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The Oriki Ibadan is a rich and powerful Yoruba praise poetry that celebrates the heritage, valor, and cultural pride of the people of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most historic cities.

This English translation of the Oriki Ibadan seeks to make the depth and beauty of this traditional praise accessible to a wider audience, especially those who may not understand Yoruba.

Whether you’re a native speaker or a cultural enthusiast, exploring the Oriki Ibadan in English offers a unique glimpse into the city’s identity, its warriors, its achievements, and the legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Enjoy!

Oriki Ibadan in Yoruba and English

Ibadan mesi ọgọ,

Nile Oluyọle.

Ibadan knows the answer—never the fool.

In the land of Oluyole.

Ilu Ogunmọla, Olodogbo kẹri l’ogun.

Ilu Ibikunle alagbala jaya-jaya.

The city of Ogunmola, the battle-worn warrior, unshaken in the storm of war.The city of Ibikunle, lord of the fearsome homestead.

Ilu Ajayi, Ogbori Ẹfọn sa filafila.

Ilu Latoṣa, Aarẹ-Ọna Kakanfo.

The city of Àjàyí, who plucked the Efon man’s head and fled before the dust could rise.The city of Latosa, Aare Ona Kakanfo—general of all Yoruba warriors.

Ibadan ọmọ ajoro sun.

Ọmọ a je igbin yo, Ọmọ a fi ikarahun fọ ri mu.

Ibadan, (whose ancestors) eat African mango as dinner.

Who feast on snails to satisfaction, Then crack the shell to sip pap in style.

Echoes of People and Places in Oriki Ibadan

Ibadan Maja. Maja bi ọjọ kini,

Eyi to ja aladugbo gbogbo logun.

Ibadan Maja, do not fight as in the days of old,When war swept through neighbours, sparing none.

Ibadan ki i ba ni ṣ’ọre ai mu ni lọ s’ogun.

Ibadan does not keep friends without pulling them into battle.Ibadan Kure!

Ibadan bere ki o to wọ o,Ni bi ole gbe n jare olohun.

Ibadan, Kúrè! Ibadan, ask before you enter—(it is) where thieves win against rightful owners.

B’Ibadan ti n gbonile,

Bẹẹ lo n gba ajoji.

As Ibadan welcomes its citizens, so also It warmly receives strangers.

Ẹlẹyẹle l’omi ti teru-tomo ‘Layipo n mu.

Asejire l’omi abumu-buwe nile Ibadan.

Eleyele is the water body from which both the slave and freeborn of Layipo drink.

Asejire is the water that nourishes and bathes the residents of Ibadan.

A ki waye ka maa larun kan lara,Ija igboro larun Ibadan.

None comes to this world without a fault—Civil disorder is the disease of Ibadan.

The New Olubadan Palace and the Many Ibadan Palaces

Ibadan: A Powerful Ode to Its Uniquely Vibrant Spirit and Ways