Many Yoruba speakers may not be aware that the original Yoruba word for wife is ‘aya,’ not the commonly used ‘Iyawo.’ In the early years of the Yoruba people, the term Iyawo did not exist until a particular incident led to its creation and adoption.
Unveiling the Origin of the Yoruba Word “Iyawo”
In ancient Yoruba land, a beautiful princess named Wuraola, the daughter of the first king of Iwo town, was in search of a patient, tolerant, and well-mannered husband. Strong and handsome men like Sango, Ogun, and others had sought Wuraola’s hand in marriage, only to leave without a wife due to her uncontrollable anger.
Wuraola had been rude and insulting to all her suitors, causing them to depart on the same day they arrived in Iwo because they couldn’t tolerate her behavior. Orunmila, a handsome man, also journeyed to Iwo with the intention of winning Wuraola’s hand in marriage. Before setting out, he consulted Olodumare, the supreme being, through Ifa.
Olodumare revealed to Orunmila that he must be patient and endure Wuraola’s behavior, no matter how challenging, to succeed in marrying her. Upon reaching the palace of the king of Iwo, Wuraola greeted Orunmila with disdain. Undeterred, Orunmila responded with kindness and presented gifts to the king.
Orunmila endured seven challenging days in Iwo, where Wuraola did not offer him water or food. Despite her insults and mistreatment, Orunmila remained calm, following Olodumare’s instructions. On the sixth day, the king of Iwo, recognizing Orunmila’s patience and kindness, gave Wuraola in marriage to him.
Wuraola’s behavior was a deliberate test to find her a husband with good manners and temperament. She was, in reality, a loving, caring, and well-behaved lady. Orunmila, grateful for following Olodumare’s guidance, referred to his time in Iwo as “Iya ti mo je ni Iwo” (my sufferings in Iwo), leading to the term “Iyawo” for wives.