Abstract

Migration is an integral part of the history of mankind. Prior to the evolution of nation-state system, trans-continental migrations were the order of the day in all parts of the globe. Migration has also been part of Yoruba history taking from the classic version of the legend of Lamurudu/Oduduwa that associates the origin of Yoruba to migration from Mecca. It was as a result of migration of Oduduwa from Mecca to Ile-Ife that the seed of Yoruba kingdom was sown. The Igbomina, a dialectic sub-group of the Yoruba, which is the focus of this paper, also generally see their history in terms of migration. The two conflicting traditions of origin associating the founding of Igbomina kingdoms to two separate migrations are reconciled to show the relevance of these to modern political evolution in Igbomina land. The paper concludes that the myth and legend associating the founding of Igbomina kingdoms to migration under Orangun of Ila’s leadership cannot be credible, but that individual group migration spanning over several centuries was responsible for the present pattern of settlement.

Key words: Migration, settlement, tradition, origin, culture.