10 Interesting Details About Opa Oranmiyan (Oranmiyan’s Staff) you Should Know
“Opa Oranmiyan” as the locals often call it is a historical staff erected many centuries ago by Oranmiyan, the youngest son of Oduduwa – the forerunner of the Yoruba race. Although the youngest prince, Oranmiyan later became the sixth Ooni (King) of Ile Ife; the home of the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria.
As king, Oranmiyan played a significant role in the history of the Yoruba Kingdom and its surrounding cities. From Ile Ife to the Benin Kingdom, down to Ibadan, Ilorin and Benin Republic, he was respected as a true warrior and leader of the people. Through conquering great kingdoms and cities including Benin, Oranmiyan became the first Oba of Benin. He later left Benin to create the Oyo Empire where he was also crowned the first Alaafin of Oyo.
After several conquests, Oranmiyan returned to rule in Ile Ife and decided to go on another journey after ruling peacefully for many years. Since the historical events that led to the Oranmiyan staff’s instalment, and even after several centuries, it has surprisingly maintained its size and shape. The staff, located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, has become a popular tourist attraction for culture lovers and enthusiasts worldwide. Today’s Saturday’s Small Chops takes you through 10 interesting facts about the Opa Oranmiyan.
* Opa Oranmiyan is a 5.5-meter stonework and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. It is located in a grove at Oroto street, Mopa Ile Ife and opens from Monday to Sundays between 8 am to 5 pm.
* The staff takes the shape of an elephant tusk and is ornamented with 123 nails (iron pegs) arranged in the shape of an elongated trident.
* According to oral history, the staff was installed by the family of Oranmiyan as a memorial monument.
* The staff is being worshipped to date with the families of the Eredumi and Akogun being some of its most devout adherents.
* Akogun (Brave Warrior) of Ife is in charge of the monolith.
* The 18 feet stonework is believed to be the tallest obelisk of its type in sub-Saharan Africa.
* Opa Oranmiyan has attracted wide attention from tourists far and near but it is not the only standing stonework in Ile Ife. Ile Ife also has Opa Ogun (Ogun’s staff) which is located at the main market. Ogun is regarded as the god of war and iron in Yorubaland.
* Opa Oranmiyan is called staff (opa) because it was used as a walking stick by the great prince, Oranmiyan. History recorded that it was turned to a stone after Oranmiyan thrust his staff (or sword according to another account) into the ground after an extensive battle in Ife.
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* Traditionally, warriors in Yorubaland go to the Oranmiyan staff to offer sacrifices before going to battle. This is done to attain victory on the battlefield and during conquests.
* Radiocarbon tests have shown that this royal and cultural marker was installed centuries before the reign of Oduduwa. Regardless, the place remains one of the most popular tourist sites in Osun State.
Apart from being a tourist attraction, the place has become a sacred ground where all newly crowned king of Ile Ife must visit.
What did you find interesting about the Opa Oranmiyan? You are welcome to share with us.