Sòókò Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Continuity and Change in the Royal History of Ilé-Ifè

Abstract

The So`Ûko` institution is one of the under-researched areas within
the socio-political system of Ilé-IfË despite its primal position in the
sustenance and continuation of the traditional political system of
Ilé-Ife`. The paper employed primary and secondary data in exami-
ning the So`Ûko` institution, precisely, its origin; its place within the
Ife` socio-political structure and investiture ceremonies within the
context of change and continuity recorded by the institution thus
far. The study discovered that while the institution is as old as the
ancient town of Ife` and has continued to exist over several centuries,
it has, however, not escaped the changes affecting its investiture
ceremony, and relevance in the traditional political institution of
the town. The paper concludes that while the institution has been
affected by changes from modernity, for instance, it continues to
remain a relevant body in the sustenance and continuation of Ife`
monarchy and culture.