Ogiyan

Yoruba

Alternative forms

• Ògìrìyán

Etymology

Said to be a Contraction of Ògìrìyán. Folk etymology states that part of the name derives from iyán (“pounded yam”)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ò.ɡì.jã́/

Proper noun

Ògìyán

1. the legendary founder of the town of Ejigbo. He was deified as an orisha upon his demise, and is worshipped as the orisha of fertility and newly harvested yam. He is closely associated with purity and Ọbàtálá.

   Synonym: òrìṣà Èjìgbò

2. the title of the traditional ruler of the town of Èjìgbò.

   Synonym: Eléjìgbò

Usage notes

• Some sources and myths identify Ògìyán simply as one of the many incarnations of the orisha Ọbàtálá. However, most Ìṣẹ̀ṣe worshippers and Yoruba scholars regard them as close associates, but ultimately distinct figures.

Derived terms

• ọdún Ògìyán (“celebration of the orisha Ogiyan and yams”)
• ológìyán (“a worshipper of the orisha Ògìyán”)