Cultures and Traditions

Dive into Nigeria’s diverse cultures and traditions at OldNaija.com, showcasing over 350 ethnic groups with rich customs, festivals, attire, and more.

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Obaledo and the beauty-thief monster | Nigerian Folktale

There was a time in an Igbo village when monsters torment little children and teenagers at night. The villagers tried…
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Oriki Oyo (Eulogy of Oyo)

Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III Oyo is an ancient town in Oyo State, South-Western Nigeria. It was founded as the…
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Nigerian Folktale: Tortoise and the Elephant

Long ago in the animal kingdom of Agodo, animals lived in peace and harmony, and they could all talk like human…
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Why the sun and moon live in the sky | Nigerian Folktale

Once upon a very long time, sun and water were very close friends and both lived on the earth. Sun…
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Why Bats fly at night | Nigerian Folktale

The bat and the squirrel were very good friends and both lived in a village near Idin forest. There came…
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Oke’badan festival in the heart of Ibadan

The Oke’badan festival is one of the many colourful and glamorous festivals celebrated in the city of Ibadan, the capital…
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Oloolu – The Father of all Masquerades in Ibadan

Oloolu masquerade | Abiyamo Egungun (masquerading) is a popular practice among the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. They see it…
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Obitun: Initiation of girls into womanhood in Ondo Town

The people of Ondo inhabit the south western region of Nigeria and are one of the largest subgroups of the…
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List of over 350 Ethnic Groups in Nigeria and the states they are found

The coming together of different ethnic groups gave birth to the nation called Nigeria today. Below is a list of…
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Sharo Festival: How Fulani Boys Endure Flogging to Pass into Manhood and Marriage

In the cultural setting of Nigeria, the Fulani people stand out with a festival that captures both fascination and controversy.…
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Ibini Ukpabi- The Long Juju of Arochukwu And A Passage of No Return

During the olden days in Igbo land, Ibini Ukpabi, a deity popularly called the ‘Long Juju‘, was used to settle…
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List of Obas (Kings) of Benin Empire

The title of Oba was adopted in Benin Empire after the Ogiso rule ended. The Oba title was created by…
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Emirs of Kano (999AD Till Date)

Below is a comprehensive list of Emirs of Kano from 999AD till date. Kings/Sarki/Emirs of Kano | (Reign) Bagaudawa Period…
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Gbegiri Soup- A Pathway To The Heart Of Yoruba Men

The Yoruba people of south western Nigeria are known for their varieties of delicious and tantalizing soups that sends the…
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Ibi Ugwu (Male Circumcision) In Igbo Land

The act of circumcising babies in Igbo land is an ancient culture and tradition of the Igbo people which has…
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