In Yoruba folklore, tales of gods and myths abound, but none embody the tradition and its fascinating mix of history and legend quite like Sango.
He was the third Alaafin of the Oyo Empire, and his story is a captivating part of Yoruba culture.
The Yoruba gods come in different forms. Some have existed since the beginning of time, while others became gods through their actions, qualities, and stories. Ogun and Obatala fall into the first group as ancient cosmic beings.
On the other hand, Sango belongs to the second group, where mortals ascend to godhood through their remarkable deeds and history.
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The Mysterious Ruler of the Oyo Empire
The Yoruba culture has a concept similar to becoming a hero whereby notable historical figures are believed to have become gods after passing away.
The third emperor of the previous Oyo Empire, according to legend, was Sango (also known as Jakuta). Sango had a tonne of strength and self-assurance. He employed a unique implement known as “Oshe,” which had two heads.
He could create thunder and lightning with it, much like Thor in Norse mythology, you know? He was made king of his people as a result of his assistance in a significant battle. Funny enough, all three of his wives had river names: Oya, Oba, and Osun. Sango was the deity of just judgement.
With conflicting views, Sango is a powerful individual. Against their adversaries, he supported the Oyo people. According to others, he supposedly wants to get rid of his top generals, Gbonka and Timi, since he grows envious of them. Though only partially successful, his plot places him in exile. Finally, he ascends to heaven from Koso, a village close to Oyo, confirming his deity.
The first thing to note is that Sango hails from a royal family, which is highly revered in Yoruba society. In Yorubaland, he is consulted during monarch coronations. Upon the death of his brother Ajaka, Sango succeeds him as Alaafin of the former Oyo Empire. Sango reigns ruthlessly for seven years, in contrast to his brother, who is derided as “weak” for being nonviolent.
He enters many fights on behalf of Oyo, triumphs in every one, and strengthens the empire.
Meanwhile, the authorities of the National Youth Service Corps have reportedly decamped a corps member after he made a tweet about one of its hostel and calling for the scrapping of the scheme.
The corps member, who is only known by his Twitter handle @anthonystilldey, had taken to the microblogging platform to express his displeasure with the state of the hostel. He filmed the condition of one of its hostel and shared it online in a tweet which quickly went viral.
He likened it to Kirikiri maximum prison, stating that the prison facility is better than Oyo state orientation camp.
