Beyond Illusion of Myth to Allusion of Reality: The Case of Conjectures about Ayò ọlọ́pọ́n in Relation to Ifá Among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria

Among the Yoruba, it is a general belief that people engage in ayò ọlọ́pọ́n to reduce stress, create jokes and fun. Because of its entertainment value, ayò ọlọ́pọ́n is generally played in the evening, as a relaxer after the day’s work. As a result of this belief, information emanating from the ayò context is believed to be trivial ones. However, contrary to the beliefs on ayò ọlọ́pọ́n, this study investigated ayò ọlọ́pọ́n as a popular and reliable Yoruba cultural activity that mirrors Ifá’s primary roles of making an enquiry. This study employed symbolism, a semiotic mode that relates to interpretation of what something or somebody stands for or another, in one or more capacity. Symbolism of ayò ọlọ́pọ́n was compared with and related to Ifá. It was found from the study that ayò ọlọ́pọ́n have a relative role with Ifá- the oracle of divination and wisdom consulted to solve problems and provide solutions out of crisis. This role is validated in ayò ọlọ́pọ́n as supplementary in addition to the general function of relaxation and entertainment that it is mostly known for. The study concludes that like any other human activity that can be imitated, adapted and adopted into play, ayò ọlọ́pọ́n is an imitation or adaptation of Ifá. Therefore, Ayò ọlọ́pọ́n is a telescope of Ifá divination.