Pages: (89-103 )
Abstract
The kingship institution is a longstanding traditional practice among the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Despite centuries of external influences, the traditional monarchical system has maintained its relevance, with the king of a community usually referred to as ‘Oba’ serving as both spiritual and political leader. This study explores the selection, installation, seclusion, and coronation processes in Ipoti-Ekiti, which define the king's authority and shed light on the intricate dynamics of traditional governance. Using a historical descriptive research method, primary sources (oral interviews, archival materials, newspapers) and secondary sources (books, journal articles, seminar papers, government gazettes) were analyzed. Informants included kingmakers, chiefs, priests, diviners, indigenes, politicians from Ipoti-Ekiti and Ekiti State and local government officials. Findings revealed the origin of kingship institutions in Ipoti-Ekiti and the crucial role of the Ifa oracle in the traditional process, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural traditions in the face of modernization. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of African traditional systems, their enduring importance in the modern era, and their potential to inform contemporary governance and community development initiatives.
Keywords: kingship institutions, kingmaking practices, historical exploration, cultural significance, modernity,