Classics: "OLURONBI" Folk Tale

Do you remember the Oluronbi folklore? Read it in Kãrọ õ jire book 2 by J.A. Olayomi. Read the story and listen to song.....

There was a massive tree called Iroko (a mighty tree in the forest) at a certain ancient village in Yorubaland where people go to implore the spirit of the tree to help them with different favours. The magical Iroko was often generous, it would at most times consent to people’s wishes but they must reciprocate with gifts or anything really, and important, they must mention the item(s) they are reciprocating with upon their requested visit.


One faithful morning, people approached the Iroko tree to ask for abundant sales as they were going to the annual market parade, many promised to offer the Iroko gifts like: sheep, goat, yam and things upon their return, but when it was Oluronbi’s turn, she eagerly but flippantly promised her beautiful daughter, Oluronke. It was believed that the nicer the item one promised, the better or quicker one’s request would be granted.

After the day’s activities, the people were propitiated, it was a good day, Oluronbi actually recorded the highest sales ever, they were all happy and dancing. They all brought their various items they promised the Iroko but Oluronbi refused to turn up.

Oluronbi finally brought a sheep in replacement of her child, thus not fulfilling the vow she had pledged to the Iroko tree. When it was time for her to go home with her daughter, Oluronke was struck and could not move. She screamed to her mother and began to sink to the ground. As Oluronbi saw this, she screamed to other people to help her. People came, and some pulled Oluronke by her arms. Nobody succeeded and she ended up sinking into the ground to stay with the Iroko tree. Hence, the people started singing the epic song.



Lyrics

Onikaluku je je ewure (everyone promised to offer a goat)

Ewure, ewure (goat, goat)

Onikaluku je je aguntan (everyone promised to offer a sheep)

Aguntan bolojo (A fleshy and healthy sheep)

Oluronbi je je omo re (Oluronbi promised to offer her child)

Omo re apon bi epo (Her child that is as light skinned as palm oil)

Oluronbi O! (Oluronbi O!)

Jo’in jo’n (jo’in, jo’in, *make that up*)

Iroko (a mighty tree in the forest)

Jo’in jo’in (*make that up*)

Oluronbi O! (Oluronbi O!)

Jo’in jo’in

Iroko

Jo’in jo’in .

Source: Aiyekooto & Afrobeat International


Thanks Seun Kuti and band for reviving and revamping our childhood memories.