The Yoruba

Akinwumi Ogundiran explores the evolution of Yoruba identity from AD 800, integrating various disciplines to provide a comprehensive cultural, political, and social history, ultimately offering a fresh perspective on the Yoruba experience.

In The Yoruba: A New History, Akinwumi Ogundiran delves into the evolution of ideas and practices that have defined the Yoruba identity over the centuries, tracing their roots back to around AD 800. This work stands out as the first transdisciplinary exploration of the Yoruba people's extensive history, charting their journey from a small region near the Niger-Benue Confluence in modern Nigeria to becoming one of Africa's largest cultural groups.

Ogundiran employs a diverse range of disciplines, including archaeology, linguistics, environmental science, and oral traditions, to paint a comprehensive picture of Yoruba history. By intertwining these fields with material culture and mythology, he provides insights into the local, regional, and global contexts that have influenced the Yoruba experience. The book covers a remarkable timeline, offering a detailed account of events, communities, and practices from approximately 300 BC to 1840.

Through this multifaceted approach, The Yoruba: A New History presents a rich tapestry of cultural, political, economic, intellectual, and social developments. Ogundiran explores the various theories of knowledge, social values, and ways of life that have shaped the Yoruba people at different historical moments. Ultimately, this work provides a fresh perspective on understanding both the historical and contemporary significance of the Yoruba, creating a new framework for appreciating their past and present.