Ooni

The Yoruba considered the site of Ife the exact place of creation, that is where the gods descended from heaven and created the world as we know it. This was done by the creator god Oduduwa who separated earth from water and made all living creatures. Oduduwa's children were sent forth to rule over twelve cities and so became their first kings and queens. From these figures all subsequent rulers claimed descendance. Specifically at Ife, the first divine ruler was Oni, whose name means 'king'.