The Iyawo-Ile Phenomenon in Okunland

Akanmode, Olushola Ayodeji (2015) The Iyawo-Ile Phenomenon in Okunland. Omookun Journal: An Interdisciplinary Journal on Okun-Yoruba People of Kogi-State, Nigeria, 1 (2). (In Press)

	Text The Iyawo Ile Phenomenon in Okunland 2.docx - Accepted Version Download (53kB)
	Text The Iyawo Ile Phenomenon in Okunland 2.docx Download (53kB)

Abstract

Indigenes of Okunland have rich traditional wedding culture and beliefs. One of the beliefs is that it is the entire extended family, and not just the nuclear family that supports a ‘son’ in marrying a wife or gives out a ‘daughter’ in marriage. Among those that constitute members of the extended family is a group of women popularly referred to in Okunland and even the entire Yorubaland as ‘iyawo ile’ i.e. wives in the family. They are a minority group that has tried to blend into the dominant society by taking on their cultural characteristics and responsibilities. This study focuses on the roles, responsibilities and performances of selected groups of ‘iyawo ile’ as it affects the socio-economic transformation and integration in Okunland. Adopting the quantitative research methodology, the study is carried out through observation of live performances of some groups of ‘iyawo ile’ and oral interviews of selected relevant personalities (including selected couples and ‘iyawo ile’). The study also covers the content, style, themes and literary analysis of native praise and advisory songs of two different groups of ‘iyawo ile’ in Ijumu area of Okunland (what obtains in Ijumu area is general and similar to other areas of Okunland). The paper concludes that the roles played by ‘iyawo ile’ in the society are yet to be significantly recognized and acknowledged.

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