Among the many Yoruba monarchs who shaped history through leadership, ritual and cultural stewardship, Oba John Adetoyese Laoye I, the Timi of Ede, occupies a distinctive place. His reign was defined not by conquest or political power, but by rhythm, language and sound. Through the talking drum, he carried Yoruba heritage beyond palace courtyards and village gatherings, presenting it to audiences far beyond his homeland.
His life stands as a reminder that kingship, when rooted in culture, can leave a legacy that outlives the throne itself.
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The Throne of Ede and a Time of Change
Oba John Adetoyese Laoye I ascended the throne of Timi of Ede in December 1946, ruling until his passing on 16 May 1975. His reign unfolded during a period of profound transformation, as Nigeria moved from colonial administration toward independence and the reshaping of national identity.
Ede is one of the historic Yoruba towns with deep connections to the old Oyo Empire. The title of Timi carries responsibilities that extend beyond governance, encompassing the preservation of customs, ceremonial order and cultural continuity. Oba Laoye embraced this role fully, placing tradition at the centre of his reign.
The Talking Drum as Voice and Identity
The Yoruba talking drum is more than a musical instrument. With its adjustable tension cords and tonal flexibility, it mirrors the rhythms and inflections of Yoruba speech. In skilled hands, it communicates praise, history, warnings and celebration.
Oba Laoye was renowned for his mastery of this instrument. Trained within his family tradition, he understood the drum not only as sound, but as language. His performances reflected deep cultural knowledge, blending musical skill with historical awareness and social meaning.
Within Yoruba society, the talking drum accompanies royal ceremonies, religious observances, communal gatherings and public announcements. By mastering this art, Oba Laoye embodied a form of leadership that spoke directly to the people, both symbolically and literally.
Taking Yoruba Culture Beyond Its Borders
In 1965, Oba Laoye travelled to Great Britain as part of Nigeria’s cultural presence at the Commonwealth Festival of Arts. Accompanied by palace drummers, he introduced international audiences to Yoruba music through live performance and explanation, demonstrating how rhythm and language intertwine in West African tradition.
His presentations reflected an oral cultural system where knowledge is passed through demonstration, memory and participation. The talking drum, under his guidance, became a medium through which Yoruba history and worldview were shared beyond Africa.
During this visit, Oba Laoye was received at Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth II, an occasion that symbolised the global visibility of Nigerian culture during the post colonial era.
Cultural Influence at Home
While his international appearances drew attention, Oba Laoye’s influence within Nigeria was equally significant. His drumming style and cultural presence became closely associated with public life in Western Nigeria. Talking drum rhythms linked to Yoruba tradition featured prominently in ceremonies, broadcasting and communal events, ensuring that traditional sound remained part of everyday experience.
Through this visibility, Yoruba music was not confined to ritual spaces alone. It entered modern public life, reinforcing cultural pride and continuity during a time of rapid social change.
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A Legacy Carried in Rhythm
Oba John Adetoyese Laoye I passed away in 1975, but his legacy endures through memory, music and tradition. He is remembered as a monarch who understood that culture is not static, but something that must be lived, expressed and shared.
His life reflects a broader African story, where history is preserved not only in written records, but in sound, movement and performance. Through the talking drum, Oba Laoye ensured that Yoruba identity remained audible, visible and respected both at home and abroad.
Author’s Note
Oba John Adetoyese Laoye I showed that true leadership does not silence tradition, it amplifies it. By allowing culture to speak through rhythm and sound, he transformed kingship into a living expression of identity. His story reminds us that heritage survives not through preservation alone, but through confident expression and shared experience.
References
Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of African Art, Eliot Elisofon Field Collection
The Guardian Nigeria, 45 Years After, Timi John Adetoyese Laoye I in the Sands of Time
Nigerian cultural history editorials on Yoruba talking drum traditions
