Oyotunji facts for kids
Oyotunji African Village is a special village located near Sheldon, South Carolina. It was started in 1970 by a leader named Oba Efuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi I.
The name "Oyotunji" comes from the ancient Oyo empire in Africa. It means "Oyo returns" or "Oyo rises again." This village is a place where people live according to traditional Yoruba ways, similar to how people lived in old Yoruba city-states in modern-day Nigeria. The village covers about 27 acres and has a special Yoruba temple. This temple was moved from Harlem, New York to its current spot in 1960.
Contents
What is Oyotunji African Village?
Oyotunji African Village is a unique community in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It was created to be a place where people could practice and preserve the traditions of the Yoruba people. The village is built to look like traditional Yoruba villages.
How the Village Started
Oba Efuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi I founded Oyotunji in 1970. He wanted to create a space where African-American people could connect with their African heritage and practice Yoruba customs freely. The village was first planned for Savannah, Georgia. However, it ended up in its current location after some disagreements with neighbors in Sheldon. These disagreements were about things like drumming and visitors.
Growth of the Community
In the 1970s, the village grew a lot. The number of people living there increased from just 5 to between 200 and 250. Over the years, the number of families living in the village has changed.
Leadership of Oyotunji
The leader of Oyotunji African Village is called an Oba. This is a traditional title for a king or ruler in Yoruba culture.
The First Oba
Oba Efuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi I was the founder and first leader of Oyotunji. He guided the village for many years, helping it grow and establish its traditions. He passed away in 2005.
The Second Oba
After Oba Adefunmi I passed away, his son, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II, became the new leader. He continued to lead the village and worked on making some modern improvements to the village's public areas.
