It has been more than a week since I visited Osun State, and I am still buzzing about what an adventurous experience it was. Osun may not be the most cosmopolitan state in Nigeria, but amid the brown roofs, red filters, and the hills, it has a rich cultural heritage, which was what this trip was all about — culture — the theme of NEXLDS 22, the second AIESEC conference of the year.
I thought it was iconic that my first long-distance trip out of Rivers State (Imo and Abia are just across the border) was to Osun State, specifically the ancient town of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.
Ile Ife is the city where the Yorubas believe their civilization began as well as the location where the gods descended to earth. The name Ile-Ife literally means place of dispersion.
According to Yoruba tradition, Ife was founded by the deities Oduduwa and Obatala when they created the world. Obatala fashioned the first humans out of clay, while Oduduwa became the first divine king of the Yoruba people.
For someone who has recently developed an interest in studying and observing cultures, you’d understand why I looked forward to coming to Ife despite the 10-hour, butt-numbing journey from Port Harcourt to Osun State.
There was also a strong matter of seeing the beautiful faces I had met during the last conference in Port Harcourt.
The Ife Grand Resort was home for the duration of my stay and the ambience and serenity it provided corresponded with the purpose of this trip. It was the perfect backdrop for the conference.
Meet the Roomies.
Oyindamola, Lateefat, Ruby, Praise and Fikayo were fantastic roommates. Despite being the only boy in the room, we never had a boring or awkward moment. Damola and Lateefat took it upon themselves to school me in aspects of Yoruba culture and we had such a great vibe.
Western Food and I: Amala ft Ewa Agoyin
Trying Amala for the first time was high on my bucket list for this trip. I had gotten mixed reviews on the Internet and from friends, so I looked forward to it. We were eventually served Amala and Ewedu and boy, I was not ready for the taste that hit me and my southern palate. Based on hospitality subsidy, I would give it a 4.5/10. Although, I have been told that Amala and Gbegiri is the more tasteful combo so I hope to try that soon and maybe write that Amala redemption arc.
Ewa Agoyin on the other hand was absolutely wonderful. Mashed beans and a very peppery sauce. Pepper is the confluence where Yoruba culture and I meet. I am not a huge beans fan but I enjoyed every bit of it.
Meet and greet with the gods: visiting the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.
As part of the post-conference tour, we went to the Osun-Osogbo sacred grove, a UNESCO world heritage site located just outside the town of Osogbo. It is said to be the abode of the river goddess of fertility, Osun. We met some friendly monkeys and worshippers of Osun at the entrance.
“Hey AIESEC!!’’ and the Ooni of Ife.
Considered the spiritual head of the Yoruba people. The Ooni of Ife is a descendant of the godking Oduduwa, and is counted first among the Yoruba kings.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is the 51st Ooni of Ife and prior to meeting him, I knew he had a reputation for being an erudite, youth-friendly and quite liberal, by Nigerian standards, ruler.
We finished late at the Sacred grove and were not so sure we’d get to meet the Ooni. Despite being informed about 15 minutes earlier of our arrival, he received us warmly, became an honourary AIESECer and made a substantial donation to the AIESEC family — confirming every bit of his reputation.
Till next time.
This was the perfect capstone to what an amazing week of hospitality and fun Ife provided and it is cross-cultural experiences like this that make the crux of AIESEC, as tolerance and peace can only be achieved when cultures interact and unite.
Calabar up next! but in the meantime, shout out to Yoruba Women!
