Oríkì is a traditional form of praise poetry, a form of eulogy, it holds a revered place in Yoruba culture by reflecting the deep-rooted traditions, values, and identity of the Yoruba people.

Oriki, a form of verbal communication has been passed down orally from one generation to another along with its own peculiarity depending on who is or are being praised or eulogized. For example the Oriki of the people of ile-ife is different from that of the people from Ẹgba land. Having established from the above that Oriki is has to do with one’s root this therefore to reemphasize that each Oriki has it own peculiarity because people are associated with different background, like the Ẹgba people that are situated amidst rock and their Oriki sways to that background

“ Ẹ̀yin náà n munmi Odò Ògùn l’Ẹ̀gbá Aláké

Wọ́n ń g’Àràfá ní Mọ́kà Ẹ̀yin n g’orí Olúmo l’Ẹ̀gbá ti yín

Wọ́n bí yin L’Áké

Ẹ gbó lẹ́nu bí jeje

Wọ́n bí yin ní Gbàgùrá

Ẹ gbó l’óhùn bí ọ̀jẹ̀.

Ọba òkè bá wa dá ìlú Ẹ̀gbá sí”  contrary to that of ile – ife which is said to be the ancestral home of the Yorubas, therefore it’s Oriki is tailored to all that are from the genealogy of Oduduwa (the father of Yorubas)

“Awa lomo oni fitila rebete

Ina ko nii ku nibe tosan toru

Ibe ni baba wa gbe n ka owo eyo

Awa lomo onilu kan,ilu kan

Ti won n fawo ekun se

Aketepe eti erin ni won fi nse osan re

Onikeke ko gbodo jo

Ababaja ko gbodo yese

Kikida onisoboro ni yio jo ilu naa ya

Ogun ko see da gbe

Baba taani ko mo wipe irin ti po lagbede

Oun ti o ba mu alagbede,ko ni mu eni to n fin ina”

Noteworthy, the Oriki spans across the life time of an individual and tribe, the importance of Oriki is now being appreciated and it is therefore essential to delve into the importance of Oriki to this generation and generations to come

Oriki serves as a conduit for preserving cultural heritage in that it plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Yoruba culture and traditions even in this civilized and globalized world. Oríkì, passed down through the generations, acts as a storehouse of ancestor stories, values, and knowledge, preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Oríkì helps to keep and promote the essence of Yoruba culture in order for the future generations to benefit and adopt cultural virtues by honoring the virtues and accomplishments their ancestors.

For Yoruba people, Oríkì stands as a powerful testament to our identity and sense of belonging amidst a rapidly changing world of cultural conformity. Reciting Oríkì instills pride and self-awareness by reaffirming our connections to our community, heritage, and ancestors. By echoing the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of our forebears, Oríkì cultivates a deep-seated appreciation and reverence for our cultural legacy.

The importance of Oriki in this present age cannot be overemphasized as it acts as an effective means of maintaining traditions, confirming identity, and encouraging a feeling of community. People celebrate their ancestry, strengthen their bonds with their society, and draw strength from the tales of their ancestors by reciting Oríkì in a rhythmic manner. Oríkì serves as a ray of hope in a world where cultural uniformity and fast change are the norm, serving as a constant reminder of our origins and identity.