Ife

Ifẹ̀ (Yoruba: Ifẹ̀, Ilé-Ifẹ̀) is an ancient Yoruba city in south-western Nigeria founded sometime between the years 500 BC-1000 BC.[2][3][4] By 900AD, the city had become an important West African emporium producing sophisticated art forms.[5] The city is located in present-day Osun State. Ifẹ̀ is about 218 kilometers northeast of Lagos[6] with a population of over 500,000 people, which is the highest in Osun State according to population census of 2006.[7] According to the traditions of the Yoruba religion, Ilé-Ifẹ̀ was founded by the order of the Supreme God Olódùmarè by Obatala. It then fell into the hands of his brother Oduduwa, which created enmity between the two.[8] Oduduwa created a dynasty there, and sons and daughters of this dynasty became rulers of many other kingdoms in Yorubaland.[9] The first Ọọ̀ni of Ifẹ̀ is a descendant of Oduduwa, which was the 401st Orisha. The present ruler since 2015 is Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ọọ̀ni of Ifẹ̀ who is also a Nigerian accountant.[10] Named as the city of 401 deities, Ifẹ̀ is home to many devotees/votaries of these deities and is where they are routinely celebrated through festivals.[11]