Ọ̀yọ́
/ɔ̀.jɔ́/noun
Ọ̀yọ́ was a historic Yoruba city-state and empire in present-day southwestern Nigeria.
Did you know?The Alaafin of Ọ̀yọ́ was regarded as spiritually powerful, yet political tradition allowed powerful chiefs to compel a failing ruler to take his own life.
Etymological Timeline
Precolonial era
Yoruba
Ọ̀yọ́
“The indigenous name of the city and kingdom; its deeper linguistic derivation is uncertain.”
c. 12th–14th Century
Yoruba
Ọ̀yọ́-Ile
““Old Ọ̀yọ́,” the original imperial capital traditionally located north of present-day Ọ̀yọ́.”
17th Century
Yoruba
Ọ̀yọ́ Empire
“A powerful Yoruba state whose influence expanded through cavalry, tribute, and regional diplomacy.”
18th Century
Yoruba
Alaafin Ọ̀yọ́
“The title of the sacred king who governed the Ọ̀yọ́ political system.”
19th Century
English
Oyo
“The conventional English spelling for the historic empire, city, and surrounding region.”