Ifes

Ifes is a name that may refer to multiple places, most prominently Ile-Ife, an ancient Yoruba city in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. The spelling Ifẹ or Ile-Ife is standard in Yoruba, while the plural form Ifes is not common in formal usage but may appear in English-language texts as a plural or variant.

Ile-Ife is located in the central part of southwestern Nigeria and is widely regarded as the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people. It holds a central place in Yoruba origin myths and cultural history. The city is renowned for its historic artistry, including the Ife bronzes and terracottas dating from the 12th to 15th centuries, which are celebrated for their naturalistic features and advanced metalworking.

In modern times, Ile-Ife remains a significant urban center in Osun State. It is home to Obafemi Awolowo University, originally established as the University of Ife in 1961 and later renamed. The city is the traditional seat of the Ooni of Ife, a key cultural and ceremonial leader among the Yoruba. Cultural events, such as the Olojo festival, are associated with Ife and its heritage.

Etymology and usage: In Yoruba, Ifẹ means love or affection, a meaning sometimes linked to the name Ife. The form Ifes appears in some texts as a plural or variant, but Ile-Ife is the standard reference for the city. The term may also be used to refer to other places bearing similar names in Africa or in diaspora contexts.