The significance of verbal arts in three Yorùbá indigenous political systems

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of verbal arts in the three Yorùbá kingdoms (Oǹdó, Òwu and Ò̩yó̩) in Southwestern Nigeria. It discusses how verbal art forms are performed, how they relate to emotions, gender, land and identity, and their connection to the Nigerian state. The Yorùbá people of Nigeria have a common culture and common ancestral home in Ilé-Ifè̩ (a city in Ò̩s̩un State of Nigeria). The Yorùbá kingdoms operate a monarchical system of government and every town in the land is structured upward to the king who is either the head of a town or a kingdom’s polity. Today, however, Yorùbá kingdoms operate as subordinates under the control of the Federal state and traditional rulers in these kingdoms are the channel through which the government and its officials woo people to support their political aspirations and activities during elections. Considering this, the thesis examines firstly the internal dynamics of the kingdoms and the role performance plays in consolidating identity and politics. Secondly, the thesis explores the external dynamics of the kingdoms, in particular their connection to the Nigerian State. Thirdly, the thesis reveals that verbal artists are advocates, either maintaining social relations or subtly influencing social change. It also establishes that the performance of emotion helps us to understand the Yorùbá verbal arts through which the political roles of the performers are clearly defined and fulfilled among the people of the selected kingdoms. Last, but not least, it reveals the articulation between the kingdoms and the Federal state and how it is perceived by the actors themselves.

Thesis is embargoed until 31st December 2028.

Date of Award	Dec 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	The Tertiary Education Trust Fund
Supervisor	Fiona Magowan (Supervisor) & Eric Morier-Genoud (Supervisor)