Olufunke Olowosoyo: My Experience Visiting the Ile-Ife Palace

Photo by Ahmad Adedimeji Amobi

There’s something surreal about walking through the same palace grounds that have hosted Yoruba kings for centuries. In a digital world filled with trends and fleeting content, I began to feel a deep urge to tell the stories that truly matter–stories about where we come from. As a content creator fascinated by history and culture, I made it my mission to explore Nigeria’s royal heritage. One of the most unforgettable stops on my journey was Ile-Ife, the sacred city known as the cradle of the Yoruba civilisation.

Visiting the Ooni’s palace felt like walking into a museum. From the towering gates guarded by symbolic carvings to the courtyards filled with centuries-old artefacts and shrines, every element tells a story. The walls whispered legends, and the air carried the weight of centuries of tradition. The palace is a blend of old and new architecture that reflects both preservation and progress.

I was guided through the grounds by a palace aide who shared insights on various locations, including the Obamerin Courtyard and the sacred groves. One of the most memorable experiences was standing before the Opa Oranmiyan, a massive monolith believed to mark the grave of Oranmiyan, son of Oduduwa and a legendary Yoruba warrior. The stone, several meters tall, is etched with mysterious markings that many believe hold spiritual meaning. Seeing it in person felt so surreal.

Inside the palace, I also encountered traditional priests and priestesses dressed in all-white garments, performing rituals and prayers. Their presence reminded me that while the world outside evolves, ancient practices remain active and relevant in Ile-Ife. The experience was immersive, educational, and emotionally grounding. Even though certain areas were off-limits to cameras, the visual richness of the environment stayed etched in my memory.

A Brief History of Ile-Ife

Ile-Ife, simply called Ife, holds an esteemed place in the spiritual and cultural imagination of the Yoruba people. According to Yoruba mythology, it is the birthplace of humanity, where Olodumare (God) sent Oduduwa to create the earth. This act marked the beginning of the Yoruba race, with Oduduwa becoming its progenitor. Today, his legacy lives on not just through bloodlines but through rituals, traditions, and reverence that are still practised in Ife and across the Yoruba-speaking world.

The city is home to the sacred Ooni of Ife, a royal figure whose role is deeply interwoven with spiritual, cultural, and political significance. Unlike many modern monarchs, the Ooni’s position goes beyond ceremonial duties. He is a custodian of ancestral knowledge, an intermediary between the people and the divine, and a symbolic representative of Yoruba unity. The current Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has continued this legacy while also embracing modernisation and youth engagement.

Ile-Ife is also known for its rich artistic history, especially its bronze and terracotta sculptures that date back as far as the 12th century. These artworks, discovered during archaeological excavations, stunned the world with their realism and complexity, rivalling the artistic achievements of ancient Greece. The legacy of these artists continues to influence Nigerian art and global understanding of pre-colonial African civilisation.

The Importance of Preserving Stories Like This

In an era where digital creators often prioritise virality over value, stories like those held within the walls of Ile-Ife’s palace are in danger of being forgotten. Yet, they are the backbone of our identity. Documenting and sharing these experiences is my way of preserving what makes us unique. It’s about sparking curiosity and pride in younger generations, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.

The palaces of Nigeria are not just historical sites; they are living institutions that continue to shape identity and inspire generations. My journey through Ile-Ife was more than a travel experience — it was a homecoming. And as long as platforms like BellaNaija continue to amplify our voices, there’s hope that these stories will live on for many years to come.