Nigeria is a country blessed with ethnic diversity, and among its numerous ethnic groups, the Yoruba stand out as one of the most influential and culturally advanced. The Yoruba people form a significant part of Nigeria’s population and are predominantly located in the southwestern region of the country. These people are known for their unique language, traditional beliefs, vibrant attire, festivals, arts, and a long-standing historical presence that dates back to ancient civilizations like Ile-Ife and the Oyo Empire. This blog post highlights the list of Yoruba states in Nigeria, providing a clearer understanding of where Yoruba people are indigenous and form the dominant population.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Yorubaland
- History of Yorubaland
- Who Are the Yoruba People?
- Why Is It Important to Know Yoruba States?
- The Six Core Yoruba States in Nigeria
- Detailed List of Yoruba States in Nigeria
- Other States with Notable Yoruba Presence
- Mythical Origins and Oduduwa
- Ile-Ife: The Cradle of Yoruba Civilization
- The Spread of Yoruba Kingdoms
- The Rise of the Oyo Empire
- Yoruba Political and Traditional Institutions
- Trade, Economy, and External Relations
- Yoruba Religion and Cultural Practices
- The Impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
- Yorubaland During the Colonial Era
- Post-Colonial Development in Yorubaland
- Modern-Day Yorubaland
- Yoruba Diaspora and Global Influence
- Challenges and Preservation of Yoruba Heritage
- Conclusion
- Revision Questions and Answers
Who Are the Yoruba People?
The Yoruba ethnic group is one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, alongside the Hausa-Fulani and the Igbo. The Yoruba people speak the Yoruba language, which has many dialects spoken across different towns and regions. They are known for their hierarchical social structure, ancient kingdoms, and deep cultural heritage. Yoruba communities are built around towns and cities that have existed for centuries, with each having a traditional ruler known as the Oba. The Yoruba also have a well-developed system of indigenous religion, festivals like the Osun-Osogbo Festival, and are pioneers in art, education, and governance in Nigeria.
History of Yorubaland
Yorubaland refers to the region in southwestern Nigeria where the Yoruba ethnic group is indigenous. The history of this land is both ancient and rich, filled with stories of powerful kingdoms, legendary rulers, and cultural brilliance.
According to Yoruba oral tradition, the origin of the Yoruba people is traced to Ile-Ife, a sacred city regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilization. The Yoruba believe that Oduduwa, a divine figure, was the first ruler and the progenitor of the Yoruba race. He is said to have descended from heaven at Ile-Ife to establish the first human government.
Over time, Ile-Ife grew into a powerful city-state and became the religious and spiritual center of all Yoruba people. From Ile-Ife, Oduduwa’s descendants are believed to have established other kingdoms and towns across Yorubaland, such as Oyo, Ijebu, Ondo, Ekiti, and Egba, each ruled by kings or “Obas” who traced their lineage back to Oduduwa.
One of the most powerful empires in Yorubaland was the Oyo Empire, which emerged around the 14th century and became dominant by the 17th century. The empire was known for its strong cavalry, centralized political system, and active trade with neighboring regions and Europeans. The Alaafin of Oyo was the head of this empire and ruled with the support of a council known as the Oyo Mesi.
The Yoruba also developed advanced political institutions, including democratic systems where chiefs and elders participated in decision-making. Towns were organized under traditional rulers who governed with the support of councils and local chiefs. This form of governance allowed for relative peace and economic prosperity across Yoruba communities.
During the transatlantic slave trade, many Yoruba people were captured and taken to the Americas. Their descendants preserved Yoruba religion, language, and culture in places like Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad, and Haiti. This led to the spread of Yoruba traditional religion under different names, such as Santería and Candomblé.
In the 19th century, internal conflicts and wars between Yoruba kingdoms weakened their unity. This made Yorubaland vulnerable to British colonial intervention. By the late 1800s, much of Yorubaland was brought under British control and later became part of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
Despite colonial rule, Yoruba people maintained their strong cultural identity, language, and institutions. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Yorubaland continued to play a major role in the country’s politics, education, economy, and social development.
Today, Yorubaland consists of the six southwestern states of Nigeria: Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti. The Yoruba people remain one of the most educated, culturally expressive, and politically active ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Mythical Origins and Oduduwa
The origin of the Yoruba people is deeply rooted in mythology, with strong oral traditions passed down through generations. According to Yoruba belief, the creation of the earth began in the heavens where the Supreme God, Olodumare, sent a divine being named Oduduwa to form the physical world.
It is said that Oduduwa descended from the sky using a chain at a sacred spot believed to be in Ile-Ife, the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people. He came with a bag of sand, a cockerel, and a palm seed. Oduduwa poured the sand upon the watery earth, and the cockerel scattered it with its claws to form dry land. The palm seed later grew into a tree with sixteen branches, which symbolized the original Yoruba kingdoms.
Oduduwa became the first king of Ile-Ife and is widely regarded as the founding ancestor of the Yoruba race. From his lineage came several sons and grandsons who went on to establish other major Yoruba kingdoms such as Oyo, Ketu, Ife, Ijebu, and Benin.
Though historians debate the accuracy of this myth, it remains a powerful narrative that unites the Yoruba people and forms the foundation of their identity. The story of Oduduwa is not just a tale of creation—it is a symbol of divine origin, royal legitimacy, and cultural pride among the Yoruba.
Yorubaland During the Colonial Era
The arrival of European powers, especially the British, had a significant impact on Yorubaland during the 19th and 20th centuries. Before colonization, Yoruba kingdoms such as Oyo, Egba, Ijebu, and Ife operated independently with well-structured traditional systems of governance. However, by the mid-1800s, internal wars, political rivalries, and the collapse of the Oyo Empire created instability across the region.
Taking advantage of this disunity, the British colonial government began to extend its influence into Yorubaland through treaties, trade agreements, and missionary activities. British missionaries were among the first to arrive, spreading Christianity and Western education, especially in places like Abeokuta, Ibadan, and Lagos.
In 1861, the British formally annexed Lagos as a crown colony, making it the first part of Yorubaland to come under direct colonial rule. Over time, other Yoruba territories were incorporated into the Southern Protectorate through a combination of diplomacy and force. By 1914, with the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates, Yorubaland became part of the unified Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
During this colonial period, many Yoruba cities adopted the Indirect Rule system, where British administrators governed through local traditional rulers (Obas). While this system worked in some areas, it led to tension and resistance in others, especially where British officials tried to undermine or manipulate the authority of indigenous institutions.
Despite these challenges, the Yoruba used the colonial period to their advantage in many ways. They quickly embraced Western education, producing some of Nigeria’s first elites, professionals, and nationalists. Many of Nigeria’s most influential independence leaders—including Obafemi Awolowo, Herbert Macaulay, and Tai Solarin—were of Yoruba origin.
The colonial era in Yorubaland was therefore a period of both disruption and transformation. While traditional systems were altered and sometimes weakened, the Yoruba adapted by blending their cultural identity with modern political, educational, and religious institutions. This positioned them as one of the most politically conscious and progressive groups in post-colonial Nigeria.
Post-Colonial Development in Yorubaland
Following Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960, Yorubaland entered a new era of political, educational, and economic development. The Yoruba people, who had already embraced Western education during the colonial era, continued to lead the way in many national advancements.
One of the most influential Yoruba leaders during the post-colonial period was Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who served as the Premier of the Western Region from 1954 to 1959. Under his leadership, Yorubaland became a center of progressive governance, with a focus on free primary education, infrastructure development, and economic planning. His government built the first television station in Africa—Western Nigeria Television (WNTV)—and established Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife.
Yorubaland also experienced rapid urbanization and industrial growth in major cities such as Ibadan, Abeokuta, Lagos, Akure, and Osogbo. Lagos, in particular, became the commercial capital of Nigeria and remained the national capital until 1991. Many Yoruba states became known for producing skilled professionals, academics, civil servants, and entrepreneurs.
In terms of politics, Yoruba leaders played crucial roles in shaping the Nigerian federation. The Yoruba-dominated Action Group (AG), and later the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), were at the forefront of political debates and opposition during the First and Second Republics. Yoruba politicians also contributed significantly to the drafting of Nigeria’s constitutions and the fight for democratic governance during the military regimes.
Culturally, post-independence Yorubaland has remained a stronghold of tradition. Traditional rulers such as the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba of Lagos, and Alake of Egbaland continue to play symbolic and advisory roles in modern governance, while still preserving the customs and values of the Yoruba people.
Despite some periods of political instability, military coups, and ethnic tensions at the national level, the Yoruba people have maintained a relatively strong and united identity. The region has remained one of Nigeria’s most politically conscious, educationally advanced, and economically vibrant zones.
Yoruba Diaspora and Global Influence
The Yoruba people have extended their influence far beyond the borders of Nigeria, forming a vibrant and culturally rich diaspora across the world. The Yoruba diaspora began during the transatlantic slave trade era, when many Yoruba men, women, and children were forcibly taken to the Americas and the Caribbean by European slave traders in the 17th to 19th centuries.
Despite the traumatic displacement, Yoruba culture survived and evolved in these new environments. Today, elements of Yoruba language, religion, music, and spirituality can be found in countries such as Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, and the United States. In these regions, the Yoruba heritage has been preserved and reinterpreted through Afro-Caribbean religions like Candomblé in Brazil, Santería in Cuba, and Vodou in Haiti.
In these spiritual systems, Yoruba deities known as Orisha are still venerated, and Yoruba chants, rituals, and beliefs are practiced with reverence. The names and identities of Yoruba gods such as Sango, Ogun, Yemoja, Obatala, and Esu remain widely recognized in diaspora religious communities.
Beyond religious influence, Yoruba cultural expressions such as drumming, dance, proverbs, naming systems, and family structures have also shaped the lives of people of African descent across the Americas. In Brazil, for example, many people of Yoruba descent proudly identify as “Nagô”, a term linked to the Yoruba-speaking people.
In modern times, voluntary migration has also contributed to the Yoruba presence abroad. Thousands of Yoruba professionals, students, and entrepreneurs have migrated to Europe, North America, and Asia for education, business, and family life. Major Yoruba communities now exist in countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and South Africa.
These communities maintain strong connections to their roots through Yoruba-language churches and mosques, cultural associations, social events, and online platforms. Yoruba music, particularly Afrobeats, Fuji, and traditional talking drum rhythms, has also gained international recognition and appeal, helping to promote Yoruba culture globally.
The Yoruba diaspora has played a significant role in promoting African identity, resisting cultural erasure, and building bridges between Africa and its global descendants. In cultural festivals, academic research, arts, and global activism, Yoruba heritage continues to be a symbol of African pride and resilience.
In summary, the Yoruba diaspora is a powerful testimony to the endurance and adaptability of Yoruba culture. From spiritual temples in Havana to cultural centers in London and community festivals in New York, the Yoruba influence remains visible, alive, and globally respected.
Modern-Day Yorubaland
In present-day Nigeria, Yorubaland refers to the southwestern region where the Yoruba people remain the dominant ethnic group. This region includes six core states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti. These states are widely recognized for their cultural richness, political influence, and economic strength.
Today, Yorubaland is one of the most urbanized regions in Nigeria. Cities like Lagos, Ibadan, and Abeokuta are major centers of commerce, industry, media, and education. Lagos State, in particular, has become Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, hosting international businesses, tech hubs, major seaports, and the country’s busiest airport. Although Lagos is home to many ethnic groups, it retains a strong Yoruba cultural presence, especially in traditional towns like Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe.
Yoruba states continue to rank among the highest in Nigeria in terms of literacy rates, educational institutions, and professional development. The region is home to some of the best universities and colleges in West Africa, including the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Culturally, the Yoruba people have maintained a strong connection to their roots. Traditional festivals such as the Osun-Osogbo Festival, Ojude Oba in Ijebu-Ode, Eyo Festival in Lagos, and Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife continue to attract both local and international visitors. These events not only preserve ancient traditions but also promote tourism and cultural diplomacy.
Politically, the Yoruba continue to play a central role in Nigeria’s governance. Prominent Yoruba politicians, scholars, and activists have emerged as key voices in national affairs. The region is also known for active political engagement, with a history of strong opposition movements and advocacy for democracy, justice, and regional development.
Economically, Yorubaland has seen growth in agriculture, real estate, technology, finance, and the entertainment industry. Cities like Ibadan and Akure serve as regional hubs for agribusiness, while Lagos leads in banking, fintech, film (Nollywood), and digital innovation.
Despite these achievements, Yorubaland faces modern challenges such as urban congestion, unemployment, insecurity in some rural areas, and pressure on infrastructure. However, the resilience of the Yoruba people, combined with their commitment to education and cultural unity, continues to drive progress across the region.
In summary, modern-day Yorubaland is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. It remains a region where ancestral heritage thrives alongside innovation, and where the legacy of ancient kingdoms continues to influence 21st-century development.
Why Is It Important to Know Yoruba States?
Knowing the Yoruba states in Nigeria helps in understanding the geographical spread, cultural strength, and political relevance of the Yoruba people. These states are where the language, customs, values, and history of the Yoruba are most deeply rooted. It also helps students, researchers, travelers, and policy makers identify areas for cultural exploration, language preservation, and regional development. These states contribute heavily to Nigeria’s economy, education, religion, and entertainment sectors.
The Six Core Yoruba States in Nigeria
There are six major list of Yoruba states in Nigeria that are considered fully Yoruba by ethnicity and culture. These are:
- Lagos State
- Oyo State
- Ogun State
- Osun State
- Ondo State
- Ekiti State
Each of these list of Yoruba states in Nigeria has a majority Yoruba population and is deeply tied to the history and advancement of Yoruba civilization.
Detailed List of Yoruba States in Nigeria
Below are the List of Yoruba States in Nigeria with their capitals:
1. Lagos State
- Capital: Ikeja
- Yoruba Group: Awori, Eko
- Cultural Features: Traditional Obas like the Oba of Lagos, Eyo Festival, and old settlements like Badagry
- Remarks: Though it is Nigeria’s most urbanized and commercially developed state, Lagos has deep Yoruba roots. The state was originally settled by the Awori, a Yoruba subgroup. Today, while Lagos is home to many ethnic groups from across Nigeria, the core indigenous communities, especially in areas like Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry, and Lagos Island, are Yoruba.
2. Oyo State
- Capital: Ibadan
- Yoruba Group: Oyo Yoruba
- Cultural Features: Oyo Empire heritage, Alaafin of Oyo, traditional drum music
- Remarks: Oyo State is the ancestral homeland of the ancient Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful pre-colonial Yoruba empires. Ibadan, the state capital, is one of the largest cities in West Africa and a major academic and cultural center. The Alaafin of Oyo is one of the most respected traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
3. Ogun State
- Capital: Abeokuta
- Yoruba Group: Egba, Ijebu, Yewa, Egbado
- Cultural Features: Olumo Rock, Lisabi Festival, Alake of Egbaland
- Remarks: Ogun State is home to a variety of Yoruba subgroups. It is famous for its historical resistance against colonial rule and as the birthplace of many Nigerian national heroes, writers, and cultural icons. Abeokuta is the home of Olumo Rock, a historic Yoruba landmark.
4. Osun State
- Capital: Osogbo
- Yoruba Group: Ijesha, Ife, Ibolo
- Cultural Features: Osun Sacred Grove, Ife Art, Obafemi Awolowo University
- Remarks: Osun State is regarded as a spiritual and cultural capital of the Yoruba people. The city of Ile-Ife is believed by many to be the cradle of the Yoruba race. Osogbo, the capital, is famous for its Osun-Osogbo festival, which celebrates the river goddess Osun and attracts thousands of visitors yearly.
5. Ondo State
- Capital: Akure
- Yoruba Group: Ikale, Ilaje, Akoko, Ondo
- Cultural Features: Oil-producing communities, coastal heritage, Owo art traditions
- Remarks: Ondo State occupies a coastal area and is blessed with both land and water resources. It is known for its high educational achievements and as a major producer of cocoa. It also has rich traditional arts, especially in places like Owo.
6. Ekiti State
- Capital: Ado-Ekiti
- Yoruba Group: Ekiti
- Cultural Features: Ekiti Parapo history, natural landscapes, and hills
- Remarks: Ekiti State is known for its rugged terrain and highly educated population. The Ekiti people have a distinct Yoruba dialect and are proud of their traditional values. The state is one of the most homogeneous in Nigeria, with nearly all inhabitants being ethnically Yoruba.
Other States with Notable Yoruba Presence
Though not classified as Yoruba states, the following states have large Yoruba-speaking populations in specific regions:
a. Kwara State
- Capital: Ilorin
- Yoruba Areas: Ilorin, Offa, Omu-Aran, Irepodun
- Remarks: The southern and central parts of Kwara State are predominantly Yoruba, although other ethnic groups like the Nupe and Bariba are also found in the northern parts. Ilorin, the state capital, has both Yoruba and Fulani influences.
b. Kogi State
- Capital: Lokoja
- Yoruba Areas: Kabba, Okun land, Yagba, Mopa
- Remarks: The western part of Kogi State is home to the Okun Yoruba people, who speak a variant of the Yoruba language and share cultural traits with the southwestern Yoruba.
Revision Questions and Answers on the List of Yoruba States in Nigeria
1. How many full Yoruba states are there in Nigeria?
Answer: Six
2. List the six Yoruba states in Nigeria.
Answer: Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti
3. Which Yoruba state is the historical center of the Oyo Empire?
Answer: Oyo State
4. Name the Yoruba state where the Osun-Osogbo Festival is celebrated.
Answer: Osun State
5. Which Yoruba state is known for the Olumo Rock?
Answer: Ogun State
6. What is the capital of Ekiti State?
Answer: Ado-Ekiti
7. Which Yoruba subgroup is found in western Kogi State?
Answer: Okun Yoruba
Read and study also the complete – List of Hausa States in Nigeria | meaning, origin and history
Conclusion on the list of Yoruba states in Nigeria
The history of Yorubaland is one of greatness, resilience, and continuous transformation. From its mythical beginnings in Ile-Ife, believed to be the spiritual source of all Yoruba people, to the rise of powerful kingdoms such as Oyo, Ijebu, Egba, and Ondo, the Yoruba have long been recognized for their complex political systems, advanced social organization, and cultural brilliance.
During the colonial era, Yorubaland adapted to foreign rule while preserving much of its identity through strong traditional institutions, the widespread embrace of Western education, and active participation in Nigeria’s nationalist movements. Post-independence, Yoruba leaders and thinkers helped shape Nigeria’s democracy and development, building strong foundations in education, infrastructure, law, media, and governance.
In modern times, Yorubaland stands out as one of the most developed and urbanized regions in Nigeria, with cities like Lagos, Ibadan, and Abeokuta serving as economic and cultural powerhouses. The Yoruba people continue to excel in various fields—from politics and academia to music, technology, and global arts.
Equally remarkable is the enduring presence of Yoruba culture in the diaspora. Despite centuries of displacement and hardship, the Yoruba heritage has been preserved and celebrated in countries across the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe. Yoruba religion, language, music, and traditions have crossed oceans and generations, continuing to thrive among people of African descent around the world.
The story of Yorubaland is not just a Nigerian story—it is a global African legacy. It is a history of origin, empire, colonization, revival, and global influence. Understanding this legacy allows us to appreciate the remarkable contributions of the Yoruba people to the development of Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.