The most powerful women in Aláàfin of Oyo’s Palace
The Oyo empire is one of the oldest and greatest empires in Nigeria. Although the Aláàfin holds the supreme authority of the land, there are powerful women within the Oyo kingdom who only few people know about. These women are influential and control the kingdom through communicating with the spiritual realm and guiding every single step of the Aláàfin.
They encourage him during times of trials or challenges, and defend him from all forms of evil (both physical and spiritual). They as well educate him on what to eat and what not to eat or touch, and are the brains behind the growth and stability of the kingdom. Here are the most powerful women in Aláàfin of Oyo’s palace:
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Iyamode
Iyamode is the only person in the world whom Aláàfin is permitted to kneel before. Iyamode occupies a highly respected position that the king calls her ‘Baba’ (father). Whenever the Aláàfin goes on his knees before this powerful woman, she responds by also going on her knees, as this is the custom of women in saluting their superiors.
Iya Naso
The Aláàfin of Oyo is worshiped as the living incarnation of the Sango, the god of thunder. Inside the palace, the Aláàfin has a private place where he worships Sango and Iya Naso is in charge of this spiritual room. Iya Naso’s role involves the worship of Sango and everything connected to it.
Iya Kere
Iya Kere places the crown on the head of the king during coronation. She is the only one in charge of the treasures of the Oyo kingdom, including the crown. Iya Kere is also the mother of illaris (male and female eunuchs who are kept in the palace with half their heads shaved off). She ensures the safety of the king in her custody and exercises full power over the feudal head of Aseyin, Oluiwo and the Baale of Ogbomoso. Once she assumes the office, she remains celibate for life.
Iya Oba
Iya Oba is the official mother of the king. After the death of the Queen mother, she is installed to play the role of the biological mother of the king. As Iya Oba, some of the privileges she enjoys include being the third person in the room when the king and Bashorun worship Orun in September every year. Iya Oba is the feudal head of Bashorun.
Iya-Fin-Iku
Iya-Fin-Iku is referred to as the king’s Adoshu Sango, meaning the King’s devotee to the Sango mysteries. It’s the normal practice for all Sango worshippers to devote one of their children to the worship of Sango and that is the role Iya-Fin-Iku fulfills for the Aláàfin. She is also in charge of the Sango ram which is allowed to roam the market without anyone molesting it.
Iyalagbon
Iyalagbon is the mother of the crown prince (Aremo). She enjoys influence, privileges and controls a portion of the kingdom.
Are Orite
Are Orite is Aláàfin’s personal attendant. She ensures that the royal meals and royal bed is properly made. She also makes sure that the royal chambers are neatly arranged. When an Aláàfin is enthroned, the Are-Orite places the umbrella-like parasol over his head as a canopy and stays by his side.