TRADOCULTURAL

The Old Oyo Empire was one of the strongest if not the strongest in the Yoruba mythology. Oyo-Ile as it was called then (not the modern day Oyo) has a lot of stories surrounding it, being the choosen place for many of the Yoruba gods and warriors, likewise kings and people of great reputation. This brings us to the story surrounding Bashorun Gaa and his reign as the Prime Minister of the Old Oyo Empire. Bashorun Gaa was an integral part of the Old Oyo Empire’s royal politics. No story of Oyo-Ile would be complete without a mention of his name. Bashorun Gaa was instrumental to the military conquests during his time as a Prime Minister of the Old Oyo Empire during the 17th/18th century. During the 17th century Oyo Kingdom, the monarchical failings came with a succession of uncharitable kings to the exalted throne. From Odarawu who was bad tempered, to Kanran, an unmitigated tyrant, then Jayin, the effeminate and dissolute, down to Ayibi, the cruel and ar...

Most narrations portrayed Efunsetan as a very wicked, callous and blood sucking monster who killed just for the fun of it. I cannot agree less that it is a deliberate attempt by chauvinistic men to discredit one of the most powerful women in the sociopolitical history of the Yorubas. The records need to be set straight. Efunsetan Aniwura is a popular chief (iyalode) in the town of Ibadan in the old Oyo kingdom. She was fathered by an Egba farmer named Ogunrin who happened to be from Egba Oke-Ona. A typical Yoruba man would wonder how an Egba fathered woman can hold such an important chieftain in Ibadan. She gradually rose through hard work to become very influential economically, politically and even militarily. In the midst of all these, Efunsetan could not give birth to more than one child, a daughter. Unfortunately, she lost her sole child to childbirth. This event made Efunsetan to become withdrawn, a sadist and an atheist. She banned every act of love or romance...