In many Yoruba communities, twins have always held a special place. They are seen as a blessing, a sign of abundance, and sometimes even as messengers of the divine. In Ayetoro, the “Happy City by the Sea,” this belief has been lived out in unique ways. The story of twins is not just about children—it is about faith, community, and the joyful rhythm of life in this coastal town.
A Town That Welcomed Twins
In the 1950s and 60s, when Ayetoro was rising as a model community, births were celebrated with song and thanksgiving. But when twins were born, the celebrations were even louder. Families would dance through the sandy streets, accompanied by drumming and singing, inviting neighbours to share in their joy. Twins were not seen as a burden but as double blessings to the family and the entire community.
Rituals and Traditions
How strong is your museum’s website as part of the whole offer? Does it reflect your identity as an organisation? Does it appeal to your visitors? What does it really need? Are there trends to pay attention to? Others to ignore? What makes the site appealing? What mistakes can you avoid?If your work involves museum wAs with many Yoruba traditions, the birth of twins in Ayetoro carried with it certain customs. Wooden carvings, known as ere ibeji, were sometimes made to honour the spirit of twins, particularly when one child passed away. These carvings were cared for with the same tenderness as a living child, showing the community’s belief in the eternal bond of twins.
Mothers of twins were given special recognition. They often carried both babies with pride, wrapped securely in colourful cloth. Neighbours would stop to greet them with blessings, saying words like: “A dúpẹ́ fún ibèjì”—“we give thanks for the twins.”
A Blessing to the Community
Twins in Ayetoro were not just children of their parents—they belonged to the whole town. When food was shared communally, when schools opened their doors, and when prayers were lifted in church, twins were remembered with extra care. Their laughter echoed across the broad streets, their presence seen as a sign that God’s favour rested upon the community.
One elder once recalled:
“When twins were born in Ayetoro, we did not sleep for two nights. There was dancing, there was drumming, and there was joy in every home. For us, it meant God had blessed us twice.”
Living Memory
Today, even as the sea has claimed parts of Ayetoro, the memory of twins continues to bring joy and pride. Many families still trace their heritage back to famous twin births of the 1960s. Some twins went on to become fishermen, traders, teachers, and even leaders in the church. Their legacy is stitched into the larger story of the town itself.
The story of twins in Ayetoro is, at its heart, a story of gratitude. Each twin was a reminder that life could multiply, even in the face of hardship. Each birth carried the promise that the community would endure—stronger, fuller, and always together.
