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Forbidden Mother: A Nigerian King's Sacrifice
A Nigerian king's heartbreaking adherence to ancient Yoruba tradition forbidding him from seeing his mother.
Swahili
United Kingdom
ConflictAfricaCultureTraditionSacrificeKingship
Bbc AfricaOdo OwaIwo
King Joshua Adegbuyi AdeyemiIfayemi ElebuibonDr. Reuben AkanoKing Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi
- What conflict does King Joshua's story illustrate?
- King Joshua's unwavering adherence to tradition, while painful, reflects the deep-rooted significance of these customs within Yoruba culture and the weight of responsibility placed upon the king. His story highlights the conflict between personal desires and cultural obligations.
- What were King Joshua's aspirations before becoming king?
- While King Joshua initially dreamed of an academic career, he was unexpectedly thrust into kingship after the previous ruler's death. This forced him to choose between his personal life and his duty to his people.
- What is the central tradition surrounding King Joshua's kingship?
- King Joshua Adegbuyi Adeyemi, the traditional ruler of Odo Owa in Nigeria, was forbidden by ancient Yoruba custom from ever seeing his mother again after his coronation.
- What is the significance of the separation between the king and his mother?
- The custom dictates a complete separation between the king and his mother, symbolizing the king's transition from an ordinary person to a sacred, untouchable figure known as 'Kabiyesi'.
- How did King Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi's actions differ from King Joshua's?
- King Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi of Iwo challenged some traditional Yoruba customs, notably removing an Ogun statue from his palace. This action, unlike King Joshua's adherence to tradition, created controversy.