin indigenes often emphasize their Yoruba ancestry while maintaining their unique cultural identity.
Conclusion
The sense of distance between Ilorin, Kwara State, and core Western Yoruba regions is a product of historical events, religious influence, political alignments, and cultural evolution.
While the core Yoruba regions retained traditional political structures and religious pluralism, Ilorin’s embrace of an emirate system and Islamic identity created a distinct socio-cultural landscape. However, this divergence does not erase the deep Yoruba roots of Ilorin’s people, who continue to straddle both identities, reflecting Nigeria’s rich tapestry of cultures.
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