A prominent role in the Yoruba people’s cultural and historical fabric is played by the historic town of Iwo, which is situated in southwest Nigeria.
The town, which is the administrative center of Osun State’s Iwo Local Government Area, is well-known for its colorful festivals, diverse customs, and important historical sites.
The parrot, a symbol with rich cultural and historical meaning, is essential to Iwo identity.
The history of Iwo begins with the early Yoruba settlements, which are thought to have been founded by settlers and rulers from Ile-Ife, the birthplace of Yoruba civilization.
Oral traditions state that Adekola Telu, a prince of Ile-Ife, built the town. Oduduwa, the fabled ancestor of the Yoruba people, was the father of Telu.
In search of fresh lands to enlarge their empire, Telu and his adherents established themselves in what is now known as Iwo, creating the groundwork for a thriving neighborhood.
The parrot known as “Odidere” in Yoruba, is highly respected in Yoruba culture as a representation of spirituality, wisdom, and communication.
The bird is a potent symbol in many Yoruba tales and ceremonies because of its vivid plumage and capacity to mimic human speech.
The parrot is more than simply a bird to the inhabitants of Iwo; it is a symbol of the town’s identity, knowledge, and culture.
The Yoruba mythological god of wisdom and divination, Orunmila, is frequently linked to parrots. It is thought that Orunmila has a unique bond with parrots, which serve as messengers between the spiritual and material realms.
The Iwo people value the parrot’s function as a knowledge bridge and a keeper of cultural wisdom, which is highlighted by this relationship.
The Oluwo, Iwo’s traditional ruler, is essential to preserving the town’s historical accounts and cultural legacy. Oluwo is the town’s spiritual keeper and political head, embodying the town’s ancestors’ customs.
The parrot’s symbolic significance is one of the principles and rituals that the current Oluwo upholds and has been passed down through the generations. A collection of historical items, including regalia and parrot-related emblems, may be found in the Oluwo palace.
The town’s continuous ties to Yoruba mysticism and its colorful past are preserved through these relics. Iwo is well known for its colorful festivals, with the parrot serving as a major theme in several of them. The yearly Odidere Festival is one such event.
