Oríkì: praise poetry

Praise poetry detailing the ancestral identity of the Arẹ̀sà / Ìrẹsà people. It references their historical connection to the palm oil trade and abundance ('ọmọ alẹ́po ní mọ̀de'), the fraternal duality between Ìrẹsà-Dúdú (the elder dark-skinned line) and Ìrẹsà-Pupa (the younger fair-skinned line), and ancestral honor.

When performed

Chanted during naming ceremonies, civic festivals, chieftaincy installations, and social celebrations to honor descendants.

Performed by

Traditional oral chanters (akéwì / alágbe) and female lineage elders / mothers.

Lineage or town

Ìrẹsà (Ìrẹsà-Dú / Ìrẹsà-Adu and Ìrẹsà-Pá / Ìrẹsàpa)

Variants

Aresa Ajeje, Ọmọ Okun Oye, Ọmọ Ọba Tinjepo, Ọmọ Ọba Tinjoyin, Ede Odi Mọjalekan, Seweola Elegbaa Ope Feni Sepo Ni Nbi Resa Ninu, Bosile Obepo Niya Mondelara, Ọmọ Bẹṣin Baku

The oríkì invokes the ancestral heritage of the ancient Owu kingdom, portraying the descendants of Ọlọ́wu Oduru as formidable warriors with profound medicinal and herbal knowledge, noted for their outspoken temperament and resistance to bearing malice in secret.

When performed

Performed during court poetry recitations, communal lineage events, civic ceremonies, installations, and within traditional and modern Yoruba praise songs.

Performed by

Lineage chanters, court bards (akéwì/alágbe), and traditional/popular musicians.

Lineage or town

Owu / Ọlọ́wu lineage (Orile-Owu / Owu Abeokuta)

Variants

Ọmọ Olówù Ódurù, Ọmọ Àjíbósìn, Ọmọ ẹni mi kùkùté ara rẹ̀ ló mì

The poem invokes the prestigious ancestry of the Oore (paramount ruler) of Ọ̀tún in northern Ekiti/Mọ̀bà land. It commemorates the lineage's connection to woodcarving mastery and the Olóje masquerade traditions, where true belonging is tested through sculptural skill and craftsmanship.

When performed

Recited during royal installations, civic celebrations, masking festivals, communal lineage gatherings, and family life-cycle ceremonies (such as weddings and funerals).

Performed by

Lineage chanters, specialist oral poets (akéwì/alórikì), and lineage women/elders.

Lineage or town

Ọ̀tún (Ọ̀tún-Èkìtì / Mọ̀bà)

Variants

Ọmọ Mọ̀bà Ọ̀tún, Ọmọ Adépẹrẹ fónye Udẹ, Ọmọ Elépẹrẹ àjèjì kẹ́wẹ́sẹ́, Ọmọ Olóore, Oore ní Mọ̀bà Ọ̀tún.