Yoruba in diaspora: history and social status of the Yoruba in Port Novo of Benin Republic
Abstract
Background: The researchers felt instigated to embark on the research work by the first impression of heavy presence of the Yoruba people they perceived, the day they first traveled to Ajase, Porto Novo or Ugonu, a major town in Benin. Right from this point, a feeling ran through the researchers: to explore, investigate and analyze the origin, the history and the social status of the Yoruba in another country.
Objectives: The research work delves into the history, social status and condition of the Yoruba in Diaspora, with special reference to the Yoruba in Porto Novo area of Benin Republic.
Methods: Empirical methods of observation, oral discussion, interview and interaction with the traditional rulers and people of Porto Novo. Visitations to important sites. Photographs were used as primary source of data for historical credence and statistical data were qualitatively analyzed.
Results: The Yoruba were the first migrants to occupy the virgin land; the other groups were welcomed and accommodated by the early migrants; a period of crisis between the two groups nurtured animosity, however, social interaction and inter-marriages had closed the social gap, but the colonial division was the original phenomenon that created ethno-linguistic divisions between the Yoruba at home and in Benin Republic.
Unique Contribution: The study has the propensity of improving the social relations between the Yoruba people in Nigeria and the Yoruba in Diaspora. Also, the study can enhance the social status of the Yoruba people in Benin Republic, through social integration and harmonious co-habitation for progress, rather than contempt.
Key Recommendation: Suggestions were made towards fostering the relationship between the Yoruba people at home and abroad and the re-positioning of the status of the Yoruba people based on historical precedence. African leaders could move on to address the problem of ethnic divisions.
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References
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