Oranyan

(noun)

A Yoruba king from the kingdom of Ile-Ife; although last born, he was heir to Oduduwa. According to Yoruba history, he founded Oyo as its first Alaafin at around the year 1300 and one of his children, Eweka I, went on to become the first Oba of the Benin Empire.

Related Terms

Examples of Oranyan in the following topics:

  • The Yoruba States

    • The mythical origins of the Oyo Empire lie with Oranyan (also known as Oranmiyan), the second prince of Ile-Ife, who made Oyo his new kingdom and became the first oba  with the title of Alaafin of Oyo (Alaafin means "owner of the palace" in Yoruba).
    • Oranyan was succeeded by Oba Ajaka, but he was deposed because he allowed his sub-chiefs too much independence.