Ọbalufọn

Yoruba

Alternative forms

• Ọbànị̀fọ̀n
• Bàlùfọ̀n

Etymology

Perhaps from ọba (“father, king”) +‎ ni (“to be”) +‎ ù- (“nominalizing prefix”) +‎ fọ̀n (“to set out for a place”), literally “The King is the one who sets out for new territories” or ọba (“father, king”) +‎ ni (“to be”) +‎ ị̀- (“nominalizing prefix”) +‎ fọ̀n (“to set out for a place”). The term fọ̀n relates to setting out and establishing a town, which is commonly attributed to Ọbàlùfọ̀n's reign in Ifẹ̀ and military conquests in Èkìtì and Ìgbómìnà regions. In addition, fọ̀n is a term specific to Central Yoruba dialect. The use of ọba as a prefix in the titles of kings and chiefs is very common in ancient Ifẹ̀, see Ọbàtálá, Ọbalúfẹ̀, Ọbamakin, Ọbadìo, etc

Often confused with the deity Olúfọ́n, who is associated with Ọbàtálá

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɔ̄.bà.lù.fɔ̃̀/, /ɔ̄.bā.lù.fɔ̃̀/

Proper noun

Ọbàlùfọ̀n or Ọbalùfọ̀n

1. (historical) A traditional chieftaincy title in the Àwòrò class of chiefs during the time of Odùduwà in the ancient Ufẹ̀ kingdom
2. (historical) A title associated with two legendary figures in Yoruba history, Obalufon Alayemore and Ọbàlùfọ̀n Ògbógbódirin, whom are regarded as being Ọọ̀ni of Ife. They are believed to be descendants of Odùduwà and the founders of the monarchies of many Èkìtì towns. Their reigns are believed to be the beginning of the age of bronze art in Ife.
3. An orisha and deity associated with Obalufon Alayemore, associated with weaving, art, and bronze, brass casting.

   Synonyms: Ọnị̀fọ̀n, Ọbànị̀fọ̀n