Prohibition of Birth-Giving in Yoruba Palaces: Taboo or Speculation and Impact on Building Infrastructure in Yorubaland

There are many taboos, prohibitions and restrictions in Yoruba palaces in which some of them are man-made. Some are promulgated to prevent action deem disrespectful or spiritually harmful to the Kings, and one of such is for the wives of Yoruba Kings not to give birth in the palaces. Anybody who disobeys will face the consequences and calamities. Therefore, this study is necessary to investigate the validity of the taboo and ascertain whether the forbidden act of not giving birth in the Yoruba palace is a taboo or speculation, the reasons behind it, its implication, progress and impacts on building infrastructure in order to free the palace from unnecessary bondage.

        The study employed descriptive survey and qualitative approach was adopted. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. It focused on the data and information obtained from palace chiefs, Yoruba historians and community elders. Survey technique used was interview. Eight towns were purposively selected and hundred people were randomly selected and interviewed in Yorubaland. Data collected was analysed using historical approach and descriptive statistics.

        The study revealed that the major cause of the problem was jealousy among the Kings wives and past Kings wives who were living in the palaces. This made them to be barren and the only solution to solve the problem was for the wives who noticed any sign of pregnancy to move out of the palaces and deliver the babies outside the palaces for safety and protection of the mothers and the babies. It was also revealed that the taboo on its own do not have any side effect on the palaces, Kings, Kings wives and the born and unborn children, but the forces behind the taboo make it dreadful that one must obey it.

       The study concluded that the act of not giving birth in Yoruba palaces that termed as taboo in Yorubaland is a speculation, and man-made, and it is a blessing in disguise because it brings growth and helps to develop the towns in term of building infrastructure