History has it that the Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups of western Nigeria have related origin and similar elements in their cultures and traditions which is clearly evident in so many ways ranging from their pre-colonial political systems to the languages they speak. In fact, some history books belive that Oranmiyan’s Son, Okanbi left Ile-Ife to Settle in Benin, leading to the adoption of a lot of Yoruba ways of life.
Besides being geographically bounded, the Yoruba and Edo people believe that they are related by blood and therefore refer to one another as ‘brothers’. It is worthy of note that the Edos are also known as Benins. You can see a comprehensive list of all tribes in Nigeria here.
This article will be showing 8 local words that have the same pronunciation and meaning in both Yoruba and Edo languages. Enjoy.
Oba
This word means king in both Yoruba and Edo/Benin languages. A king in Yoruba land is referred to as Oba, for example, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (Alaafin of Oyo) while this is also the same in Edo land, for example, Oba Ovoramwen Nogbaisi.
Baba
Baba means father in both Nigerian languages.
Yeye
Just like baba, this means mother in both Nigerian languages. Besides having the same pronunciation and meaning, high reverence is given to the word and its bearer in the cultures of both tribes.
Omo
This is a word meaning child in the two languages.
Ogede/Oghede
This means plantain or banana in both Yoruba and Edo but in some cases, the Edo spelling carries ‘h’ while that of the Yorubas never.
Bata
This mean footwear in Yoruba and Edo. Edo people sometimes call it Ibata.
Igbo
This is a Yoruba and Edo word meaning bush.
Enu
The mouth is called Enu in both languages.
